Fienga honoured with Castagna d'Oro prize

Club legend Daniele De Rossi was also honoured at the event, which took place in Soriano nel Cimino, with former Roma teammate Federico Balzaretti also in attendance to receive an award.

After taking to the stage to receive his prize, Fienga was interviewed by the host about Roma’s new ownership, the ongoing transfer market and media speculation about De Rossi and Francesco Totti returning to the club…

Can you describe the nature of the change of ownership of the club: perhaps a business has been replaced by a family?

“I think Roma’s development following the purchase by Pallotta was a natural progression – he transformed a club that at the time had a more local reach into an international project. Those were steps that needed to be built upon and now, with the change in ownership, that is being overseen by a group with a background in building businesses, rather than finance.

“The new owners have just arrived and the timing of the takeover fell exactly in between the end of one season and the beginning of another – seasons that essentially never stopped, considering there were only three weeks without games and transfer market going along in between.

“We need to give the new ownership time in order for them to familiarise themselves with things and implement their approach. The overall approach is the one you are all sensing: to calmly and sensibly address the issues and the many deadlines that there are right now. Without trying to deceive or mislead anyone, putting maximum effort into trying to solve or address as soon as possible the issues that need to be addressed in order to start implementing an ambitious project that a club like Roma should have.

“Everything is being managed with the utmost calm, without making big promises, with the aim of growing Roma – who last year finished fifth and have to do better.”

You are a businessman with an international background: what is the main quality you believe Roma needs now in order to grow?

“It is a mix of everything. The club has an international vision but is also built on strong local bonds. I don’t think there is any club, at least of this level, with such a close bond with the city it represents. And this is probably also a key aspect that inspires even an American to buy the club – because they understand that the club is a part of Rome.

“There needs to be a mix between the club’s significance to the city, in which it has always played a central role, with an international perspective – and that’s a challenge and a motivation for people, Romans like me, who want Rome and AS Roma to be seen as a positive symbol for Italy. And more importantly, a positive symbol for Rome - because Roma represents this city.”

Does Guido Fienga hope for the return of Daniele De Rossi?

“I know incredibly well the relationship with Roma and the passion for the club that Daniele, Francesco [Totti] and Federico [Balzaretti] all have. But I also think it’s unfair to continue to put all this scrutiny on them, talking about their possible returns. They have chosen their career paths, for all of which they are studying and gaining experience. They are part of the club’s makeup and they will continue to be.”

Will we start the season with Edin Dzeko playing and captaining the side?

“Of course. Edin is the captain of Roma and for as long as he wants to be he will remain the captain of Roma.”

You are the CEO, but you are also overseeing the transfer market: how difficult is that task and how well prepared do you feel for it? After the takeover, will the Friedkin Group be delivering a present to the squad too?

“I am doing a task that is not mine – you will never hear me claim to be an expert on football. I help the club with the negotiations, with the aim of balancing the books. I maintain that the club already has a very strong squad and a great coach. As happens in every transfer window, we have to try and address certain areas where we have fewer options in different positions, and that is what we are focusing on.

“We have been making a real effort, even since last year, to make sure we keep the players that have impressed the most over the course of the season, and make sure those players don’t leave. That’s our biggest achievement, and I think that is being recognised: the fact that we are heading towards the season not by trying to find answers where we were already strong, but by looking at solutions in areas where there is room for improvement.”

For many years there has been a more business-minded approach, looking to make profits from the transfer market…

“We hope to be able to show at the end of the transfer market that that approach has totally changed, and that’s what we are working towards. Making splashes in the transfer market? The players we already have here within the squad are great players. If someone new comes in then that means we think they can bring quality and something extra to a side that already has a lot of great options.”

Should we expect Francesco Totti to get a coffee with Dan Friedkin soon – and also one with Fienga?

“We have a really good, open relationship, both with Francesco and Daniele. There is no need for controversy or speculation – it’s not necessary, it’s not helpful and above all it isn’t true.”