Massara: ‘Roma definitive decisions on new contracts, Totti and what is best for club’ | OneFootball

Roma director Ricky Massara admits it is time for ‘definitive’ decisions on new contracts for Paulo Dybala and others, while Francesco Totti is again present. ‘We want what is best for Roma.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta-Cremonese on the Liveblog.

New signing Bryan Zaragoza is on the bench ready for his debut, but Paulo Dybala, Robinio Vaz, Mario Hermoso, Manu Koné, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy are out of action.

Gianluca Mancini had surgery last week for a broken nose, so he is able to play with a protective mask this evening.

Roma looking to future beyond this season

Bryan Zaragoza with Roma director Frederic Massara (asroma.com)

“Zaragoza was an opportunity that presented itself at the end of the transfer market, a strong player who has the characteristics that we were specifically lacking in our attack,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

There are reports that Dybala and Pellegrino will need to take pay cuts if they are to be given new contracts at the Stadio Olimpico, while Zeki Celik and El Shaarawy are also only tied to the club until June 30.

“This is the moment to make some definitive reflections,” confessed the Roma director.

“We have always had a good rapport with the agents of these players, so we need to sit down around a table and understand if there is the possibility of an agreement.

“All the players whose contracts are running down have never lacked in their commitment and professionalism.”

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Director Claudio Ranieri suggested last week that the Friedkin family are thinking about bringing club icon Totti into the fold, so is it a coincidence that the former captain is in the stands again this evening?

“Totti is the history of this club,” replied Massara.

“He has a very good rapport with the Friedkins, and this kind of evaluation is entirely down to the club, whose objective is to do what is best for Roma.

“They will know if and when it is opportune to start working together.”

GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Francesco Totti, former captain of Roma, reacts prior to kick-off in the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 28, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

This is a big opportunity for the Giallorossi to climb back into joint fourth place with Juventus, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Lazio last night.

It won’t be easy, as Cagliari are on a run of three consecutive victories against Juve, Fiorentina and Hellas Verona, also beating Roma 1-0 back on December 7 when Zeki Celik was sent off.