AS Roma

Roma have reportedly agreed to sign Chris Smalling on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season.

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano said the transfer was set to go ahead, with the Serie A outfit paying €3 million (£2.7 million) to borrow the defender:

Chris Smalling to AS Roma from Man United, here we go! Total agreement for a simple loan (€3M to Man Utd) without buy option. The player has accepted. 🔴 #MUFC #Roma #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2019

Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport Italia also reported that Smalling was on his way to Rome:

#Smalling on loan from @ManUtd to @OfficialASRoma @SkySport @SkySportsNews @SkySportsPL @ChrisSmalling

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) August 29, 2019

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News provided further details and said Smalling has received interest from a number of clubs in Italy's top flight:

Chris Smalling attracting interest from Italy before the European deadline. AC Milan, Fiorentina and Roma all believed to be interested. Remains to be seen whether Smalling would uproot his Young family when he’s so settled. Story up soon @ManUtdMEN. #mufc

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 29, 2019

Roma have been on the lookout for a new defender. According to Paul Joyce of the Times, they initially moved for Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren, although it appears they've turned their attentions to the United man.

Smalling has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge in December. Harry Maguire's arrival from Leicester City for a world-record fee for a defender earlier in August was always set to further limit his opportunities.

With that in mind, it's not a massive surprise to see Smalling on the move. Everton had a loan offer rejected for the player earlier in the summer, and it appears the England international is off to the Eternal City.

Alex Shaw of ESPN said Solskjaer deserves credit for the manner in which he has ruthlessly assessed his squad:

Those are big names and personalities he has ditched. Sure, the United squad is paper thin but I'd wager the majority would prefer seeing Tuanzebe get a chance than Smalling (a decent, albeit limited servant) or wasters like Rojo.

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) August 29, 2019

Smalling arrived at United in 2010 from Fulham with a reputation as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in English football.

During his time at Old Trafford, he has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League, although many believe he hasn't lived up to his early potential. Smalling can be erratic, while his distribution is subpar when compared to other centre-backs who play for elite sides.

With Maguire and Victor Lindelof the starting duo at United, it makes sense for the 29-year-old to explore a new challenge, and should the move be completed it will be fascinating to see how he fares in Italian football.

At Roma, he would face the unenviable job of helping to fill the void left by the sale of Kostas Manolas. The dynamic Greek defender joined Napoli earlier this summer and is rated by many as one of the top centre-backs in Italian football.

Serie A side Roma announced on Wednesday that full-back Davide Zappacosta has joined the club on loan from Chelsea:

Welcome to #ASRoma, Davide Zappacosta! 🐺

More details ➡️ https://t.co/sLmZFJEt3k pic.twitter.com/56xyXcvYeT

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 21, 2019

The initial loan is for six months and expires in January 2020, but the club have the option to extend the deal until 30 June, according to Roma's official website. 

Zappacosta will wear the No.2 shirt in the Italian capital and becomes the club's seventh signing of a busy summer transfer window.

Chelsea announced that Zappacosta signed a one-year contract extension before completing his move:

.@DZappacosta has extended his contract with the Blues and has completed a loan move in Italy until the end of January...

Good luck, Davide! 👊

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 21, 2019

Zappacosta offered his thoughts on sealing a return to the Italian top flight after two years in west London with Chelsea, per the Roma website:

"I am pleased to join Roma, after an experience overseas that helped me progress as both a player and a person. Being able to play for a great club like this is a huge motivation—I cannot wait to start training alongside my new teammates."

The 27-year-old has plenty of Serie A experience to count on. He enjoyed spells at Atalanta and Torino before moving to the Premier League in 2017.

Zappacosta was brought to Chelsea by Antonio Conte and made 22 appearances in his first season.

However, he made only four in 2018-19 after slipping down the pecking order under Conte's successor Maurizio Sarri.

The right-back has not featured in any of Chelsea's three games this season and spoke about how he was feeling about returning to Italy prior to sealing his switch.

He told Sky in Italy (h/t Sky Sports): "Returning to my country is very emotional. I missed Italy a lot and I'm happy to return here with Roma."

Simon Johnson at the Evening Standard noted how Zappacosta is the latest player signed in 2017 to depart:

So with Zappacosta joining Roma on loan, it means that of the 7 signings #cfc made at a cost of £187m (approx) in the 2017 summer window, only 2 are still part of the current squad: Antonio Rudiger and free transfer Willy Caballero. Rudiger only one to be first team regular.

— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) August 21, 2019

Zappacosta's departure is likely to benefit 19-year-old defender Reece James. The teenager is currently out injured but could get the chance to act as back-up to Cesar Azpilicueta when he returns.

Nicolo Zaniolo has put an end to the transfer speculation surrounding him by signing a new five-year contract with AS Roma.

The Giallorossi announced the news on Wednesday. Zaniolo said it was an easy decision to put pen to paper.

"A year ago it was an easy decision to choose Roma, and today it is even easier. I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to tie myself even closer to these colours – it is exactly what I wanted.”

- Nicolo Zaniolo pic.twitter.com/G8pvS07P8z

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 14, 2019

The 20-year-old was strongly linked to Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus earlier this summer, per Football.London's Amie Wilson and Phil Spencer. Per Il Tempo (h/t Metro), Manchester United were also interested, but the youngster didn't leave for England before the Premier League's transfer window slammed shut.

Zaniolo only joined Roma in 2018 but had a major breakout season in the capital.

He arrived as part of the deal that took Radja Nainggolan to Inter Milan, a deal that has to be considered one of the worst in recent Italian football. Just one year later, Nainggolan is at Cagliari on loan, while Zaniolo has gone from a throw-in to one of the most valuable youngsters in Serie A.

The league's official YouTube account did a comparison video with Fiorentina's Federico Chiesa, another top prospect:

Zaniolo started 20 Serie A matches in his first season with Roma, scoring four goals and adding two assists. The versatile midfielder did his best work in an advanced role, and while he had his struggles and cooled off toward the end of the campaign, the potential he flashed led to all the exit speculation.

Like United star Paul Pogba, Zaniolo combines excellent size―190 cm―with deceptive athleticism and good technical ability. He can get out of tight spots with a simple turn, reads the play well and is always dangerous in and around the box.

The youngster spent part of his academy days with Genoa, Fiorentina and Virtus Entella and has already played for three clubs during his professional career. Some stability can only help his development, so it's no surprise he has chosen to sign a new deal with Roma.

The Giallorossi gave him his chance last season and will most likely build their squad around their star midfielder in the coming years.

Antonio Conte agreed to join Roma before replacing Luciano Spalletti as Inter Milan manager, according to club legend Francesco Totti. 

The former Chelsea boss moved to the San Siro in May after a year out of management, but Totti says he came close to taking the helm at the Stadio Olimpico.

"I spoke with Antonio Conte: he had given his 'okay' to become Roma coach," he said, per Jamie Smith at Goal."Then, he went to Inter."

Totti went on to explain why Conte did not move to the Italian capital:

Totti: "I said the only one who can transform #ASRoma right now is Antonio Conte. He had given us the all-clear as we saw and talked to him many times, but then there were problems and he changed his mind" https://t.co/kVy1Ug5bXv

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 17, 2019

Conte is regarded as one of Europe's top managers. He won three Serie A titles during his time in charge of Juventus and clinched the Premier League and FA Cup as Chelsea boss:

2.14 - Antonio Conte averaged 2.14 points per game as a manager in the Premier League; only Sir Alex Ferguson (2.16) and Pep Guardiola (2.34) have averaged more in the competition's history (min. 10 games managed). Ciao. pic.twitter.com/UuI7atnlVD

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 13, 2018

He has now returned to Italy with Inter where he will be charged with challenging Juventus for the title and bringing silverware to the San Siro.

The Nerazzurri finished in fourth place last season, a distant 21 points off top spot. However, their league position also means they have qualified to play in the UEFA Champions League again next season.

Meanwhile, Roma have since brought in Paulo Fonseca from Shakhtar Donetsk as manager on a two-year deal:

It's official - Paulo Fonseca will be the new head coach of #ASRoma!

Welcome Paulo! 🐺

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) June 11, 2019

Yet Fonesca will not work with Totti as the World Cup winner has resigned from his role as a director of the club:

Totti: “I resign as Roma executive. It’s a very bad day for me. I was never given the chance to work practically on the technical area. Presidents, players, managers come and go. But legends never go”

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) June 17, 2019

Football commentator Matteo Bonetti said Totti's departure will have an impact at the club:

James Pallotta wasn’t exactly revered by Roma fans before today. After these Totti comments, the relationship between fan base and ownership is irreparable.

— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) June 17, 2019

The 42-year-old spent his entire playing career at Roma and then moved upstairs when he finally hung up his boots in 2017. He follows another club legend, Daniele De Rossi, in leaving the Serie A club this summer.

AS Roma starlet Nicolo Zaniolo has committed his future to the Giallorossi, saying he's positive a contract renewal will happen amid links to Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich. 

Zaniolo spoke to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Goal's Matt Dorman) to discuss his future:

"I still have four years left on my contract and I'm happy here. I see my future at Roma. My agent will talk to the club at the end of the season.

"It's always pleasing to have interest from great teams, but I'm focused on Roma and the last two league games. I'm positive about the [contract] renewal and I'm happy to stay."

Dorman noted both Spurs and Bayern have been credited with an interest, while Football Italia added Real Madrid and Juventus to the list of suitors.

Zaniolo's father previously told Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) the midfielder won't leave the Italian capital, and contract talks were planned for the end of the season.

The 19-year-old was the breakout star of the 2018-19 Serie A campaign, emerging as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe. He has started 19 matches in the Italian top division so far, scoring four goals and adding two assists.

His best goal of the Serie A season came against Sassuolo, highlighting both his technical ability and vision:

Listed at 6'2", Zaniolo combines tremendous size and athletic ability with good feet and vision. While he's still raw, his all-round skill set is reminiscent of that of Manchester United star Paul Pogba.

He moved to Roma as part of the deal that took Radja Nainggolan to Inter Milan.

Finally blossoming with the Giallorossi, it's easy to see why Zaniolo and his camp would prefer some stability, after years of uncertainty at multiple clubs. Corriere dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness) has reported Spurs are willing to offer far more attractive wages than anything Roma can put forward, however:

Nicolo Zaniolo | Five-year deal waiting for 19-year-old at Tottenham, ‘larger wages than anything’ he can get back home. https://t.co/56CpYaPYxO #thfc #coys

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) May 13, 2019

Roma have developed a reputation as a selling club over the last few years, parting with the likes of Nainggolan, Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker for the right fee.

They could use some stability in midfield, however, as longtime starter Daniele De Rossi will leave the club this summer:

“I have been a lucky guy...”

Daniele De Rossi at today’s press conference...
pic.twitter.com/D817Q824jM

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 14, 2019

Zaniolo is far from the finished product―per WhoScored.com, he completed fewer than 77 per cent of his passes in the UEFA Champions League―and a switch to one of Europe's elite clubs may come too soon.

Another season in the Italian capital could work wonders for his development, so a contract extension would likely be in his best interest.

AS Roma captain Daniele De Rossi will leave the club at the end of the season, bringing an end to his 18-year stint with the Giallorossi. 

The club announced the news on Tuesday, adding the midfielder will not retire but instead "pursue a new adventure away from Rome." Club CEO Guido Fienga told reporters his contract will not be renewed, per Football Italia:

#ASRoma CEO Guido Fienga: "Yesterday I met Daniele & told him about the club's decision not to renew his contract. I expressed a desire for him to stay in a different role. Whenever he wants, he can accept this proposal"

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 14, 2019

De Rossi spoke to the press later in the day, explaining he's not ready to retire:

De Rossi: "I realised the decision the club was going to take regarding myself. I'm almost 36 and I know how football is, but I didn't want to distract from our European race. I thank the directors for their offer - I respect it and appreciate it, but I still feel like a player." pic.twitter.com/xHpAVOcEaa

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 14, 2019

Fienga apologised to the club legend for not approaching him sooner, and De Rossi admitted he wasn't happy with the decision:

De Rossi: "I'm not over the moon, but I accept the decision of the club. I have no resentment towards that. We never spoke about money: that was not the crux of the matter." pic.twitter.com/iq1LXpDZWg

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 14, 2019

Per Football Italia, he also took a jab at the club's notion he would be a great director:

De Rossi: "They say I'd already make a good director. If I was an #ASRoma director, I'd have renewed the contract of a player like me!"

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 14, 2019

The 35-year-old had been a one-club man up until this point, making 615 total appearances for the Giallorossi. That number placed him second on their all-time appearance-makers' list, behind the legendary forward and previous captain, Francesco Totti.

The club shared this video on Twitter to celebrate the gritty midfielder's time in the capital:

Daniele De Rossi, Romanista. 💛🐺❤️ pic.twitter.com/AXSvYgwMWB

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 14, 2019

Roma president Jim Pallotta spoke about his departure and what he has meant to the club:

"For 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Roma's team.

"From his debut in 2001 to taking on the responsibility of the captain's armband, he always represented the Roma fans on the pitch with pride as he established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe.

"We will all shed tears when he pulls on the Giallorossi shirt for the last time against Parma, but we respect his desire to prolong his playing career—even if, at almost 36, it will be away from Rome. 

"On behalf of everyone at Roma, I'd like to thank Daniele for his incredible dedication to this club and ensure him that our doors will remain open for him to return to the club in a new role whenever he wants."

His final match at the Stadio Olimpico will be against Parma on May 26, per sports writer Adriano Del Monte:

💔 Daniele De Rossi to confirm his 18 year Roma career is over at season’s end in a press conference later today.

Intends to continue playing elsewhere.

Final match: Roma-Parma, May 26 😪 pic.twitter.com/9vxpdaFhbA

— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) May 14, 2019

De Rossi made his senior debut in 2001 in a UEFA Champions League match against Anderlecht, and emerged as one of the team's top midfielders in the following seasons. He inherited the captain's armband ahead of the 2017-18 season following Totti's retirement.

De Rossi and his father explained their passion for the club a few years ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojHcFmRV27k

While he has spent nearly two decades with the senior team, major silverware has mostly eluded him in Rome. He won the Coppa Italia twice with Roma, in 2007 and 2008, and beat Inter Milan to the Supercoppa Italiana in 2007, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win.

His biggest on-pitch success came as a member of the Italian national team, winning the 2006 World Cup.

Roma's current vice-captain is Alessandro Florenzi, so it is likely he will take the role permanently next season. 

Antonio Conte has said he will not join Roma in the summer amid speculation he is close to making a return to management.

The Italian has been on sabbatical since he was axed by Chelsea ahead of the current campaign, although rumours have continued to persist about a possible job in Serie A, with Roma one of the teams mentioned.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) in an interview published on Tuesday, Conte commented on the reports linking him with the Giallorossi, as well as a possible return to Juventus:

"I think Juventus have started a path and I think they’re very happy with Massimiliano Allegri, who has certainly continued my work and is doing very well. You never know what tomorrow brings. ...

"I fell in love with Rome, spending a lot of time there in my two years as CT [Italy head coach]. At the Olimpico you feel the passion of the fans, who live football with a particular intensity, who go mad for Roma and live for them.

"It has a passionate atmosphere that envelops you. Right now the conditions aren’t there, but I think I’ll coach Roma one day in the future."

As relayed by Football Italia, Inter Milan and AC Milan have also been linked with a possible move for Conte. 

Although he has been out of action for almost a year, the 49-year-old is considered one of the finest coaches in the game. He won the FA Cup at the end of his final year at Chelsea, having steered the team to a Premier League title the season before.

These numbers show just how impressive the triumphant 2016-17 term was for Conte's Chelsea side:

Antonio Conte's 2016/17 Chelsea side were the first team in history to win 30 Premier League games in a single season.

Conte's master stroke. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/iSNQfJBvjw

— Squawka (@Squawka) July 13, 2018

Tifo Football broke down the tactical blueprint used by Conte to deliver the title for the Blues:

Conte has also enjoyed success as a coach in Serie A and was a key figure in establishing Juventus as the dominant force in Italian football again. In his three years in charge of the Bianconeri, he was a Serie A winner three times.

Juventus continue to have a stranglehold on Serie A—Allegri has steered them to five more successive titles during his time in charge—and it would be a shock if they were to change their manager. For any of the other clubs mentioned, though, Conte would be a coup.

They will all be desperate to close the gap to Juventus next season, having watched the Turin giants dominate the division over the last decade. A coach with the motivational skills and tactical acumen of Conte would be a huge help Roma (30 points), Milan (30 points) and Inter (26 points) in chopping down the substantial deficit to Juventus.

Claudio Ranieri has been named Roma's interim manager after the exit of Eusebio Di Francesco following the side's Champions League exit at the hands of Porto on Wednesday.

The Italian giants confirmed Ranieri's return on their official website on Friday, and he will stay in temporary control until June 30.

The former Chelsea and Leicester City boss, who recently left Fulham, has previously played for and managed the Giallorossi.

Di Francesco's departure was confirmed on Thursday, with Roma three points off the Champions League places in fifth and having been eliminated from Europe's premier competition at the last-16 stage.

Club president Jim Pallotta said he was pleased to bring Ranieri back to the Italian capital.

"We are delighted to welcome Claudio Ranieri back to the club."

"We have one objective remaining this season and that is to finish in the highest possible league position and secure qualification for the Champions League."

"At this stage of the campaign, it was important to bring in a coach who knows the club, understands the environment, can speak the language and is able to motivate the players. Claudio ticks all of those boxes and he's very excited to take on this challenge."

The manager has a wealth of experience and was in charge at the Stadio Olimpico for 18 months after his appointment in 2009.

Ranieri famously led Leicester to the Premier League title in 2015-16 and was awarded The Best FIFA Football Coach accolade as a result of the Foxes' staggering achievement.

The Italian has also previously coached Juventus, Napoli, Inter Milan, Monaco, Valencia and Fiorentina. He has also spent time in the international arena as manager of Greece.

Roma legend and current director Francesco Totti said he approves of the temporary appointment, per the club's website.

"Claudio's from the city, he's a Roma fan but more than that, he's one of the most experienced coaches in world football."

"What we need now is a safe pair of hands to guide us back into the top four and ensure that we are playing Champions League football again next season. We have 12 games left and we need to win as many of them as possible."

The 67-year-old was in charge at Fulham for only three months and was dismissed from his duties in late February after failing to spark the club's form.

Roma parted company with director of football Monchi on Friday amid rumours he is wanted by Arsenal.

The Italian side announced the news via Twitter:

AS Roma and Monchi have mutually agreed to bring an early end to their professional relationship.

Monchi: "I would like to thank president Pallotta, the club’s management, staff, players and fans for their support during my time at the club."

Details ➡️ https://t.co/gKoqvdvX4y pic.twitter.com/jf2wFg0aEo

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) March 8, 2019

According to Calciomercato.com's Francesco Balzani (h/t Sport Witness' Naveen Ullal), the Gunners are set to pursue Monchi's services "immediately."

Monchi's departure from the Giallorossi follows their UEFA Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Porto on Wednesday.

Italian football expert David Amoyal had sympathy for the Spaniard:

There is no club that brings more pressure in Italy than Roma, it goes well beyond tweets and videos. Monchi also had to deal with a difficult financial situation at the club, he can strive with a new opportunity

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) March 8, 2019

The Gunners already have a director of football in Raul Sanllehi, but head of recruitment Sven Mislintat left the club in February after just 14 months in the job.

According to Football.London's James Benge, Arsenal feel positive they will be able to bring Monchi to the Emirates Stadium:

Monchi gone. Could be a while before he takes over a Arsenal but they’re confident they’ll get him.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) March 8, 2019

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has an excellent working relationship with his compatriot from his time as Sevilla boss.

Working alongside Monchi, Emery delivered three consecutive UEFA Europa League titles during his time at the club.

Football writer Matt Scott believes the pair could work well together again:

https://twitter.com/Matt5cott/status/1088179532669116418

Those three Europa League tiriumphs took Sevilla's trophy haul to 11 during Monchi's 17-year spell at the club before he joined Roma.

The 50-year-old helped to recruit the likes of Dani Alves and Ivan Rakitic on a limited budget, and he also helped the club win back-to-back UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007 as well as the Copa del Rey twice.

Arsenal have more resources than Sevilla or Roma, but they can't invest as heavily as rivals such as Manchester United or Manchester City, either.

They will need to recruit smartly to make up for that deficit, and Monchi has an excellent track record of doing just that.

AS Roma have parted ways with manager Eusebio Di Francesco after the team were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Porto on Wednesday.

The Serie A side won the round-of-16 first leg 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico but were beaten 3-1 in the return after extra-time, which secured a 4-3 aggregate victory for Sergio Conceicao's side.

Di Francesco took over from Luciano Spalletti in the summer of 2017 after a spectacular run with Sassuolo. He took the minnows up to Serie A and even into the UEFA Europa League, cultivating several talented players along the way.

He never fully seemed to settle in the capital, however. A magical run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2018 largely overshadowed a disappointing domestic campaign, as the Giallorossi finished a distant third behind Juventus and Napoli.

Plenty of turnover followed in the summer―Radja Nainggolan, Alisson Becker and Kevin Strootman were among the departures―and after a narrow 1-0 win over Torino to start the season, Roma endured a nightmare spell.

A 3-0 loss against Real Madrid in the Champions League didn't come as a surprise, but in Serie A, the Giallorossi performed well under expectations.

Perhaps the worst result came against Bologna, who entered the match having failed to score a single goal only to beat Roma 2-0:

Roma's form did pick up, and the club are fifth in the Serie A table and three points behind Inter Milan in fourth.

However, Saturday's damaging 3-0 defeat to Lazio, coupled with their exit from Europe's top club competition, led to the end of the road for Di Francesco at Roma.

Former Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is expected to take over the club on a caretaker basis, according to Football Italia.