Gandini welcomes chance for Roma to renew American relationships

Club chief executive Umberto Gandini believes Roma's participation in the 2018 International Champions Cup will have huge benefits - both on and off the pitch.

On Thursday afternoon it was confirmed that the Giallorossi will return to the United States this summer, for the third time in a row, and will once again play in what has become football's premier exhibition tournament.

Read what Gandini had to say about the news, and what it will mean both for club's ongoing growth on and off the pitch.

Today it has been announced that Roma will take part in the International Champions Cup, for the fourth time. What are you feelings about this season’s summer tour?

“To be considered among the biggest sides in the world is something to be proud of. Traditionally, the ICC and Relevent have brought to the United States, and other parts of the world, the strongest sides from Europe.

“We have once again been invited to take part and it is, without doubt, a great acknowledgement of the work this club is doing both on and off the pitch.”

How important is it to prepare for the battles of the new season against sides of the highest level?

“This is always a recurring theme of every season. I have learned, from my experiences, that going up against sides of the same level and preparation allows you to work better: battling teams in a professional setting at the highest level is an advantage.

“If pre-season is done exclusively against sides of a slightly lower level can be problematic, because sometimes you lack the habits gained by stiff competition. Playing top-quality exhibition games against elite sides gives you the chance to get used to the level that always presents itself once the campaign gets underway, in Europe and at home.”

What are the club’s hopes for this latest American tour?

“As we know, our bond with the United States is very strong, because of both our owner Jim Pallotta and many of our board members. We have another chance, therefore, to meet with many of our stakeholders and work on a number of important steps for the club as a business, to build and sustain it. Just as Roma represents the city of Rome in the US and around the world, a great number of tourists who visit the capital over the course of any given year come from the United States. So this is another opportunity to strengthen and broaden the bonds that exist between all these parties.”

How important is the link between Roma and its many overseas fans, where there is often a strong Italian community?

“Hugely important, especially in the era of social media and long-distance communication. We are extremely pleased to bring our club and our players closer to fans who support us so passionately from afar for much of the year. Our support continues to grow, thanks in large part to great performances on the pitch like those against Barcelona, which has generated more passion and attention both in Italy and around the world. Being able to see, first-hand, how Roma’s reputation is growing around the world is always a beautiful thing.”

It is also another chance to see the great sports complex that American fans are treated with.

“We will play in stadiums built for entertainment and sporting competitions of the very highest level, facilities with great comfort and individual charm. All of this will help us as we work on what will be a great stadium for Roma."