Gianluca Falsini believes Emanuele Lulli’s progress at AS Roma reflects both the positional change made during his time in the club’s academy and the work the young player has done to make the most of his opportunity.
Falsini, now in charge of Como’s Primavera side, worked with Lulli in Roma’s youth set-up before the defender established himself in Gian Piero Gasperini’s first team. Speaking to Sky Sport, he explained that Lulli had originally played in central midfield.
“Initially, he wasn’t being considered. My contribution was moving him into the position he plays now with Gasperini. He used to play as a mezzala, inside the pitch. I moved him to full-back in a back four, and when we switched to a back three, he played as a wing-back, as he does now.”
The switch gave Lulli a route towards the first team in a role that demands both defensive work and the ability to provide width going forward. Gasperini has since given him the opportunity to demonstrate those qualities at senior level.
Falsini was keen to recognise the player’s character as well as his footballing development. He described Lulli as someone who understood he was not necessarily among the most naturally gifted players in the group, but knew he had the potential to improve.
“He is a boy with incredible moral qualities,” Falsini said. “He came to training knowing he wasn’t one of the best, but he had extraordinary potential.”
The coach also credited the people around the young defender, pointing to the role played by his family and those who supported him away from the training ground.
Falsini did not claim responsibility for Lulli’s emergence at senior level. Instead, he drew a distinction between identifying a position that suited the player and the work required to make that opportunity count.
“Everything good he is doing now is all down to him and Gasperini, who has helped him show his value,” he said.
That acknowledgement is significant as Lulli continues to develop under a coach known for asking a great deal of his wide players. The role requires energy, tactical discipline and the confidence to contribute in possession, rather than simply staying back to defend.
Falsini’s account offers a glimpse into the work behind Lulli’s rise. A change of position opened a new path, but the player’s application and Gasperini’s trust have helped turn that possibility into progress with Roma’s senior side.