Ever since the axe fell on Eusebio Di Francesco, rumors aplenty have swirled about who would be Roma’s next manager. Of course, the almighty dream was Antonio Conte, whose flirtation with the Giallorossi turned out to be no more than that. Maurizio Sarri also seemed to be near the top of the list, but a move to Juve seems to be in the cards for him. Then the attention turned to Gian Piero Gasperini, but that seemingly imminent move to Roma died when Gasperini decided to remain with the Atalanta side that he guided into the Champions League. With so many names being crossed off the list, bren pondered whether anyone really wants to coach our beloved club.

According to reports out of Corriere dello Sport and Sky, some new names have emerged as possibilities after a summit was held on Wednesday at the Roma offices.

Roberto De Zerbi

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De Zerbi has seen his star grow over the course of the season with Sassuolo. The 39 year old had less successful, briefer stints with Palermo and Benevento as well. De Zerbi led Sassuolo to a nine wins and 16 draws en route to the Neroverdi finishing comfortably above the drop zone.

De Zerbi has garnered acclaim and the attention of bigger clubs for his attacking football. As Franco Baldini put it during his conference call with the Roma hierarchy, “attractive and arrogant” football. The Brescia born manager would be the top choice at this point in time if Roma decide to stick with an Italian.

However, it’s reported that De Zerbi would need some convincing to join Roma. The Sassuolo CT has some worries that a rough go of things in Rome could damage his burgeoning reputation. Have we really gotten to the point where a stay at Sassuolo is preferred to a jump to Roma?

Paulo Fonseca

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Another name that has surfaced over the last few days is that of Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca. The 46 year old Portuguese tactician, often remembered for dressing up like Zoro prior to a Champions League match against Napoli, has a considerable CV. Fonseca has won three straight Ukrainian league and Ukrainian cup titles, a Ukrainian super cup, a Portuguese Cup with Braga, and a Portuguese Super Cup with Porto. Additionally, he took Shakhtar to last season’s CL Round of 16 where they lost to Roma.

Fonseca is said to be a favorite of Baldini’s and could be free to make a move. Shakhtar’s President has already said that Fonseca wouldn’t be stopped from making a move to a bigger club.

“If Paulo wanted to leave for reasons of ambition, I’d let him go,” the club’s President Rinat Akhmetov is on record as saying.

“It would also give lustre to our club, certifying the growth in his work. There’s a moral understanding between us.

“That also applies for everyone else at Shakhtar. I won’t keep anyone here against their wishes.”

With that being said, if Roma truly want Fonseca then the door could be wide open. Fonseca has done a lot of winning in his young career, but not in a top league. Roma management will have to be certain that he can carry his success into one of Europe’s biggest leagues.

Siniša Mihajlović

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The newest name to surface according to Gianluca Di Marzio is that of current Bologna boss Siniša Mihajlović. In 17 matches in charge of the Rossoblu, the Serbian averaged 1.76 points per game, saving the side from relegation.

The 50 year old is an experienced manager, who has spent nearly all of his career in Italy, so he is well versed in Italian football. It is said that he would also have the full backing of incoming DS Gianluca Petrachi since the two worked together in Torino.

It would be interesting to see the reception that Mihajlović would get from the tifosi considering his Lazio past. However, if Roma want to stick with someone with Serie A experience Mihajlović has plenty of it, albeit in many short tenures around the peninsula.