AS Roma have identified Gian Piero Gasperini, the highly regarded former Atalanta manager, as the successor to Claudio Ranieri, who recently concluded his coaching career with the Giallorossi. The announcement comes as Roma seek to build on the remarkable turnaround orchestrated by Ranieri, who guided the club from the brink of relegation to a fifth-place finish in Serie A, securing Europa League qualification for the 2025-26 season. With negotiations reportedly in their final stages, Gasperini’s appointment is poised to usher in a new era at the Stadio Olimpico.
Ranieri, a beloved figure in Rome, came out of retirement in November 2024 to rescue Roma from a precarious position in the Serie A standings. Under his stewardship, the team lost just four matches in the second half of the season, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles under previous manager Ivan Juric. Ranieri’s final match, a 2-0 victory over Torino on May 25, 2025, marked the end of his illustrious coaching career, with the 73-year-old now transitioning to an advisory role within the club. Before stepping down, Ranieri hinted at the club’s advanced plans for his replacement, noting it was “incredible” that the news had not yet leaked, a testament to Roma’s discretion in their managerial search.
Gian Piero Gasperini, who parted ways with Atalanta after a transformative nine-year tenure, emerged as the leading candidate to take the reins. Sources indicate that Roma’s ownership, led by Dan Friedkin, alongside director Florent Ghisolfi and Ranieri himself, met with Gasperini in Florence on May 29, 2025, to finalize the details of a three-year contract reportedly worth €6 million per season. The meeting, described as high-stakes, underscores Roma’s determination to secure the 67-year-old tactician, whose track record at Atalanta has made him one of Italy’s most respected coaches. Gasperini’s decision to leave Atalanta was influenced by his desire for a new challenge, particularly after the departure of key players like Rafael Toloi and his rejection of a contract extension with the Bergamo club.
Gasperini’s time at Atalanta was marked by unprecedented success, including leading the club to their first-ever European trophy with a 3-0 victory over Bayern Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final. His innovative 3-4-2-1 formation transformed Atalanta into a consistent contender for European qualification, securing multiple Champions League berths and a quarterfinal appearance in 2020. Roma’s management believes Gasperini’s tactical acumen and attacking philosophy align perfectly with the squad’s current roster, which includes dynamic players like Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes. Reports also suggest that Gasperini is keen to reunite with Atalanta midfielder Mario Pasalic, whose contract is set to expire in June, potentially bringing the Croatian to the capital as part of his vision for Roma.