Subtitle: “I had never seen such aggressive tones before… now let’s just talk about football”
On the eve of a crucial Serie A showdown between Roma and Atalanta, Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media at Trigoria, attempting to shift focus back to the pitch after a week dominated by controversy.
Roma, currently sixth with 57 points, host Atalanta—just four points behind—in a direct battle for European qualification. Yet much of the build-up has revolved around tensions sparked by recent comments from Claudio Ranieri, something Gasperini admitted caught him completely off guard.
“It was truly an incredible surprise,” Gasperini said. “There had never been—never—a different tone between me and Ranieri. Not in press conferences, not in our personal relationship. So this was something really unexpected.”
The Roma coach made it clear he deliberately chose not to escalate the situation, prioritizing the team and the occasion.
“From that moment on, my only concern was not to respond and, even if I was involuntarily involved, not to create any kind of damage or difficulty for the team. There will be tens of thousands of people in the stadium for an important match—we must respect that.”
Despite repeated questions on the topic, Gasperini consistently steered the conversation back to football.
“I would really like us to talk about the game. I didn’t intervene all week because I wanted to avoid all this, but it was impossible. From today, I want to talk about football and respect for this match.”
No excuses, full focus on the pitch
Asked whether the media storm had complicated preparations, Gasperini dismissed any notion of distraction.
“For me and the team, there are zero alibis. Tomorrow we go out there to play. We are close to the final stretch, and this is the most important match for us.”
He even suggested the tension could have a positive effect.
“If anything, it gives us a bit more fuel. I’m convinced the fans will support the team even more strongly.”
Injury concerns and lineup decisions
Gasperini also addressed internal discussions regarding injuries, particularly the case of Wesley, highlighting the balance between player determination and medical caution.
“Wesley feels he can play—he shows great generosity, sprinting, shooting—but the medical staff rightly considers there are risks. If the doctor says no, I can’t do anything. Coaches always depend on medical approval.”
As for the attacking lineup, he confirmed continuity:
“Soulé, Malen… the squad is the same as last week, except for Pellegrini, which is a shame. The options are those.”
Champions League still in sight
Despite setbacks, Gasperini reiterated his belief that Roma can still fight for a top-four finish.
“I have always thought that with very little we could reach the Champions League—and I still think so. It has always been my objective, from the moment I arrived.”
He acknowledged the impact of injuries in recent months but insisted the ambition remains intact.
“Even with all the absences we’ve had, I still believe it’s possible. That has always been my intention: to improve the team and aim high immediately.”
A defining test against Atalanta
Looking ahead to the match, Gasperini described Atalanta as a benchmark—ironically echoing his own past perspective when coaching the Bergamo side.
“When I was at Atalanta, I always considered Roma a limit—if we beat Roma, we were in Europe, probably in the Champions League. Now I’m on the other side: if we beat Atalanta, we deserve the Champions League.”
He emphasized the quality of the opposition and the stakes involved.
“They are a very strong team, used to playing in the Champions League. It’s a tough obstacle. But if we overcome it, it gives us real legitimacy.”
Final message: let football decide
As the press conference drew to a close, Gasperini once again called for unity and focus ahead of what could be a decisive night at the Stadio Olimpico.
“This is not decisive if you win—but it is if you lose. It’s a match that can really raise our level. We will play it together with our fans. They must think about supporting the team.”
After a week of tension and headlines, Gasperini’s message was simple: the talking is over—now it’s time for football.
