Ghisolfi: ‘Roma transfer strategy linked with new coach’ | OneFootball

Roma director Florent Ghisolfi hints ‘identity is important’ for their next coach and the January transfer strategy will be ‘linked’ to the choice of who will replace Claudio Ranieri.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Fiorentina-LASK and Ajax-Lazio on the Liveblog.

There are quite a few unexpected decisions in the starting XI this evening, including the use of Paulo Dybala as a False 9 supported by Matias Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini.

It is the captain’s first appearance since the 1-0 defeat to Napoli on November 24, which was Ranieri’s debut on the bench, as the coach had said the midfielder was ‘sad’ and felt ‘the weight of Roma on his shoulders.’

“It is important to rotate, because we have three games per week. Soule is a very important player for the team and club, players need to gain confidence by playing regularly,” Ghisolfi told Sky Sport Italia.

Artem Dovbyk has not fully recovered from flu symptoms and now Leandro Paredes is also ruled out by this virus.

“Dovbyk is unwell and Dybala as a striker worked well in the most recent match. As for the wing-backs, I think it is interesting to see his pace and quality on the flanks around the three defenders.”

Saud Abdulhamid is on the right and Nicola Zalewski on the left, both players who have struggled for playing time too this season.

Ghisolfi admits Roma planning for new coach already

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Ranieri confirmed that Roma are already planning who will take over in July 2025 and Ghisolfi also admitted their strategy will be based on that decision.

“With Mr Ranieri and the owners, we are working on the January transfer market to improve the squad, but also working to find who the next coach will be. On both scores, we want to work early and maintain a consistent approach.”

Is there a deadline to find a new coach for Roma who can take over from Ranieri in the summer of 2025 and will January signings be based also on his tactics?

“I think the January transfer strategy and the choice of the new coach is linked yes. The earlier we get those done, the better.”

Ghisolfi was asked if Roma are leaning towards an Italian coach or a foreign one?

“I don’t know, but identity is important.”

Sky Sport Italia report the main candidates for the Roma job so far are Max Allegri, Vincenzo Montella and the dream Carlo Ancelotti.