Giampaolo shoots down Roma rumours

Former Siena coach Marco Giampaolo has denied that he is close to signing a deal with Roma, insisting he has yet to speak with them.

He was strongly linked with taking over the vacant Pescara post too this week before ultimately turning them down on Monday afternoon.

“Was I close to joining Roma? No never,” he told TMW. “I have had no contact but Roma are a strong team and a very important one and there are many good and capable coaches who could take over there and I am sure they will choose the best solution.

“I have great respect for them as a team who are playing very well under [Aurelio] Andreazzoli.”

Giampaolo has been without a coaching role since leaving Cesena two years ago.