Max Tonetto spoke to Retesport to discuss Gian Piero Gasperini 's Roma . The former Roma full-back, a key figure in Luciano Spalletti 's first spell in the capital , identified some commonalities between the two teams, focusing on their playing style and the club's faith in their respective coaches.
During the interview, Tonetto also discussed Roma 's Champions League campaign, Emanuele Lulli 's development , and Niccolò Pisilli 's future . Here are his words.
Tonetto: "Lulli is the ideal winger for Gasperini's game."
Does this Roma remind you of Spalletti's early Roma, especially in terms of their ability to impose their own game?
"Two different ways of playing, but what they have in common is the start of a project with a very clear identity and a club that believes in its coach. The results are visible; the first Spalletti had many more difficulties. Roma reached the Champions League in a year with problems and lost many games, now the tone has changed and you can see that the team has grown, thanks in part to some transfers."
What difficulties might Roma face at Old Trafford against Manchester United?
"The environmental factor is important; Old Trafford regularly plays in the Champions League. Despite their problems, we need to be good at making the right impact on the game: the first 15 minutes will be crucial. Roma are aware of their strengths and mustn't give their opponents too much courage because things can turn around quickly."
What do you appreciate most about Gasperini's philosophy?
"The coach's great philosophy is to never compromise. Regardless of the opponent or the standings, you always play the same way. People often ask, 'Why don't you change your style or add a defender?' But Gasp's approach is the right one; it's a way of playing that pays off."
How important is the identity that Gasperini has given this team?
"Yes, that's what it has in common with mine. Spalletti, unlike Gasperini, would look for solutions if the opponent had particular weaknesses, whereas in this Roma team that doesn't exist. During the match against Cagliari, for example, Mancini was struggling with Fadera, but the coach didn't make any changes and continued to play the same way. He made the substitution in the final minutes with Ghilardi, admitting he should have brought him on earlier. All the players in the team think the same way."
Lulli is surprising everyone. What's your impression of him so far?
"A great discoveryGasperini has been working on him since last season, he's the ideal winger for the coach's game. We have many wingers with different characteristics, but he's the perfect stereotype: he's got sprint, he's ready to close down every cross, he's got incredible lungs and legs. I've been surprised by the maturity and personality he's showing: it's unusual at his age."
Do you think Gasperini could give him even more space in the next few matches?
"It could be a gradual process that Gasperini is developing for him, or it could be a coincidence resulting from a rotation. It will happen very soon; if not tomorrow, it will be next time, because he's proving on the pitch that he's reliable, a crucial aspect for a coach. I don't think there are many coaches better than Gasperini at developing players like him."
How do you judge Ghilardi's progress?
“He's made a sensational leap forward, the fact that he can be a starter is important.”
Is there anything missing in midfield? And what do you think is the best role for Pisilli?
"We're missing a player in midfield. I don't think Pisilli is a midfielder: he can play, but he doesn't have those qualities. In fact, paradoxically, you lose something when you get into positions. He's good in many roles, but he'll need to develop a clear identity, but with Gasp, he's on the right track. I think Pisilli is a midfielder, even closer to the attacking midfielder than the midfielder: he's already proven himself. Every year, it's nice to add a player from the youth system, and it's a source of pride to see him with the captain's armband."
Can the Roma Under-23 project help the development of youth players?
"It makes sense. Instead of sending players around, you have this internal opportunity. Not everyone becomes a top-tier player right away; some may need a few years, and that's why the Under-23s are useful."
Can Roma really aim for the Scudetto?
"The goal is to settle at the top of the table. We need to maintain the same mentality; sometimes, to win the Scudetto, the final half-hour of a season can make the difference... Always getting close to that is the right path."
