The academy graduate was close to joining Avellino before Gian Piero Gasperini stopped the transfer following his impressive preseason performances.
Roma are preparing to reward Emanuele Lulli for his breakthrough into Gian Piero Gasperini’s first team.
According to Nicolò Schira, the Giallorossi are planning to extend the young wing-back’s contract until 2031.
Lulli’s current agreement expires in 2027, making his renewal an important priority for sporting director Tony D’Amico following the conclusion of the summer transfer window.
Gasperini Stopped Lulli’s Avellino Transfer
Lulli’s emergence at Roma nearly followed a very different path.
Schira reports that the academy graduate was one step away from joining Avellino in July. The proposed move would have given him an opportunity to gain regular senior experience away from Trigoria.
Gasperini stopped the negotiations after being impressed by Lulli’s performances and athletic qualities during preseason.
That decision has already been vindicated. With Devyne Rensch unavailable and Nahuel Molina still working toward full fitness, Lulli received an opportunity to start Roma’s opening Serie A matches.
Lulli Seizes First-Team Opportunity
The 19-year-old delivered an assured performance on his Serie A debut as Roma defeated Fiorentina 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Gasperini retained him for the following match against Lecce, where Lulli again demonstrated the speed, stamina and personality required to play as a wing-back in the coach’s system.
After Roma’s 4-0 victory at the Via del Mare, Lulli described his first-team breakthrough as the realization of a lifelong dream.
“I have worked my entire life for this,” he said. “I am finally fulfilling my dream. I have to thank my teammates for their advice and the coach for trusting me. I am certain that this is only the beginning of the dream.”
Roma have now made Lulli’s contract renewal a priority after he convinced the club, his teammates and Gasperini.
Gasperini Praises Lulli’s Athletic Qualities
Gasperini recently explained why he decided to keep Lulli at Trigoria rather than sanctioning a loan.
“I already had Lulli training with us last season,” the Roma coach told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“In terms of athletic qualities, speed and stamina, he is superior to everyone—even Wesley. He is a force of nature and a wonderful young man. He must improve technically.”
Those comments underline both Lulli’s immediate value and the development still required before he becomes an established Serie A player.
The arrival of Molina and the return of Rensch will create greater competition on the right, but Roma’s involvement in Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia should provide opportunities throughout the season.
Lulli’s performances have already established him as a credible first-team option, while the proposed extension until 2031 would give Roma long-term control over one of their most promising academy graduates.
His rise was one of the most encouraging stories from Roma’s consecutive 4-0 victories to begin the season.
Source: Nicolò Schira
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