Gian Piero Gasperini says Claudio Ranieri contacted him for the primary time in December 2024, however feels the Giallorossi nonetheless aren’t Champions League materials, regardless of being the joint-table leaders in Serie A.
Roma coach Gasperini spoke concerning the first few months as the brand new Roma coach in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.
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tactician has had a direct influence, bringing the Giallorossi to the highest of the Serie A desk alongside Napoli.
Giallorossi and Partenopei have earned 15 factors within the opening six video games of the season, however Roma have the most effective defence within the league with simply two objectives conceded.
Gasperini signed a three-year take care of Roma final summer season, leaving Atalanta after 9 seasons.
Gasperini: Ranieri contacted me in December
epa12094855 Roma�s coach Claudio Ranieri and Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini smile as they pose forward of the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma, in Bergamo, Italy, 12 Could 2025. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
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“Ranieri contacted me final December. I already had the sensation it will be my final season at Atalanta. The identical factor occurred with Napoli the 12 months earlier than, however then I stayed after successful the Europa League, as we thought we may win much more,” the Italian
“Within the first few months, each the gamers and the crew have impressed me. Everybody feels accountability. In Rome, there’s an unbelievable ardour, one thing that may solely be in comparison with Naples once they win. I signed for 3 years, and so long as there’s ardour, I’ll hold going.
“With out outcomes, all you get is speak. I’ve all the time believed in taking part in efficient soccer to realize victory. My actual progress got here in Bergamo, taking part in in Europe. Now my taking part in model is well-known; it’s turn into a reference level.”
Gasperini didn’t get all of the reinforcements he hoped for final summer season, however prefers to give attention to the gamers at his disposal and doesn’t count on massive modifications in January.
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“I favor to speak concerning the ones I’ve. Some are out of contract quickly, others are on mortgage, however there’s all the time nice unity,” he stated.
“Normally, the January window is nearly gamers who haven’t performed a lot transferring from one crew to a different. I’ve by no means overhauled a squad throughout that switch window. For me, the market ought to shut earlier than Serie A begins, or the coach needs to be allowed to determine whether or not to proceed or not.”
Fairly surprisingly, the Giallorossi have been struggling up entrance, scoring simply seven objectives in Serie A. Their centre-forward, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson have solely mixed for one objective.
Gasperini expects a unique ‘attacking presence’ as injured gamers return
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini gestures through the Serie A match between AS Roma and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico on September 28, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photograph by Paolo Bruno/Getty Pictures)
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“We’ll get there. It’s a disgrace Dovbyk needed to go away for worldwide obligation. I can see he’s bettering, and I wish to get him to high situation,” stated Gasperini.
“With Pellegrini, Dybala and Bailey again, we’ll have a unique attacking presence.
“My crew isn’t a Champions League aspect, and this solely will increase the gamers’ credit score. At present, everybody focuses on attacking, even within the switch market. The highest Italian golf equipment have all purchased strikers. At Atalanta, we signed Zapata and reached the Champions League, with Muriel, we received again there, and with De Ketelaere and Scamacca, we received the Europa League.”
Gasperini additionally agreed with Alessandro Del Piero that technical abilities are sometimes neglected in favour of sturdy physicality.
“He’s proper. Golf equipment select gamers primarily based on physique now. Abilities are not valued, not like in Spain. Norway scored three objectives towards us; they need to be successful at ice hockey, not soccer.”
