Key Takeaways:
- Gian Piero Gasperini became emotional and ended his pre-match press conference in tears as he spoke about his tenure at Atalanta
- Gasperini will face former club Atalanta with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, in a critical Serie A encounter for Champions League qualification
- Claudio Ranieri’s comments last week, including claims about managerial selection and transfer approvals, surprised Gasperini and added to the internal pressure at Roma
Press Conference Dominated by Off-Pitch Tensions
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted he was taken aback by recent statements from Claudio Ranieri, revealing that these remarks significantly impacted him ahead of Saturday’s vital fixture against Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico. The upcoming contest is set to play a major role in determining Champions League positioning in Serie A.
The week’s build-up was marked by heightened scrutiny for Gasperini and his squad, triggered in part by Ranieri’s outspoken comments prior to Roma’s previous league match against Pisa. Ranieri asserted that Gasperini had only been Roma’s fourth managerial choice last summer and maintained the coach had sanctioned all of the club’s transfer dealings during the current campaign.
Addressing the media, Gasperini stated, “There was an interview on Friday, in which Ranieri created some situations, but to me it was an incredible surprise,” and expressed his determination to avoid exacerbating tensions within the club.
#Gasperini scoppia in lacrime parlando di #Percassi e lascia la conferenza. Il tecnico: "Non ho risposto agli attacchi per non creare danni all'#ASRoma o ai tifosi. #Wesley vorrebbe giocare ma i medici dicono che rischia. L'#Atalanta?Competeva con le big d'Europa generando utili pic.twitter.com/Bb4I8fKHBZ
— I fatti nostri (@Infofatti) April 17, 2026
Team Challenges and Injury Management Complicate Preparations
Gasperini highlighted further difficulties relating to squad injuries, especially concerning Wesley. He noted that Wesley considered himself fit for selection, but the medical team saw potential risks, contributing to additional strains within club management. Gasperini clarified, “Wesley currently feels he can play, but the medical staff believes there are risks. This also leads to issues and discussions. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, but if the doctors say no, I can only follow that. Everything depends on medical clearance. It’s a shame to have lost Pellegrini. Pisilli picked up an ankle sprain at the start of the week. He seems to have recovered; we’ll assess him today.”
Despite the surrounding distractions, Gasperini repeatedly attempted to shift the media’s focus back onto the significance of the upcoming match, underscoring its importance for Roma’s European ambitions. He insisted that, with the season reaching its climax, there would be “no excuses” for either himself or the team.
Reflections on the Past and the Weight of Expectation
Questions regarding Gasperini’s future arose during the press conference, but he deflected these, reaffirming his commitment to the crucial fixture and reiterating the club’s goal of Champions League qualification: “The club and Ranieri have been very clear. I’ve always believed that with a little, we could reach the Champions League, and I’ve always pushed in that direction despite the significant absences we’ve had in recent months. Now we’re here, and we play knowing we’re facing a strong team. When I was at Atalanta, I saw Roma as a benchmark. If we beat Roma, we reach Europe. Now I see it the other way around: if we beat Atalanta, we deserve to play in the Champions League.”
Gasperini’s Emotional Farewell to Atalanta Era
The press conference closed with Gasperini visibly moved while responding to a question about his successful period at Atalanta. Speaking candidly, he acknowledged the unique environment in Bergamo and collaboration with the club that contributed to their overachievement, especially in Europe and in financial terms. As Gasperini paid tribute to Atalanta’s community and former president Antonio Percassi, the emotion overwhelmed him, and he left the conference in tears.
