After leading the race to fourth place for most of the season, Roma are now trailing Como, and exited early from the UEFA Europa League elimination at the hands of Bologna, which is causing some friction between Gian Piero Gasperini and the hierarchy that will have to be solved to stay the course, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
The brass hasn’t lost faith in the boss, who’s leading them to their best season in eight years, point-wise. Still, the Giallorossi have left some opportunities on the table, as the competition is weaker than in the past.
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Gasperini has long been at odds with director Frederic Massara over some summer calls. The January acquisition of Donyell Malen hasn’t been enough to mend fences. The coach also doesn’t like that a host of players are either on loan or on expiring contracts, which is fueling significant uncertainty. Conversely, the front office believes the boss has been too slow to trust some youngsters, such as Niccolò Pisilli, Daniele Ghilardi, and Robinio Vaz.
The tactician is also irate with the medical staff. Plus, he was led to believe Claudio Ranieri, who was instrumental in luring him, would be more involved. The owners have imposed a truce until the end of the season. At that point, the parties will take stock and decide whether to stick together.
Our Take on Roma and Gasperini
It’s nothing new for him, but it was easier for Atalanta to stomach his outbursts and antics, given all the success he brought. He’ll have to tread lightly, as he won’t have that much leeway here. They surely fumbled away a good chance in Europe. If Como finished in the top four, it’d be a devastating blow for them and Juventus.