Gian Piero Gasperini announces impending departure from Atalanta as Roma move looms large

Gian Piero Gasperini announced on Saturday that he would be leaving Atalanta after an incredibly successful nine-year tenure, with an anticipated move to rivals Roma on the horizon.

The 67-year-old manager leaves behind a legacy at the Bergamo club, having transformed them from mere provincial challengers in the shadow of the nearby Milan giants into one of Italy’s premier teams, notably securing the Europa League title last year.

“In recent hours, I’ve made the decision to conclude a magnificent nine-year journey… I’m stepping away from my role as head coach of Atalanta,” Gasperini stated in an open letter to L’Eco di Bergamo.

“I’ve chosen to part ways with the club, and no blame should be directed towards the club or its board. I’ve simply come to realise that it’s time for this change.”

Last season, Atalanta finished third in Serie A, earning a place in the Champions League with two matches to spare, after a valiant but unsuccessful attempt at clinching the club’s first league title.

Gasperini is reportedly set to join Roma on a three-year contract, with an annual net salary of five million euros (£4.2 million), as the capital club aims to re-establish itself among Serie A’s top contenders.

Roma last reached the Champions League in 2017 and narrowly missed out on a spot in this season’s competition, finishing the campaign strongly under local hero Claudio Ranieri.

Ranieri was called out of retirement in November to steer Roma away from relegation trouble and led them to a fifth-place finish, securing a spot in the Europa League.

As one of Italy’s most prominent clubs, Roma boasts a large and passionate following, yet they have only claimed the Serie A title on three occasions, the last being in 2001.

In recent years, they have been eclipsed by their fierce rivals, Napoli, whose recent Scudetto victory brought their overall tally to four, with two titles in the last three seasons.

Gasperini has a reputation for being a fiery character, known for his occasional outbursts towards journalists. He will need to navigate the expectations of a demanding fanbase and a high-pressure media landscape in the Italian capital.

Roma is home to numerous radio stations, websites, and even a dedicated daily newspaper, all focused on the club, which has previously led to conflicts with coaches and has the potential to create intense pressure if results falter.

Opting for Roma over Juventus, Gasperini turned down the opportunity to coach the Turin club, who had hoped to lure him after missing out on club legend Antonio Conte’s return from Napoli.

Juventus now find themselves in a quandary, as current coach Igor Tudor was only meant to act as a temporary solution following the sacking of Thiago Motta in March.