Gasperini questions Roma’s Champions League credentials, Norway should beat Italy ‘at ice hockey’

Gian Piero Gasperini says Claudio Ranieri contacted him for the first time in December 2024, but feels the Giallorossi still aren’t Champions League material, despite being the joint-table leaders in Serie A.

Roma coach Gasperini spoke about the first few months as the new Roma coach in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

The Italian tactician has had an immediate impact, bringing the Giallorossi to the top of the Serie A table alongside Napoli.

Giallorossi and Partenopei have earned 15 points in the opening six games of the season, but Roma have the best defence in the league with just two goals conceded.

Gasperini signed a three-year deal with Roma last summer, leaving Atalanta after nine seasons.

“Ranieri contacted me last December. I already had the feeling it would be my last season at Atalanta. The same thing happened with Napoli the year before, but then I stayed after winning the Europa League, as we thought we could win even more,” the Italian coach said.

“In the first few months, both the players and the team have impressed me. Everyone feels responsibility. In Rome, there’s an incredible passion, something that can only be compared to Naples when they win. I signed for three years, and as long as there’s passion, I’ll keep going.