FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 4: Frederic Massara of AC Milan watches the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 4, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
Frédéric Massara said Roma had achieved “surprisingly good early results” under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, while insisting the club’s aim was “to develop over time and build for the future”.
The Giallorossi director of football has given his thoughts on the current situation at the Stadio Olimpico ahead of Roma’s Serie A game against Parma, which kicks off at 17:30 UK time on Wednesday night.
You can follow the developments from tonight’s Serie A match on the Football Italia live blog.
Masala: Roma have had ‘surprisingly good early results’ under Gasperini
Roma play Parma at home on Wednesday night with a chance to level on points with Serie A leaders Napoli.
The Giallorossi have been short on goals from their centre-forwards, despite the fact that Artem Dovvik and Evan Ferguson have only scored once between them since the start of the season.
Massara insists Ferguson, who has not scored at club level for over a year, needs time to settle in after joining from Brighton on loan with an option to buy in the summer.
“We must not forget that Ferguson is young, he comes to a difficult league in Italy and needs time to adapt. He has also had some problems with his fitness, but we are confident that he will make a big contribution to the team,” Massara told DAZN Italia before kick-off.
Massara was also asked how he has been working with Gasperini as head coach and Claudio Ranieri as manager.
“Gasperini and Ranieri are two legendary figures, so we see great mutual respect and cooperation on how to move forward in the interests of Roma.”
And what does Massara expect from Roma in the January transfer window?
“Big signings in January are always tough, because it’s difficult to move players who are already making a difference in the team. We have FFP restrictions and it’s not easy. On the other hand, there are a lot of games left until then, so we’ll be able to assess when we need to intervene and in what areas of the team we need to intervene.”
The Friedkins tend not to speak publicly, deferring to others.
“The owners are very close to us and we talk almost every day, so they care a lot about Roma. This summer, we decided to take a different approach and focus on coaches who can help create value for the team for players with promising talent.”
“We knew it would be more arduous and take longer, and it takes time for the coach’s ideas to be absorbed by the players. He has had surprisingly good results in the early stages, but the intention is to develop over time and build for the future.”
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