Maurizio Gasparri has warned Everton that they will soon “find out who they are dealing with” at The Freidkin Group. The Italian Forza Italia politician told Rai Radio1, via Roma News (October 21), that he supported the recent protest by Roma ultras, who left their part of the stadium vacant for 15 minutes in the 1-0 loss to Inter the day before, and would have liked to join them.
He expressed his desire for the American club owners, who have agreed to buy Farhad Moshiri’s Everton shares, to go and deal with the Toffees, as well as his “great regret” for what is to come on Merseyside. Gasparri responded: “I agree with yesterday’s judgment of the Curva Sud, who missed 15 minutes because they detest this Roma management.” “I would have gone to the Curva to hoist a banner against these Friedkins, who should go as quickly as possible.
“They acquired Everton; let them deal with it. I say this with deep regret for the Everton fans who will discover who they are dealing with. “Vox populi, vox Dei.” Dan Friedkin to buy Everton from Farhad Moshiri, sparking Roma outrage The firing of club veteran Daniele de Rossi as manager earlier this season sparked a strong response in Rome against the club’s owners, who are attempting to take over Goodison Park.
It appears that the outpouring of rage at losing the former Italy midfielder only four games into his three-year contract has been exacerbated by fears that the Serie A giants will be forced to play second fiddle to Everton once the Premier League takeover is completed, with Dan Friedkin expected to be present in the UK for a key role [Sky Italia, 23 September].
Whether it should be a warning to the Toffees or not is primarily a matter of perspective, given that Roma fans are unlikely to be particularly familiar with Evertonians’ experiences under Moshiri. In the given conditions, the Friedkins appear to be a significant improvement, particularly when compared to 777 Partners, who spent virtually the whole season striving to take control.
The Americans appear to have the means and wherewithal to restore a club the size of the Toffees to its proper position in a way that has not been conceivable for years. Lina Souloukou, the former Roma chief executive who resigned amid fan outrage following De Rossi’s dismissal, is expected to take on a prominent role with the Toffees [Corriere dello Sport, 18 October]. Back-to-back European finals, including a Europa Conference League victory, appear to be a good return for Roma when compared to repeated relegation struggles, concerns about the club’s future, and the need to sell top players on Merseyside on a regular basis.
But that doesn’t mean Everton fans will ignore any of Friedkins’ potential flaws, and the new owners will undoubtedly hear about them if they make unpleasant decisions while in charge. However, compared to Moshiri, 777, and even John Textor, they appear to be the greatest alternative for the Toffees at this point, and fans will be hopeful that this transfer does not turn sour in the same manner that the current administration did.
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