Panucci on Roma’s new era: “Gasperini is a major coup, the club is sending a strong message” | OneFootball

As Roma prepare to turn the page with a new manager and a revamped sporting project, former players are beginning to weigh in — including someone who knows the club well from the inside.

Christian Panucci, former Roma and Italy fullback, offered his thoughts on the Giallorossi’s recent decisions following his appearance at the FIP Silver Mediolanum Padel Cup in Treviso.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, he praised the club’s appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini and emphasized the broader changes within the club’s hierarchy.

“Roma pulled off a major coup with Gasperini,” Panucci told the newspaper. “Of course, he’s walking into a very different environment than Bergamo.”

“His style of football and training methods require time — and in Rome, that’s often a luxury. But both the ownership and the fans seem to understand that Gasperini needs space and patience to deliver meaningful results.”

Panucci also weighed-in on the club’s ownership, The Friedkin Group, who are entering their fifth season at the helm.

“They’ve done well to engage in a bit of self-reflection and recognize past mistakes,” he stated.

“Ranieri’s shift in role and the arrival of a new sporting director (Ricky Massara) show that the American ownership is sending a clear and strong message of change across all levels.”

He continued, “Massara is a top professional and will be able to lean on Ranieri as a supervisor. With Gasperini, who I believe will strongly influence the club’s transfer strategy, Roma are now well-structured heading into the new season.”

Finally, Panucci was asked about striker Artem Dovbyk’s role in Gasperini’s system, amid speculation from pundits that the Ukrainian may not be a good tactical fit.

“I’d keep faith in him (Dovbyk), he could thrive with Gasperini on the bench,” explained Panucci.

“Last season, he may have struggled due to the pressure of playing in Rome and perhaps also the emotional weight of what’s happening in Ukraine.”

Finally, “In Italy, we’re quick to write off foreign players or young talents — just look at (Dean) Huijsen, who was dismissed too easily, yet has now joined Real Madrid for €60 million.”

Panucci’s comments reflect cautious optimism surrounding the club’s new direction — one built on structural clarity, renewed ambition, and a manager with a proven identity.