Roma director Tony D’Amico agrees with Gian Piero Gasperini that they need ‘another step’ to compete in the Champions League, but would want Endrick with a purchase option from Real Madrid.
The match with Genoa kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The Giallorossi had such an enthusiastic start to the campaign, but it has petered out a little in recent weeks with back-to-back Serie A draws against Inter and Como.
Above all, they had been 3-1 up in the Champions League against Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid only to throw it all away on Wednesday night, losing 4-3 by conceding three almost identical late goals from corner kicks.
Gasperini has not held back on his frustration at the limited squad, especially now that injuries are beginning to pile up.
D’Amico acknowledges Roma issues
“As the coach said yesterday, in order to compete in certain tournaments and confirm our level from last season in Serie A, we need another step and to add something extra,” D’Amico told Sky Sport Italia.
“We tried over the summer and did not manage it for various reasons, but we know our objectives and will keep working to improve.”
The last couple of matches have been costly, because Donyell Malen is suspended after his red card in the 0-0 draw with Como, while Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné sustained injuries against Real Madrid.
They join Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante on the treatment table, limiting the options, so Santiago Castro and Rodrigo Mora start this evening as part of seven changes from the side that started on Wednesday.
“We expect the lads to show us what we see in training and in match situations. They have quality, we invested a lot in them, and the focus on youthful additions works with the old guard that we kept hold of.”
Roma have made no secret of their attempt to sign Endrick on loan from Real Madrid, but D’Amico was asked if those terms would be acceptable, or if they would insist on adding an option to buy?
“Our aim is to sign strong players. When we get a player on loan, there are always options to be added on. Roma would like to have the option to retain players we get on loan, that is our general approach.”