Alessandro Romano (17) wants to get started with his Servette opponent: will he be the first Swiss player for AS Roma?

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On Thursday, Servette welcomes AS Roma, coached by José Mourinho (60). World and European champions play in this team, but no Swiss. Regardless, in the club’s 96-year history, no Swiss has ever donned the Giallorossi shirt.

But if all goes according to plan, that could change in the coming years. Because a Dietliker plays in the Roman youth department: Alessandro Romano (17), son of Umberto (50) – once Super League player and current U19 FCZ coach – and brother of Luca (19), U21 captain of Winterthur. “It’s a great feeling that such a big club is betting on me. “My goal is to one day be able to play in these colors at the Stadio Olimpico,” the young hopeful told Blick.

Unforgettable training with Mourinho

There is still a long way to go. Romano currently plays in the club’s U18 team. As a midfielder, the Nati captain of that age group attracts attention week after week with his ball control and play overview. His performances recently earned him a training call-up to the Primavera, the club’s top youth level. And that’s not all. In the autumn he was even allowed to be part of the professional team.

“I will never forget this day in my life. Training with world champions and European champions and playing passes with them was indescribable,” says Romano. He also exchanged a few words with Mourinho that day. ‘He asked how I was doing. The assistant then led the training.”

The start in Rome was not easy

As in all his previous positions, the Portuguese star coach attaches great importance to young talent in Rome. Mourinho has given more than ten players their professional debuts since the summer of 2021. Some have already been sold at high prices. Others such as Edoardo Bove (21) and Nicola Zalewski (21) are now part of the extended starting eleven.

Whether Romano will make it this circle is anyone’s guess. One thing is certain: he can count on a healthy environment that supports him unconditionally. When he started his adventure in Rome over a year ago, he suddenly found himself almost 1,000 kilometers away from his loved ones. Not an easy situation, especially for a teenager. “Because we have a very strong bond as a family, the divorce made things more difficult at first,” he admits.

Derby victory as another highlight

The football-mad family has now gotten used to their new life. “I contact my parents every day via Facetime and they visit often,” says Romano. Today he lives in one of the club’s boarding schools and, in addition to sports, also studies for school. In addition to the U17 championship title, he mentions his first two goals and the derby win against Lazio with the U18 as sporting highlights. “There were 1,500 spectators and there were choreos and pyros in the stands.”

About the same number of Roma fans – 1,800 – are expected in Geneva on Thursday for the Europa League match against Servette. Romano is convinced that the Romans will triumph.

Source : Blick