Was Davide Frattesi actually close to returning to Roma this summer? | OneFootball

This summer was rife with speculation surrounding the future of Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi. Several media outlets linked the 24 year-old with an exit from the Nerazzurri after just one season—many claiming he wanted to re-join boyhood club Roma.

Despite the whispers, Frattesi ultimately remained with the defending Serie A champions while the Giallorossi focused on other midfield targets such as Manu Kone.

Now that the transfer window is closed until January, did a reunion between Frattesi and Roma ever make sense?

Exploring Options

It was no secret that Daniele De Rossi wanted to revamp Roma’s midfield this summer.

Last season, they struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances in the middle while newcomers Houssem Aouar and Renato Sanches failed to make an impact. The pair ultimately left the club after one season and many theorised which midfielders Roma would target once the transfer market opened in July.

Unlike many betting markets in other European leagues, where sportsbooks will take bets on the likelihood of a player’s next club, it’s a smaller market in Serie A – except for the prominent stars who are potentially looking to move overseas.

Inter are the bookies’ favourite to retain their Serie A title, and while many bettors will be taking a look at no deposit bonus tips to find outright markets, it was a fruitless endeavor to explore the sportsbooks to get an idea of if Frattesi would stay or go.

A Whirlwind of Rumors

If you followed the buzz on Italian football news outlets— which we all know is a bit of a gamble — Frattesi seemed like an ideal candidate for Daniele De Rossi’s midfield rebuild.

His extensive familiarity with the club coupled with his technical abilities made a potential reunion seem intriguing—on top of the fact he was very close to rejoining prior to his move to the Nerazzurri.

At just 24, Frattesi has already proven himself on the pitch, showcasing a mix of skill and maturity. A versatile midfielder—he demonstrated his value during his time at Sassuolo, where he emerged as one of the team’s most important players.

At Inter, however, manager Simone Inzaghi has primarily used him as a substitute—preferring a midfield trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Stuck in a backup role off the bench, it’s understandable that Frattesi would evaluate options at other clubs, including Roma. If Frattesi had decided he wanted out of San Siro, his first call likely would have been to Roma.

The emotional pull of returning to his boyhood club was strong, but at the same time, staying at Inter meant competing for trophies and perhaps lifting the Champions League — something that must’ve been equally tempting.

Was Roma the Right Move?

Of all the clubs Frattesi was linked to, Roma seemed the most plausible option. De Rossi needed a versatile midfielder, and Frattesi fit the bill perfectly. However, it also appeared that Simone Inzaghi had long-term plans for him at Inter, nudging him toward fulfilling his potential.

Whether by using him as an impact substitute or gradually building his confidence, Inzaghi’s strategy seemed aimed at helping Frattesi become a regular starter — possibly with an eye on Europe’s biggest stage.

The Final Outcome

As the transfer window slammed shut, Giuseppe Riso, Frattesi’s agent, had done his best to stir the pot, but ultimately, Frattesi remained an Inter player. He had already featured in games by the time the dust settled, suggesting that his future at San Siro wasn’t as uncertain as some might have thought. Still, the landscape could change dramatically before the window reopens in January.