The Friedkin Group is making a bold move in their search for Roma's next sporting director, personally targeting Napoli's Giovanni Manna as the top candidate to replace Frederic Massara. This comes at a critical juncture for the Giallorossi, who are desperate to avoid further missteps in their quest to return to the Champions League.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini made it crystal clear in his latest press conference that the club cannot afford any more mistakes in planning for next season. "Mistakes are forbidden," he emphasized, setting the tone for what promises to be a pivotal summer transfer window.

Frederic Massara, who spoke to the media before yesterday's match against Fiorentina, carefully sidestepped questions about the club's future plans, choosing not to escalate tensions with Gasperini. Sources confirm that Massara's departure is all but certain, despite his recent optimistic remarks about Roma's bright future.

According to Il Tempo, a full-scale casting call is underway to find Massara's successor. The leading contenders are Manna from Napoli and Vincenzo D'Amico from Atalanta, both currently under contract with their respective clubs. However, it's Manna who has emerged as the frontrunner after Sky Sport's Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Friedkin himself has personally reached out to the Napoli sporting director.

Other names in the mix include Giuntoli and Sogliano, though they remain more distant options. Fabio Paratici, currently tied to Fiorentina, is also in the conversation but trails significantly behind the others. Interestingly, Paratici expressed his appreciation for Roma's interest during yesterday's proceedings.

For Roma fans, this search represents more than just a front-office change—it's about building a foundation that can consistently challenge for Champions League spots. The right appointment could be the difference between another season of uncertainty and a return to Europe's elite competition.