Roma chief Massara: ‘No problem between Gasperini and Ranieri’

Roma director Ricky Massara insists ‘there is absolutely no problem’ between Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri, as they are ‘fully concentrated’ on beating Atalanta.

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It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s three Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This has become an absolutely crucial clash for European places, especially in the wake of Como’s defeat to Sassuolo, as a win here would let Roma leapfrog Cesc Fabregas into fifth.

At the same time, Atalanta could close to within a point of the Giallorossi if they get the victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

Massara keeps Roma focused on the field

“Every element of the club is concentrated, eager to end the season on a high,” assured Massara on Sky Sport Italia.

“There is a big objective potentially up for grabs, we have a tough game this evening, but we hope to put in a solid performance. The team has always shown it is fully concentrated on the field.”

There are four players whose contracts will expire on June 30, namely Stephan El Shaarawy, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik, so will any of them remain at Roma?

“There is an open dialogue with all four players and their agents. We will evaluate if there are the conditions to reach a mutual agreement.”

The main problem with Roma’s season is they have struggled against the other clubs in the top seven, picking up just six points in those head-to-head clashes.

“It’s true that we didn’t manage to beat the big clubs, other than beating Como, but we always had good performances. Tonight is an opportunity to prove that we have grown, and the fact we are in the running still for the top four despite this statistic means we have done some good things,” replied Massara.

This has been a strange few days for Roma, because coach Gasperini was irritated at the public complaints from director Claudio Ranieri, then left his press conference on the verge of tears when talking about his rapport with Atalanta President Antonio Percassi.

It all makes it unlikely that both Gasperini and Ranieri will continue working together next season.

“Dialogue exists in all clubs and even when there are discussions, those are focused entirely on improving this squad, so we are all focused on that. There is absolutely no problem.”

Massara also spoke to DAZN Italia and gave a further comment on where the Friedkin family stand on this issue.

“The owners speak with action, they are making big investments and developing the club to reach the top level. We are all working to build something big here and it is a privilege to work with these owners.”

"If they do this in public I don't want to know what's going on behind the scenes!" @_poppymiller, Nigel Reo-Coker, @TMeola1 and @IFTVMarco discuss the public fallout between Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri pic.twitter.com/F7tQxWQJtX

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 18, 2026