Gian Piero Gasperini, former Atalanta coach, takes the helm as Roma’s new manager

Former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has been appointed the new head coach of AS Roma, as announced by the Serie A club on Friday. The 67-year-old has penned a three-year contract.

Gasperini departed Atalanta last Saturday after an impressive nine-year tenure and will take over from Claudio Ranieri, who has retired. Roma finished fifth in the league last season, securing a spot in the Europa League, a trophy Gasperini claimed during his previous stint.

Ranieri was Roma’s third managerial appointment last season, returning from retirement for a third time at the club where his playing career commenced, and will now assume an advisory role.

In February, Gasperini revealed he would not be renewing his contract with Atalanta, which was set to expire in June. Despite having the option to extend it for another year, he felt it was the appropriate moment for a new challenge.

“Gasperini’s career is characterised by innovative tactics, a commitment to hard work, and outstanding player development,” stated the Roma club.

“Both the club’s ownership and Claudio Ranieri are confident that Gasperini is the ideal person for the task ahead.”

He was instrumental in transforming Atalanta from Serie A strugglers into a team regularly competing in European competitions, culminating in their Europa League victory in 2024, which not only marked the club’s first European title but also Gasperini’s inaugural trophy in a managerial career that began in 2003.

Gasperini’s coaching journey started at Crotone, and he has also managed Genoa, Inter Milan, and Palermo, though it was at Atalanta that he truly left his mark, leading them back to European competition after a 26-year hiatus.

Last season, Atalanta was at the top of the Serie A standings as of December and was in contention for the title for an extended period, ultimately finishing third for the fourth time under Gasperini.

Roma triumphed in the Conference League in 2022 and were runners-up in the Europa League the following year. The club will look to Gasperini to guide them back to the Champions League for the first time since 2019.