Roma CEO John Galantic has revealed that the club intends to establish an Under-23 team as part of a wider academy overhaul, while offering an important update on the proposed new stadium in Pietralata.
Speaking to reporters during the Festival dello Sport in Trento, Galantic discussed his relationship with the Friedkin family, Roma’s long-term financial strategy and the possibility of strengthening Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad in January.
Galantic recalls his first day at Roma
Galantic’s tenure began during a particularly demanding period, with Roma conducting their preseason preparations while simultaneously working through the transfer market.
“My first day was only a few weeks ago,” Galantic said. “I was in Wales at the team’s training camp, right in the middle of the transfer market and with a demanding colleague beside me in Gasperini.
“It was a baptism of fire. I also prefer a team that goes to win the ball rather than waiting for it. I was fortunate to arrive during a very positive moment. We have made a very good start this year.”
How Galantic became a Roma supporter
The Roma CEO explained that his relationship with the club began long before he assumed his current executive position.
“My passion for Roma began thanks to my father,” he said. “He used to take me to the stadium when we came to Italy, and I fell in love with Roma. I could never have imagined that I would one day return in this role.”
Asked which Roma players and moments had affected him most emotionally, Galantic immediately mentioned Francesco Totti.
“The first is undoubtedly the captain,” he said. “That first-time pass with his back to goal, which only he could see, was poetry.
“I remember a derby in which Cafu performed a triple sombrero over Nedved—I hope he is not here,” Galantic joked. “But I also remember the recent victory created by Soulé’s goal against Atalanta. There have been many beautiful moments.”
Galantic admitted that he struggled to contain his emotions when Soulé scored, despite being warned that his new position required him to behave less like a supporter.
“I was in Boston during Falcao’s time at Roma,” he explained. “Before the Atalanta match, I was told that I now have an important role and need to behave less like a fan. But when I saw Soulé’s goal, I completely lost control.”
Galantic explains the Friedkins’ commitment to Roma
Galantic first met the Friedkins during their purchase of Roma from the club’s previous ownership group. He believes their willingness to operate privately should not be confused with a lack of involvement.
“I met them during the transaction with the previous ownership,” Galantic said. “I was struck by how much they care about this project.
“They remain silent and work behind the scenes. Dan Friedkin has created an empire across several industries, now including sport. I was surprised by how much time he dedicates to all these businesses, even though he almost never speaks publicly—not even in America.
“We must respect his nature, and now they have asked me to speak. They are deeply involved before, during and after matches. Otherwise, you would not make all these investments.”
Asked whether Dan Friedkin might eventually appear at the Festival dello Sport, Galantic joked: “I think that would be difficult. Maybe he would come for a coffee.”
Why Galantic accepted Roma role
Galantic insisted that accepting Roma’s offer was motivated by passion and his belief in the ownership’s ambitions—not by personal career advancement.
“I had been speaking with the Friedkins for years,” he revealed. “This challenge was simply too fascinating.
“It was not a career move because I have already had my career. It was a decision based on passion and conviction.
“I could have taken this role in the past, but now I have received assurances regarding the ownership’s commitment and the resources required to build something significant. That made it an easy decision.”
Roma planning academy overhaul and Under-23 team
One of Galantic’s most important revelations concerned Roma’s plans for developing young players.
The CEO argued that Roma cannot build a sustainable future by continually selling academy prospects to record capital gains. Instead, the club wants to create a clearer pathway between the Primavera and Gasperini’s first team.
“We cannot always survive through capital gains,” Galantic explained. “We need to develop our own Lullis and Pisillis.
“We are planning a renewal of the academy. We have people such as D’Amico and Margiotta who are developing our youth sector, but we need another stage of growth between the Primavera and the first team. Therefore, we need an Under-23 team.
“We have synergies with Cannes, and there is a pathway that we are constructing. We want it to be solid.
“We want more homegrown players to reach the first team so that we can have a sustainable project. Then, in four years, the stadium will change everything by increasing the club’s revenue.”
An Under-23 side would provide Roma’s leading academy players with experience in senior football while allowing the club to monitor their development more closely.
Could Roma sign a left wing-back in January?
Galantic was also asked whether Roma would enter the January transfer market to add another option on the left flank.
“That is a good question,” he said with a laugh. “Next question? We are always vigilant, and we will see whether any opportunities emerge.”
While stopping short of confirming that Roma will pursue a specific target, his response left open the possibility of a winter addition if the right conditions arise.
Galantic provides Roma stadium update
Galantic believes Roma’s proposed new stadium can elevate the club into European football’s elite by transforming its revenue and matchday experience.
“Yes, because it has been designed for the supporters,” he said. “The Olimpico is filled with memories, but it was not designed specifically for football. This stadium has been.
“The ownership has carefully studied the best stadiums in the world, and we have several very interesting and exciting elements that will help create the proper atmosphere.
“We imagine a more compact Curva Sud. It will be something special.”
Galantic described the project as Roma’s fourth attempt to construct a new stadium and suggested that work could begin in the spring.
“This is the fourth attempt to build a stadium in Rome,” he continued. “It is the first time we have reached this stage, with the first stone potentially being laid around March or April.
“The Friedkins have achieved all of this silently and through concrete action. Sometimes silence is golden, and in this case it has worked.
“It is an important investment for Italy. I cannot remember another post-war investment of €1.3 billion like this one.”
Galantic looks toward Roma’s second century
Roma will celebrate the centenary of the club’s foundation in 2027, and Galantic wants the occasion to honor the past while establishing the foundations for the next era.
“The centenary will be a beautiful opportunity to celebrate Roma’s legends and supporters,” he concluded.
“It will also be a moment to look toward the next 100 years. I am pleased that we are currently experiencing a period of significant growth. This club’s future is extremely promising.”
Source: Festival dello Sport
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