Atalanta vs AS Roma preview - Roma dismiss coach speculation

Roma have moved to quell rumours a high-profile head coach is being lined up after the club reached a preliminary agreement over a multi-million euro investment.

The Giallorossi board entrusted the care of the first team to Aurelio Andreazzoli in the wake of Zdenek Zeman's dismissal but that looked set to change following Friday night's revelation.

A statement on Roma's official website confirmed the club had reached a preliminary agreement with Sheikh Adnan Adel Aref al Qaddumi al Shtewi and his company, NEEP Roma Holding, to enter the club "directly or indirectly".

The Perugia-based Sheikh, originally from Qatar, owns two oil companies and could invest up to 100million euros as Roma look to build a new stadium outside of the city.

Names including Massimiliano Allegri, Andrea Stramaccioni and Laurent Blanc were immediately linked with Andreazzoli's job but the club responded promptly to media reports through their official Twitter feed.

"AS Roma would like to dismiss the rumours suggesting they are in talks to appoint a new coach next season," a statement read.

"Aurelio Andreazzoli is the Roma coach and there is every reason to believe he will continue in that role for the coming seasons."

Injured duo Leandro Castan and Mattia Destro join suspended striker Francesco Totti on the sidelines at Atalanta, who are searching for a second win in 10 outings having lost 2-1 at Torino last weekend.

Nerazzurri goalkeeper Andrea Consigli told the Corriere dello Sport: "We didn't cover ourselves in glory against Torino.

"We had a terrible first half in which we had a bad attitude and did the opposite of what the coach told us to do.

"It was by far the worst defeat of the season as we played with no personality, were absurdly timid and conceded their winning goal on the counter-attack.

"Luckily football gives you the chance to play catch-up and on Sunday we face a Roma side who are not at the top of their game having recently changed their coach. But then again, they're enthusiastic after beating Juventus.

"I hope the group will put more effort into training this week and we must return to winning ways in Bergamo."

Luca Cigarini, Michele Ferri, Guido Marilungo and Gian Bellini will not face Roma due to injury, while Christian Del Grosso serves a one-match ban.