Claudio Ranieri has stepped down from his position as senior advisor to Roma’s American ownership, the Serie A club confirmed on Friday, following a public fallout with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini that left both men unable to continue together.
In a brief statement, Roma announced that “the relationship with Claudio Ranieri has ended,” while also reaffirming full backing for Gasperini, who joined the club last summer with the mandate of ending their long absence from the UEFA Champions League.
“We have full confidence in the path ahead under Gian Piero Gasperini, with the shared objective of growing, improving, and delivering results worthy of our history,” the club added.
Gasperini, who left Atalanta after nine highly successful years to replace Ranieri in the dugout, was initially endorsed by the former coach, who described him as the “right man” to take Roma forward. However, tensions later emerged as Gasperini publicly questioned the club’s transfer strategy and suggested he had limited involvement in some player acquisitions.
Ranieri had earlier insisted that the coach was consulted on all signings since his arrival in June, but the disagreement escalated in recent weeks. Speaking before Roma’s 3–0 win over Pisa, the 74-year-old hinted he could step away at season’s end an exit that has now effectively been brought forward.
Ranieri’s departure ends his advisory role with the Friedkin family after less than a year, following his third spell as Roma manager. A lifelong Roma supporter born in the city, he had previously helped steady the club after replacing Ivan Jurić and came close to steering them back into the Champions League.
Roma have not featured in Europe’s premier club competition since their last-16 exit against Porto seven years ago, and their qualification hopes remain under pressure this season. Gasperini’s side currently sit sixth in Serie A, five points behind Juventus, with five matches remaining and an upcoming trip to Bologna.
Elijah Adeyemi
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