Italian media claim Roma terminated Pietro Berardi’s contract due to disagreements with club owners and there are at least two strong candidates to replace the former CEO at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Giallorossi suddenly announced Berardi’s departure on Monday. The 47-year-old closely followed the project related to Roma’s new stadium and was among those under investigation in a capital gain case.
However, Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport claim Roma’s decision was not a consequence of investigations and that coach José Mourinho hasn’t had a role in Berardi’s departure.
Gazzetta explains that many thought Berardi would leave the club at the end of the season because he no longer shared the same view as club owners. His position was already under scrutiny, but the timing of Roma’s announcement was the real surprise.
So, who could replace Berardi at the club?
According to Gazzetta, his successor will have ‘sporting competencies’. Club legend Zibi Boniek, and current UEFA vice president is one of the names mentioned by the pink paper, although the former Poland international has immediately slammed rumours as ‘fake news.’
Both Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport claim Diego Nepi, the current CEO of CONI Sport e Salute is one of the potential candidates for the position and the same is true of new commercial director Michael Wendell who was appointed in December and is appreciated by club owners.