Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma's newly appointed coach, tempered expectations for the upcoming Serie A season, stating that the Scudetto might be out of reach for the team in his first year. However, he left room for optimism, adding, "but you never know."
Gasperini, who recently took over from Claudio Ranieri, has signed a three-year contract with the Giallorossi. He joins Roma after a successful stint at Atalanta, where he transformed the club into a formidable force in Italian and European football, culminating in a Europa League title in 2024. Roma, a club steeped in history and boasting a passionate fanbase, has not won the Serie A title since 2001, a drought Gasperini aims to eventually break.
During his introductory press conference, Gasperini outlined his initial goals for the team. He emphasized the importance of securing Champions League qualification as the primary objective. "Our best result would be Champions League qualification. Right now Roma can't win the Scudetto but you never know," he told reporters. He stressed the need to build a stronger foundation for the team, focusing on developing a cohesive unit with consistency. This, he believes, will enable Roma to compete at a higher level and attract players who can further elevate the squad in the future. "My goal is to make this team better... create a strong core group of players who can give us consistency, and form the basis into which the following season you can add more players who raise the level. That's the first thing I'm aiming for," Gasperini explained.
Gasperini's arrival at Roma was not without its complexities. He revealed that he had also been approached by Juventus, but ultimately chose Roma, feeling it was the right path for his career. "Yes, but I had a feeling that this was the right path to take for my career, despite all the risks that people are always telling me about. It's the right situation for me to be able to come in and make an impact. Roma is what I am looking for right now and I have a strong conviction that I made the right choice,” said Gasperini.
Roma finished fifth last season, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. The club has also recently parted ways with sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, with a replacement yet to be announced. Gasperini acknowledged the transition period and the need for strategic investments to improve the team. He highlighted the importance of building a strong relationship with the Friedkin Group, Roma's owners, and working together to achieve their shared ambitions for the club. "They want to invest in Roma, and do it well, in order to take Roma to the top,” Gasperini stated.
Gasperini is known for his tactical innovation and his ability to develop young talent. His arrival at Roma has generated considerable excitement among fans, who are hopeful that he can bring stability and success to the club. While he may have downplayed their immediate title chances, Gasperini's track record suggests that Roma could be a team to watch in the coming seasons. His focus on building a strong team spirit, tactical flexibility, and strategic recruitment could pave the way for a return to the Champions League and, perhaps, a future challenge for the Serie A title.
