D'Amico Admits Roma Need 'Another Step' for Champions League as Endrick Loan Chase Continues
Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico has acknowledged that the Giallorossi still require "another step" to compete at the top level, backing up coach Gian Piero Gasperini's public frustration over a squad that is beginning to creak under the weight of injuries and suspensions.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia ahead of Roma's Serie A meeting with Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico, D'Amico was candid about the gap between the capital club and Europe's elite.
D'Amico: Roma need to add 'something extra'
"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 said.
"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 admission follows a bruising week for Roma, who had raced out of the blocks this season but have seen their momentum stall with back-to-back Serie A draws against Inter and Como.
Real Madrid collapse leaves its mark
The low point came in the Champions League on Wednesday night, when Roma led Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid 3-1 only to collapse to a 4-3 defeat, conceding three almost identical late goals from corner kicks at the Stadio Olimpico.
Gasperini has not hidden his frustration at the limited depth available to him, particularly as injuries begin to pile up.
Injuries and suspension force seven changes
The last couple of matches have been costly for Roma. Donyell Malen is suspended following his red card in the 0-0 draw with Como, while Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone both sustained injuries against Real Madrid.
They join Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante on the treatment table, severely limiting Gasperini's options. As a result, Santiago Castro and Rodrigo Mora were handed starts against Genoa as part of seven changes from the side that began on Wednesday.
"We expect the lads to show us what we see in training and in match situations," D'Amico said of the reshuffled line-up. "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 want buy option in any Endrick deal
Roma have made no secret of their attempts to sign Endrick on loan from Real Madrid, and D'Amico was asked whether the club would accept a straight temporary move or insist on 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," he said. "Roma would like to have the option to retain players we get on loan, that is our general approach."
The pursuit of the Real Madrid forward is part of a wider recruitment strategy as Roma seek the extra quality they believe is required to sustain a Champions League challenge.