Roma’s sporting director search continues

Roma’s sporting director search continues

The future in Rome is a puzzle.

Gian Piero Gasperini, as stated in a press conference, is looking to the present, but the season is coming to an end and the Roman club must resolve all the outstanding issues, starting with the choice of the next sporting director.

The Grugliasco-born coach is awaiting Ryan Friedkin’s return, which should happen before the derby, but in the meantime, other clubs are making moves.

Atalanta have signed Cristiano Giuntoli and will release Tony D’Amico, but another club is poised to give Roma a run for their money over the now former Nerazzurri director.

Meanwhile, the Giallorossi coach is pushing to revolutionize the scouting department: among the names he’s eyeing is Michele Fratini, who has been named Italy’s best talent scout for two consecutive years.

AC Milan are in the running for D’Amico. Around Milanello, there’s talk of a shakeup, which could become mandatory if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The former Nerazzurri director, who will be released in June, is at the top of the Rossoneri’s shortlist to replace Igli Tare, and the director would happily accept the Lombard club’s advances, according to Il Messaggero, despite discussions with Gasp.

Roma is also evaluating the situation, but the Friedkins have other ideas. The Texans have identified Giovanni Manna as the perfect candidate to lead the club’s sporting direction.

There are several obstacles, however, for the club from Rome. Aurelio De Laurentiis’s respect for the director is growing after the excellent work he did in January during the transfer window.

The Giallorossi could triple the Neapolitan sporting director’s salary, currently around €300,000 plus bonuses, but in that case, the owner could match the offer. Another hindrance is the fee requested to release him, which is between €5 and €10 million.