News Focus
- Ricky Massara is expected to leave his position at the Stadio Olimpico when the season ends
- Napoli’s Giovanni Manna is currently the leading candidate to become the new sporting director
- Former Morocco international Medhi Benatia will depart Olympique de Marseille this summer after one year
- A potential swap deal could see Massara move to France to replace Benatia
AS Roma are searching for a new sporting director. Former defender Medhi Benatia has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Ricky Massara. However, sources indicate that one name stands out as the primary target.
The Italian club plans to dismiss Massara when the current campaign concludes. This follows the recent decision to support manager Gian Piero Gasperini following disagreements with former advisor Claudio Ranieri. Consequently, Massara’s exit appears imminent.
The position at the Stadio Olimpico has attracted multiple candidates. Reports suggest Roma contacted Inter Milan’s Piero Ausilio. However, he recently secured the league title with Inter and probably will not move immediately. Other potential candidates include Daniele Prade from Fiorentina, Cristiano Giuntoli who previously worked at Napoli and Juventus, and Tony D’Amico from Atalanta.
Despite these options, Napoli’s Giovanni Manna remains the preferred choice to take over the role this summer. Nevertheless, Benatia presents an interesting alternative. The Moroccan former international spent the 2013-14 season with Roma before moving to Bayern Munich and subsequently Juventus.
The 39-year-old currently serves as sporting director at Olympique de Marseille. He will depart the French club this summer after just one year in the position, having joined their management team in 2023. Interestingly, a swap deal could occur between the two clubs. Sources suggest Massara might head to Marseille to fill the vacancy left by Benatia at the Stade Velodrome.