AS ROMA - Alberto De Rossi exclusive: youth development, Gasperini, agents and why facilities make the difference

Alberto De Rossi is AS Roma through and through. He spent almost three decades working in the club’s youth system, from the youngest sides through to the Primavera, guiding countless players into the professional game. Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb from inside Trigoria, he shared his reflections on the past, the present and the future of Italian football.

Pride in nearly two decades leading AS Roma’s Primavera
“It’s not just about the length of time. This was the youth sector of my own city, the club I support. The first word that comes to mind is pride. Then satisfaction. I had the great fortune of actively contributing to the life of the club and the development of so many young players. Belonging is an important concept for me - I try to transmit it. Our aim has always been to start with our own territory, with Roman boys dreaming of wearing the AS Roma shirt.”

How players - and methods - have changed
“Young people have changed: they have different stimuli, different tools. They are more receptive but less reflective. We need to adapt to the times. Everything is faster, more frenetic. Whether that’s an advantage or a disadvantage, only the future will tell.”

The role of Under-23 sides in Italy
“The biggest challenge for players is the step from youth to senior football. At AS Roma we are considering creating an Under-23 side, as others have done with success. Personally, I would also rethink the Primavera reform. Raising the age limit was not helpful. That championship was my life — and I believe it should focus on true youth development.”

Why Italian youngsters struggle compared to foreigners
“Foreign players are not necessarily better, but they are more prepared because they play earlier and deal with senior football sooner. Italy has fallen behind. Once we had an outstanding technical culture - think back to 1982, to Bruno Conti. Then we shifted too much towards tactics and physique, neglecting technique. At AS Roma we try a different path: we push players to play underage, to go out on loan early, so they return more experienced.”

Physical preparation vs technique
“Fitness work is important, but technical mastery remains fundamental. You must dominate the ball. We’ve never stopped working on technique at AS Roma, and I think others in Italy are realising its importance again. If you face a bigger, stronger opponent, how do you compete? With technique.”

The case of Alessio Riccardi
“I’ve already said it: Alessio Riccardi, now at Latina. He played three years underage with me, pure talent. There was a lot of hype, big offers, a big contract - maybe too much pressure. He’s still in time, but something stalled in his growth.”

Luck, discipline and the mental game
“I don’t really believe in luck. You must always be switched on, with discipline and work. Mental strength is vital. And we mustn’t forget: football is a game. If it becomes just a job at youth level, we’ve all gone wrong.”

The role of agents
“Agents are important, in most cases good travel companions. They, together with us and the families, must help the boys reach the first team. Sometimes the mechanism breaks down, but right now we’re collaborating very well. The rest is up to the players.”

The importance of facilities
“Facilities are crucial - and Italy lacks a proper culture in this. Often there aren’t enough pitches. How can you train four teams on one pitch? At AS Roma we have eight, and thanks to the Friedkin family’s investment Trigoria is state of the art. We even have a high school inside the training centre. Because not every boy will make it as a professional, we must give them tools for life.”

Coaches as instructors
“At AS Roma our job is clear: to produce players for the first team. The coach must be an instructor above all. We don’t look at league tables until three games from the end - the focus is on individual development.”

His bonds with Ranieri and Conti
“With Ranieri I had an excellent relationship, both professional and then human. For a Primavera coach it is vital to have the right profile in the first team, one who gives you the right advice and openings. With Bruno Conti, what can I say? He chose me at AS Roma, he guided me - he’s like a second brother to me.”

Gasperini as a guarantee for AS Roma
“For youth development, Gasperini is a guarantee. His career speaks for itself - look at the players he has launched. For us, his arrival is an absolute guarantee.”

On the decline of historic clubs
“I’d add SPAL too. It’s sad to see clubs where I played - Piacenza, Siena, Livorno, Lucchese - in their current state. I don’t like calling them ‘fallen giants’. These are passionate cities. At Livorno I played in front of 20,000 people in Serie C. That passion deserves better.”