Roma have now officially suspended director of sport Gianluca Petrachi, with CEO Guido Fienga temporarily taking over transfer negotiations.
There had been reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia, but the news was confirmed with a formal statement by the club.
Roma have now officially suspended director of sport Gianluca Petrachi, with CEO Guido Fienga temporarily taking over transfer negotiations.
There had been reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia, but the news was confirmed with a formal statement by the club.
“AS Roma can confirm that it has today suspended Gianluca Petrachi of his duties as sporting director with immediate effect. The coach, and the team, will be guided directly by club CEO, Guido Fienga.”
This was the latest step in the total breakdown of the rapport between Petrachi and President James Pallotta, which exploded into a furious row over the telephone last week.
Petrachi was only poached from Torino just under a year ago, himself replacing Monchi who lasted barely 18 months in the role.
It’s suggested this is a step towards Roma trying to fire Petrachi for just cause, meaning they would not have to pay the remaining wages in his contract, which runs to June 2022.
Morgan De Sanctis is widely expected to be promoted to director of sport eventually, as he already works closely with unofficial advisor to Pallotta and former director general of the club, Franco Baldini.