Gandini: As a club we are doing our best to keep moving forward

The Giallorossi chief executive was speaking at a sports conference in the Middle East, and was asked about the progress the club are trying to make in all aspects of their business.

Gandini was asked about how the club compared with Juventus, the reigning Serie A champions and current league leaders, and whether Roma needed a new stadium in order to reach that same level.

“We’re already at their level,” Gandini said. “There are seven points between us in the league table but we’re on par with them as a club.

"Roma are similar to what Barcelona represent for Catalonia. The fans have great passion and [owner Jim] Pallotta wants to turn Roma into one of the world's biggest clubs."

Gandini also discussed the state of play in Italian football and the game as a whole, stressing the strategic importance of cutting-edge stadium facilities, such as the one the club have pushed for: “Football is growing across the world and significantly in certain leagues. We’re doing our best in Italy to keep moving forward as a unit. Stadio della Roma is massively important for us and the game in this country.

"It’s a source of revenue for us and will have an exciting and welcoming atmosphere for fans. The facility is synonymous with growth for the Italian game.”

The CEO then praised Luciano Spalletti, before giving his take on the coach’s recent comments regarding his future: “He’s always said that whether or not he pens a new deal is down to the players. Spalletti is a competitive and skilled coach. It’s important for him to be focused on his targets and maintain the pressure on the players and himself.

"We’ll all sit down to discuss the situation in the first few months of 2017. Clearly from our side, we're keen to continue with him at the helm.”

Finally, Gandini revealed the excitement he’s feeling in his latest role: “I joined after 23 years at AC Milan and I bring that experience with me to the Giallorossi. That’s why they hired me and it’s an incredible opportunity for me. I like it here. We have a strong team and a good club structure behind us.”