WFi’s Jerry Mancini spoke to John Solano, a journalist who covers Italian football and is the editor of Roma Press.
How did you become an AS Roma supporter and what made you decide to start AS Roma Press?
“I’m originally from Asiago, Vicenza in Italy. Growing up, the ‘local’ Serie A clubs were hardly ever successful and I found myself surrounded by Milan, Inter and Juventus supporters.
“Simply because I wanted to be different, I started following Roma as a child, and ever since then I’ve been hooked.
“My passion is what ultimately led me to create RomaPress. In 2010, I saw an opportunity to create an English-speaking website that delivers news directly from Italy that focused strictly on Roma.”
Roma decided to hire Paolo Fonseca as their new manager for the 2019/20 season. What were your thoughts on him before the season started, and how do you think he’s done in his first season with the Giallorossi?
“I was cautiously optimistic about Fonseca’s appointment. I had the chance to see his side live at the Olimpico in 2018 when the Giallorossi drew Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
“He played a very progressive and attack-minded brand of football, which is generally very popular in the Italian capital (see: Zdenek Zeman).
“So far, I think he’s done fairly well with Roma. He certainly has made his fair share of mistakes – which was to be expected – but he’s shown a strong tactical acumen.”
This season, Daniele De Rossi said his goodbyes to football. The Roma legend has expressed his desire to coach Roma one day though it will take some time before he does reach this level. What are your thoughts of De Rossi possibly becoming coach of Roma in the future?
“I am usually one who does not believe in reunions in football. De Rossi has always displayed the leadership qualities that are required of a successful manager, but I am curious to see how he handles the job from a tactical perspective.
“Rome is arguably the most pressure-filled job in Italy so I would be wary of Roma handing him the job prematurely — although, I do expect him to become the manager of the team within the next 5-7 years.”
The Friedkin Group had agreed to purchase the club for around 780 million euros, but that was before the club had taken a loss of €87m as a result of the coronavirus. If the sale is to proceed, how do you feel about The Friedkin Group taking over Roma?
“I’d feel very optimistic if Dan Friedkin took over at Roma. He has been itching to become the owner of a club and Roma would be the perfect opportunity for him.
“I think he would inject the club with the necessary investment and could help propel the stadium project forward.”
James Pallotta has said he has a Plan B, presumably proceeding with a three-year plan for the Giallorossi — with a new stadium, sticking with Paulo Fonseca, and keeping Nicolò Zaniolo the priorities. If Pallotta is unable to sell the club and goes to plan B, how do you feel about the current owner?
“Pallotta remaining at the club – in my opinion – would be a negative. The Giallorossi are in dire need of increased investment (and also need to lower their debt) and I just don’t see how Pallotta can fulfil this requirement.
“Roma are also yet to win a trophy under Pallotta and I think now is the perfect time for him to exit. He would earn a sizable profit on the sale and would no longer have to take the (often fair) abuse he receives from supporters.”
This season, Manchester United loaned Chris Smalling to Roma. The defender has been one of the most consistent players for the club this year. What are your thoughts on Smalling and do you think Roma should extend his stay with the club?
“I think it’s going to be very difficult for Smalling to remain. I don’t think Manchester United are going to accept anything less than €20 million for the defender.
“Given Roma’s extremely sensitive financial position, I just don’t believe they can make a permanent deal work with a figure that large.
“I think Roma should try as hard as they can to keep the Englishman but I think it will be an extremely difficult endeavour.”
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