Gasperini: ‘Roma a great challenge, I needed a shot of adrenaline’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini has given his first interview as the new coach of Roma, admitting he left Atalanta because he ‘needed a great challenge and a shot of adrenaline.’

This is a very different experience for the tactician after nine years with Atalanta, a length of tenure that is more unique than rare in Italian football.

Nonetheless, he felt the need to try something else, having secured the Europa League trophy and reached the Champions League five times in the last seven seasons.

First Gasperini interview at Roma

“I chose Roma because it is a great challenge and I needed that,” Gasperini told the official Roma website after signing a contract to June 2028.

“I arrive in an environment that is very passionate and that gave me a lot of enthusiasm, as well as the possibility given to me by Claudio Ranieri and the club. It is a shot of adrenaline that I needed to try doing something special.

“The adrenaline comes from the fact Roma have such passion behind them and want to reach great heights. In my view, there are all the conditions to achieve that, with strong owners who want to take Roma to the top, then Ranieri is a guarantee for the fans, there is a young director of sport who has great scouting capabilities. Everyone is very well prepared and we can do great work here.”

Gasperini is famous for his all-attack style of football, fuelled by remarkable intensity, and he promises to bring a lot more of that to the Stadio Olimpico.

“When I came to play here, even as a player before I was a coach, I always found a team that played with quality in a fiery atmosphere. In recent years there was a dip, but the arrival of Ranieri boosted their strength and results.

“The last few years were not up to their expectations, but Roma remains a place where if you can play good football, it can really help you.”

Gian Piero Gasperini is the new Roma coach

What does the coach want from his Giallorossi players?

“To play well. I don’t think there are many secrets, my style of football reflects my own characteristics. My teams have always played in a certain way, with intensity and quality, scoring a lot of goals, always focused on scoring one more rather than conceding one fewer.

“Everyone knows what my football is like and I want to put that into practice at Roma.”

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 13: A general view as fans of AS Roma form a TIFO and raise banners prior to the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on April 13, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

While Bergamo is a small city and the stadium likewise, the Capital of Italy and one of the biggest arenas in the country are very different situations to be dealing with.

“I always saw Roma fans as an example of enthusiasm, a stadium that is always packed. The first thing we must do is bring them over to our side and we can only do that with convincing performances, letting the people see themselves in the team. Obviously, after that, results do the rest.”

Is Gasperini feeling emotional about this new adventure?

“I will be, when the moment comes. I promise to bring the fans over to our side, that is the first thing we want to do.”