Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted he was ‘surprised’ by Claudio Ranieri’s comments last week and became emotional, ending his pre-match press conference in tears as he reflected on his time at Atalanta.

Gasperini will face his former club, Atalanta, at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, in a key game for a Champions League placement in Serie A.

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Roma have approached the game amid growing internal pressure, especially after Claudio Ranieri made strong remarks against the coach prior to last week’s league game against Pisa.

Ranieri said Gasperini was the fourth pick for Roma last summer, as the top three candidates had turned down an offer from the club and insisted that the Italian tactician had approved all transfer moves this season.

“There was an interview on Friday, in which Ranieri created some situations, but to me it was an incredible surprise,” Gasperini said via Gazzetta.

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BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 12: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“There had never been a different tone between Ranieri and me. Both in the press conference and between us. I didn’t expect it. And in many years, I had never been subject to such tones. From that moment, I’ve avoided any comment, first of all, not to hurt the club, the team or the Roma fans further.

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“We have an important game tomorrow, as we still have a chance for Europe,” Gasperini continued.

“That’s the important thing. I’d be glad if we could only talk about the match.

“I’ve had to deal with this media impact. But there will be no excuses for the team and me. It’s Round 33, the final rush, and it’s extremely important for both sides, even more for us. I’ve shifted the focus entirely to the technical side. I repeat: for me, the priority was not to cause any harm to the team. I expect people to understand this and support the team even more.”

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Gasperini confirmed that the handling of some injured players, including Wesley, has contributed to the tension with part of the club’s management.

“Sometimes yes, and it’s also a topic of internal discussion. But that’s normal,” said the Roma boss.

“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.”

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As expected, Gasp didn’t face many questions about the game, and at some point, he was asked about his future at the club.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 11: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Celtic FC and AS Roma at Celtic Park on December 11, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“You keep asking me about other things, but I want to talk about the match,” he replied.

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“I said I don’t want to create problems, and this question creates problems.

“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 a 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 ends Roma press conference in tears

Gasperini couldn’t hold back the tears while replying to the last question about his time at Atalanta.

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“In Rome, there’s everything you need to do well. In Bergamo, I succeeded because the environment around me was united, and the club’s work was extraordinary,” he said.

“The small city also created an ideal atmosphere. We worked and built things together. There were young players and more, a strong core group. Think about the transfers made and how the money was reinvested. The anomaly of Atalanta was that it was playing in Europe while still making a profit.

“It was not just thanks to me, but above all to a very capable club, which worked in harmony with the coach. Then things changed a bit, partly because ownership changed, and partly because of the ‘father figure’ I was very close to [Antonio Percassi]…” Gasperini was visibly emotional and left the press conference, unable to contain his tears.