Ghisolfi: ‘Roma have extra motivation to end on a high for Ranieri’ | OneFootball

Roma director Florent Ghisolfi criticises the travel ban on supporters for today’s Inter clash, noting that Claudio Ranieri’s imminent retirement adds ‘extra motivation to end on a high.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT, 15.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s seven Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This fixture was originally scheduled for Saturday, but had to be moved because a national day of mourning was announced for the funeral of Pope Francis.

Roma pushing for European qualification

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 19: The players of AS Roma pose for a team photo prior to kick-off ahead of the Serie A match between AS Roma and Verona at Stadio Olimpico on April 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“What counts is Roma and the team, when I say that, I mean we have the responsibility to build a great club and organisation. I believe in the strength of organisation more than individuals,” Ghisolfi told DAZN.

There are no Roma supporters in the stands at San Siro, as both they and Lazio were hit with travel bans after the violent clashes around the Derby della Capitale.

“We are sad, because we know the importance of our fans. Football without fans just isn’t football. They mean even more to us, so it is sad to see these empty seats, I don’t think it is the right way to solve some of the problems we have, as it forces all fans to pay the price for a minority,” noted the director of sport.

“They are always with us in spirit and we feel them by our side anyway.”

The Giallorossi are unbeaten in 17 consecutive Serie A matches, so does the club regret hiring Ivan Juric after the Daniele De Rossi dismissal and not calling on Ranieri earlier?

“Ranieri is the right person, but we must focus on the present,” replied Ghisolfi.

“We have no fear, we feel fresh, and it is an added strength that we are coming to the end of Ranieri’s career as a coach. It is extra motivation for everyone to end on a high.”

While Roma players and fans have begged Ranieri to reconsider, he continues to insist he will go back into retirement at the end of the season, having been called out of his dotage purely to help his beloved club through a crisis.