ROME (AP) — Gian Piero Gasperini was named Roma’s new coach on Friday, taking over for the retiring Claudio Ranieri following his own successful run at Atalanta.
“I need a significant challenge,” Gasperini said in an interview released by Roma.
He signed a three-year deal for the club owned by Texas-based businessman Dan Friedkin.
In nine seasons at Atalanta, Gasperini guided the Bergamo club to a Europa League triumph in 2024, six top-four finishes in Serie A, and a Champions League quarterfinal.
The 73-year-old Ranieri was hired in November when Roma was struggling in 12th place, and his contract specified he would take on an advisor role after the season.
Rainieri guided Roma to a fifth-place finish as the Giallorossi lost just once during the second half of the season, and was involved in selecting the 67-year-old Gasperini, who is known for his free-flowing attacking tactics.
Gasperini becomes Roma’s fourth coach in the 1 1/2 years since Jose Mourinho was fired, following Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Juric and Ranieri.
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The Associated Press
