Tensions Rise at AS Roma as Gasperini's Future Hangs in the Balance
The 2025-26 Serie A season approaches its climax, with Napoli defending their title after clinching the 2024-25 Scudetto. However, it's Inter on the brink of claiming the title this year, while teams like AC Milan, Napoli, AS Roma, Atalanta, Juventus, and Como vie for European tournament spots. This weekend features a pivotal match as AS Roma faces Atalanta on Saturday, April 18. Amidst this backdrop, questions loom over head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's position at the club. Reports indicate rising tensions within AS Roma, particularly between Gasperini and Dan Friedkin's advisor, Claudio Ranieri, alongside sporting director Ricky Massara. Gasperini, who took over after a successful tenure at Atalanta, initially showed promise but has seen results falter, placing the team’s top-four aspirations in jeopardy. Disagreements have surfaced, highlighted by Ranieri’s comments about the coaching selection process, stating, "In the summer, I noted the names of five or six coaches... the club decided to appoint Gasperini." In response, Gasperini asserted, "I gave them complete freedom... I kept stressing the need to improve up front. Unfortunately, we then ran into major difficulties." Regardless of the season's outcome, AS Roma will need to assess both their manager and advisor moving forward. How to watch AS Roma vs. Atalanta: Date: Saturday, April 18 Time: 2:45 p.m. ET Location: Stadio Olimpico, Rome Live stream: Paramount+ Odds: AS Roma +143; Draw +220; Atalanta +194 Upcoming Serie A Matches: Friday, April 17: Sassuolo vs. Como, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18: Udinese vs. Parma, 9 a.m.; Napoli vs. Lazio, 12 p.m.; AS Roma vs. Atalanta, 2:45 p.m. Sunday, April 19: Cremonese vs. Torino, 6:30 a.m.; Hellas Verona vs. AC Milan, 9 a.m.; Pisa vs. Genoa, 12 p.m.; Juventus vs. Bologna, 2:45 p.m.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-17