AS Roma are preparing to remove sporting director Ricky Massara as part of a broader rebuild to align the club with coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s vision. The Friedkin family are actively exploring replacements — Inter’s Piero Ausilio, Napoli’s Giovanni Manna (reported €10m buyout), and former Fiorentina chief Daniele Pradè — with an overhaul expected to reshape Roma’s transfer strategy this summer.
Roma to move on from Ricky Massara amid structural overhaul
AS Roma are reportedly set to part ways with sporting director Ricky Massara as the club pursues a clear reset of its sporting structure. The decision is framed as part of a wider plan by the Friedkin family to build an executive group that more closely aligns with coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s approach and long-term strategy.
Why the change matters
This is not a cosmetic adjustment. Replacing the director of sport will directly affect scouting, recruitment, contract strategy and how Roma competes in Serie A and European markets. A new director with a different network or philosophy could shift Roma’s player profiles, academy integration and transfer budget allocation — and that has immediate implications for summer windows and squad planning.
Who’s on the shortlist: Ausilio, Manna and Pradè
The club has approached several high-profile names. Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has been linked, though his exit looks unlikely given Inter’s recent success and stability. Napoli’s Giovanni Manna is seen as a more probable target; reports suggest a roughly €10m buyout would be required to secure him from Napoli. Daniele Pradè, who left Fiorentina earlier this season and has past experience at Roma, represents a lower-friction option.
Piero Ausilio — high pedigree, low probability
Ausilio brings pedigree and a proven record at a title-winning club, which would be attractive for a Roma aiming to compete consistently at the top. But the timing makes a move difficult: Inter’s recent Scudetto and internal continuity reduce the likelihood of him being available or willing to move.
Giovanni Manna — project builder with a cost
Manna’s reputation for structural projects — including work on development pathways such as Juventus Next Gen — aligns with Roma’s stated aim to replicate successful youth-to-first-team models. The reported €10m buyout is a clear financial hurdle, but one the Friedkins might consider if they prioritise long-term system building over short-term fixes.
Daniele Pradè — familiarity and pragmatism
Pradè is a pragmatic choice. He knows Serie A and Roma’s environment, requiring less onboarding time. His availability and previous tenure at the club make him an expedient option for a side seeking immediate organisational stability.
Context: coaching dynamics and recent upheaval
The move follows internal friction that saw special advisor Claudio Ranieri leave after disagreements with Gasperini. That episode underlines the club’s desire for a front office that will collaborate constructively with the head coach. The Friedkin family appear determined to construct a structure that supports Gasperini’s methods rather than works at cross-purposes.
What this means for Roma’s transfer strategy
A new director could change target profiles, scouting territories and trade logic. If Roma hires a director with a developmental focus, expect more investment in youth projects and homegrown integration. If they opt for an established dealmaker, short-term reinforcements and higher-profile signings could follow. Either way, decisions made now will shape Roma’s transfer activity in the coming windows.
Immediate next steps and timeline
An official change is likely to be confirmed in the summer transfer period. Negotiations — especially if they involve buyouts like Manna’s — could extend the timeline. Expect the club to prioritise compatibility with Gasperini’s tactical blueprint and a clear plan for scouting and recruitment.
Analysis: a decisive moment for the Friedkins’ project
This is a governance inflection point for Roma. Replacing Massara gives the Friedkins a chance to pivot from reactive transfer cycles to a more coherent, coach-aligned strategy. The choice will reveal whether Roma aim for surgical, sustainable growth or a more aggressive, short-term push to close the gap with Italy’s elite.
Why Malen is working separately from Roma teammates
Either route carries risk, but the club’s appetite for structural change indicates they prefer a long-term blueprint.
Football Italia
