AS Roma is reportedly eyeing Cristiano Giuntoli as a potential new director this summer. This consideration comes amidst reported tensions between current sporting director Frederic Massara and manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Giuntoli is currently on sabbatical after his recent departure from Juventus.
Giuntoli and Gasperini had a previous opportunity to collaborate at Juventus. Following the Thiago Motta era, the Bianconeri initially hesitated to retain Igor Tudor, despite his stabilizing influence.
Juventus, then known as “The Old Lady,” actively sought top coaching talent, including Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini, who was suggested by Giuntoli. However, Giuntoli’s tenure ended during this coaching pursuit. Reports at the time indicated that Gasperini, then managing Atalanta, had already committed to AS Roma, and subsequent discussions with new Juventus official Damien Comolli did not sway his decision.
The former director for Carpi and Napoli was recently seen at a Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace match. Tottenham is reportedly looking to bolster its front office after Fabio Paratici’s mid-season departure. Giuntoli has also been frequently linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, suggesting he is carefully evaluating his next career step.
Frederic Massara, while managing with a constrained budget, has achieved notable successes, though some decisions await final validation. However, his tenure has also included some significant missteps. Crucially, the relationship between Massara and AS Roma’s influential coach is reportedly strained. There is speculation that Massara might become a scapegoat should the current season fall short of expectations. As for Giuntoli, despite some publicly criticized decisions during his time at Juventus, his previous success at Napoli suggests he might have deserved more time to rectify any issues in Turin, especially given that his successor’s performance has yet to fully impress.
