Former AS Roma president Rosella Sensi has shared her thoughts on the club’s current struggles, emphasizing the need for passionate leadership and a deep understanding of Italian football. Speaking in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Sensi discussed the Friedkin family’s low-profile approach, the importance of club legends, and the potential paths forward for Roma.
Sensi acknowledged the Friedkin family’s successes but stressed the importance of visibility in leadership: “The new ownership has adopted this strategy from the beginning, and despite not speaking, they’ve won a trophy and taken the club to two finals. However, what my father taught me is that a president must always show their face. A president should act as an umbrella against criticism and protests to defend not only the team but everyone who works for the club.”
If she were in the Friedkins’ position, Sensi would prioritize surrounding herself with trusted professionals: “I don’t know the situation at Trigoria; only those who know it well can understand it. In theory, I would surround myself with professionals who know Italian football and whom I trust. You can’t go far alone. I had the opportunity to work with key figures like Bruno Conti, Daniele Pradé, and Cristina Mazzoleni. Many spoke of family management, but that was not the case.”
Reflecting on past crises at Roma, Sensi recalled a pivotal moment in 2009 when her family made a strong decision that nearly led to a Scudetto: “I have never sacked any coach. The only one my family dismissed was Carlos Bianchi because he wanted us to sell Totti. We have always defended our coaches. Spalletti decided to resign that season, and thanks to my directors, we chose Ranieri—not just because he was Roman and a Roma fan, but because we saw him as the ideal figure to manage that locker room.”
When asked if she would bring back De Rossi as manager, Sensi replied firmly: “I wouldn’t have sent him away after just four games with a three-year project just starting. Daniele will become a great coach, but if I were him today, I wouldn’t return to Roma.”
On the topic of Totti’s potential return to a leadership role within the club, she stated: “At this moment, anyone who knows Italian football and loves Roma like Francesco can be a plus for the club. We need someone like that—whether it’s Totti or another figure.”
Sensi also drew comparisons between today’s challenges and those faced during the 2004-05 season: “It was a confusing year, but it was also a strong team that had finished second the year before. After Prandelli left for family reasons, two coaches chosen by Baldini failed to adapt to that Roma. In Cagliari, there was a turning point that helped us avoid relegation.”
As for her own potential return to Roma, Sensi remained non-committal: “I don’t know how to answer that.”
