AS Roma officially announced on Friday the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as their new manager, with the highly-regarded coach signing a three-year deal. The 67-year-old arrives in the capital just days after departing Atalanta, where he enjoyed a transformative nine-year tenure.
Gasperini steps into the shoes of the recently retired Claudio Ranieri, who had taken on an advisory role after his third spell at the club concluded. Roma, having secured a fifth-place finish in Serie A last season, will compete in the Europa League – a trophy Gasperini famously lifted with Atalanta in 2024.
The move wasn’t entirely unexpected, as Gasperini had indicated in February that he wouldn’t be extending his contract with Atalanta beyond June, despite an option for an additional year. His decision signaled a desire for a new challenge after a remarkable period in Bergamo.
A statement from AS Roma lauded Gasperini’s arrival, highlighting his “creative tactics, dedication to hard work, and exceptional player development.” Both the club’s ownership and Claudio Ranieri himself expressed confidence that Gasperini is the ideal candidate to lead the Giallorossi forward.
Gasperini’s legacy at Atalanta is undeniable. He transformed the club from Serie A strugglers into a consistent European contender, culminating in their historic Europa League triumph this year – his first-ever trophy in a managerial career that began in 2003. He famously guided Atalanta to European qualification in his inaugural season, ending a 26-year drought for the club. Under his guidance, Atalanta even challenged for the Serie A title for a significant portion of last season, ultimately finishing third for the fourth time during his tenure.
Having previously managed Crotone, Genoa, Inter Milan, and Palermo, Gasperini’s coaching prowess truly blossomed at Atalanta. Now, he faces the challenge of steering Roma back to the pinnacle of European football. The club has enjoyed recent European success, winning the Conference League in 2022 and reaching the Europa League final in 2023. The expectation now is for Gasperini to propel them back into the Champions League, a stage they haven’t graced since 2019.
