Gian Piero Gasperini leaves Roma press conference in tears before Atalanta match | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini left his Roma press conference in tears on Friday, the eve of facing Atalanta at 20:45. According to L'Équipe, the session at Trigoria was halted as the head coach walked out, ending exchanges with reporters.

Under pressure amid internal tensions and recent criticism, the 68-year-old was overcome after questions on his relationship with Claudio Ranieri and the unsettled climate at Roma. He had initially tried to cool the room.

He insisted he was not a bad person and pointed to almost eight years in Genoa and nine in Bergamo as evidence, a remark aimed at the club’s hierarchy. He then lost his composure while recalling his years in Bergamo.

He left with tears in his eyes and slammed the door, abruptly ending the briefing. The Italian joined last summer from Atalanta.

In the capital, coexistence between the coach and some directors has been a subject of debate despite a still-open race for the Champions League. Ranieri, now a club adviser, recently made comments viewed as critical of the sporting management, and there have since been tensions between the pair.

On the pitch, Roma are sixth on 57 points, three behind Juventus in fourth. The episode underlines the strain of the run-in, and Gasperini appears vulnerable as his future in the Eternal City attracts speculation ahead of Saturday night.

Source: L'Équipe