WHAT FRANCESCO TOTTI’S RETURN MEANS FOR AS ROMA
Discover the latest on Francesco Totti’s potential return and Devis Vasquez’s loan to Besiktas in this week’s Roma news update.
As February winds down, we’re stuck in that weird lull between the winter and summer transfer windows—where rumours dry up, and nothing much happens. Sure, summer gossip will start up soon, but for now, we’re just waiting around, hoping Roma does something we’ll love (then probably hate later), or more likely, something that annoys us at first but we end up accepting anyway. Let’s be honest, if even Gian Piero Gasperini can’t make sense of Roma’s choices, what hope do the rest of us have?
Anyway, let’s save our complaints for another time and check out what’s actually going on this week.
Robino Vaz Picks Up a Calf Injury
Roma spent €22 million to bring Robino Vaz in from Marseille, but he hasn’t hit the ground running as Malen did. Still, there’s something about him—he’s got the size and speed you want in a forward. Bad news, though: he tore a muscle in his left calf, so we’ll have to wait a few weeks to really see what he can do. Reports say he’ll be out about three weeks. Honestly, it feels like every new Roma player has to go through their first Trigoria injury—it’s almost a rite of passage.
Devis Vasquez Heads to Besiktas
If you’re a goalkeeper sitting behind Mile Svilar, you’re not going to get much playing time. Devis Vasquez joined Roma on a free transfer from Milan last summer, but he never got on the pitch. Now he’s off to Besiktas on loan for the rest of the season, still waiting for his shot in the giallo e rosso.
Roma Negotiating New Contracts for Cristante and Mancini
Contract extensions usually split opinions, but these two deals have fans arguing already. Reports out of Italy say Roma is close to finalising new contracts for Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini. Their agent, Giuseppe Riso, told Tuttosport that everything’s almost done—they just need the signatures.
We’ll get into the details of these extensions later this weekend. There’s no doubt fans will have plenty to say.
Francesco Totti—Coming Back?
Claudio Ranieri has stirred things up by hinting that Totti might make a return to Roma. Everyone’s weighing in, from Radja Nainggolan to Walter Sabatini. Ranieri didn’t give away much, just said the club is thinking about it. The big question is what Totti would actually do—will he have a real say, or just be a figurehead?
Totti means everything to Roma fans, so if the Friedkins are bringing him back, they’d better tread carefully.
NAPOLI AND INTER MILAN LAUNCH BIDDING WAR FOR COMO STAR MAXIMO PERRONE
Maximo Perrone is the target of a €50m bidding war between Napoli and Inter after leading Como to fourth in Serie A.
Maximo Perrone has emerged as a standout performer this season for Como, attracting considerable attention from top clubs. Como, having established themselves among Italy’s football elite and eyeing a spot in the Champions League, rely heavily on Perrone’s creativity and influence. Once a lesser-known figure, the former Manchester City midfielder has become a central figure in Fabregas’s team, and now several major clubs are lining up for his signature. This summer promises a competitive battle, with Inter and Napoli showing serious interest. But Como, bolstered by their impending European campaign, is unlikely to let him go without a fight.
Looking closer at the interest from Italy’s giants, journalist Matteo Moretto recently shared insights on YouTube, highlighting Inter and Napoli as the two main contenders. Inter have praised Perrone and clearly rate him, although they haven’t yet approached his representatives directly. Napoli, on the other hand, seems more proactive. They have monitored Perrone for some time and view him as a realistic addition, especially following a specific request from coach Conte. Conte, who has indicated his intention to stay with Napoli but will discuss plans at season’s end, sees Perrone as a key piece, particularly if Stanislav Lobotka departs next summer. Even if Lobotka stays, Perrone’s arrival remains a possibility.
Despite growing interest, Como holds the cards here. They are financially stable and preparing to embark on their first European adventure, whether that’s in the Champions League or the Europa League is still unclear. After taking Perrone on loan from Manchester City, Como acquired his rights last summer, though City retained 30 per cent of any future resale. This project around Lake Como is in its early stages, making the idea of selling such a vital player complicated. The club’s willingness to sell, the price set, and the offers they receive will all shape what happens next.
Perrone, under contract until 2029, is in the best form of his young career. At 23, he’s featured in 31 games this season, contributing two goals and four assists, consistently anchoring the midfield in Fabregas’s tactical setup, a system the Argentine shapes with deliberate control. It’s this partnership that the transfer market will undoubtedly try to disrupt in the coming months.
CESC FABREGAS BLASTS GASPERINI OVER HANDSHAKE SNUB FOLLOWING COMO’S VICTORY OVER ROMA
Cesc Fabregas blasts Gian Piero Gasperini for refusing a handshake after Como defeated Roma 2-1 to reach fourth place.
This past weekend saw a tense moment between Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder turned Como manager, and Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini following Como’s 2-1 win over Roma. Fabregas, who took charge of Como in July 2024 and has quickly earned a reputation as one of Europe’s promising young managers, has led the team to fourth place in Serie A, pushing them toward a surprising shot at Champions League qualification, a milestone in the club’s history.
The victory itself was key for Como’s ambitions, but the post-match atmosphere was anything but smooth. Fabregas shared his frustration about Gasperini refusing to shake his hand at the final whistle. For Fabregas, the handshake is a simple but important gesture of respect and sportsmanship, regardless of emotions or results. He said, “Whether I’m angry, sent off, or feel the referee has wronged me, I always go to shake my opponent’s hand after the match." It’s about respect, and I was disappointed by what happened. Even when you lose, you always offer that hand.”
Fabregas explained that while he understands different cultures approach these things differently, for him, once the game is over, competition ends, and respect should remain. Gasperini, known for his stints with Inter Milan and Atalanta, didn’t shy away from explaining his side. The 68-year-old was critical of Como’s conduct both on and off the pitch, saying, “Como is a strong team, but I don’t respect their behaviour on the pitch or on the bench.”
Part of the tension seemed to spark after Roma’s defender Wesley, got sent off just after the 60-minute mark, receiving a second yellow card. Gasperini implied that Fabregas and his staff had influenced the referee’s decision by pushing claims of simulation. This disagreement added fuel to the post-match exchange, highlighting the competitive edge and complex dynamics between these two managers as they vie for top spots in Serie A.
