Sep, 28 2025
When Claudio Ranieri, head coach of AS Roma, stepped up to the podium on ahead of the Serie A clash with Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico, he didn’t sugar‑coat the club’s Champions League odds. "Would you bet one euro on Roma qualifying for the next Champions League? Are you looking to lose money?", he asked, laying out a stark reality check for the 61,000‑strong crowd expected to fill the stadium.
Background: Ranieri’s turnaround at Roma
Ranieri took over Roma in early 2024 after a disastrous start that saw the club hovering near the relegation zone. Within a season he steered the side from the bottom‑four to a respectable top‑five finish, a feat that even rival managers struggled to replicate. The 2024‑25 Serie A season saw Roma claw back points with gritty wins over Napoli and a hard‑fought draw against Juventus.
His pragmatic style, coupled with an emphasis on “grit, passion and 100 % effort”, resonated with a fan base that had grown weary of endless managerial carousel. The press conference on Friday was not the first time Ranieri spoke bluntly; similar honesty was heard after the 2‑0 loss to Atalanta in March, where he praised the opponents yet lauded his own squad’s perseverance.
Pre‑Verona press conference highlights
Ranieri’s remarks were peppered with vivid metaphors. He compared the upcoming fight for a Champions League spot to needing “all other teams to rest on their laurels while we do something extraordinary”. In plain terms, he admitted the probability was slim, but stressed that “honesty with the fans is the only way forward”.
He then pivoted to a more uplifting tone: "They've had an amazing recovery considering everything that's happened to them. I don’t want to take all the credit, but it’s because of what happened that they’ve gone the extra mile." The coach highlighted the squad’s recent form – five unbeaten games, three clean sheets, and a surge in possession from 48 % to 55 % over the last six matches.
Addressing the supporters directly, Ranieri said, "I'm asking our fans to support us in this final stretch. It isn’t just the last six matches that depend on you, but your energy amplifies what we do on the pitch." He reminded everyone that the stadium had seen a mere 3,000 fans at the Tre Fontane training ground this season, a stark contrast to the expected 61,000 at the Stadio Olimpico, and urged the crowd to “hold on tight to these players”.
Squad core, transfers and the new hierarchy
One of the biggest take‑aways from the briefing was Ranieri’s nod to the “reliable, effective core” that will stay under new boss Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini, speaking on , echoed Ranieri’s sentiment, citing players like Mile Švilar, Matías Soule and the newly‑signed Kostas Tsimikas as the backbone of the side.
The summer transfer window saw Roma add nine newcomers: winger Wesley Franca, forward Neil El Aynaoui, striker Evan Ferguson, and loan deals for Leon Bailey and Kostas Tsimikas. Defensively, the club secured Jan Ziolkowski from Legia Warsaw and Daniele Ghilardi from Hellas Verona. Goalkeepers Devis Vasquez and Radosław Żeleźniak also joined, adding depth to the last line.
Departures netted roughly €43 million, with notable exits including Enzo Le Fee to Sunderland and Tammy Abraham to Beşiktaş. The financial boost, Ranieri said, will give the club “more freedom in the transfer market”, a point he illustrated with a quirky fish metaphor – “whether we catch a mackerel or a seabass, we’ll see what we’ve landed”.
Reactions from the successor and the fanbase
Gasperini’s comment in his own pre‑Verona conference underscored the continuity Ranieri left behind. "From Mile Švilar to Matías Soule, we have seven or eight players, maybe ten, who are very reliable and switched on," he said, adding that the club’s future plans involve bolstering the squad with names like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch.
Fans, however, remain divided. A vocal “Ultras” contingent posted on social media that the 61,000 projected attendance is “a test of loyalty”. Meanwhile, former Roma legend Marko Golić praised Ranieri’s legacy, calling him “a legend in Rome” and noting that the coach turned “the club from the bottom of the table to the top”.
The club’s sporting director, Frederic Massara, who returned after a six‑year hiatus, stressed the importance of patience. "Rome wasn’t built in a day," he reiterated, echoing Ranieri’s earlier mantra.
Implications for Roma’s season and the Champions League chase
Statistically, Roma sit fifth with 61 points, three behind fourth‑place Inter Milan. They hold the second‑best defensive record, conceding just 28 goals, but their goal‑difference (+12) lags behind the top three.
Analyst Luca Bianchi of Calcio Insights argues that “Roma’s chance of clinching a Champions League spot hinges on two variables: dropping points against lower‑ranked teams and the performance of Juventus and Napoli in their remaining fixtures”. He adds that the “final six matches are a make‑or‑break period”.
In practical terms, the Verona fixture is crucial. A win could catapult Roma to fourth, while a loss would likely relegate them to Europa League qualification at best. Ranieri’s candidness may galvanise the squad, but the pressure on Gasperini to translate the groundwork into results will be immense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ranieri’s blunt assessment affect Roma’s fan morale?
Fans appreciate the honesty, seeing it as a realistic reset of expectations. While some worry it may dampen optimism, many believe that clear communication can actually boost collective resolve, especially with a packed Stadio Olimpico on the horizon.
What are the key players likely to start against Verona?
Coach Gasperini is expected to line up Mile Švilar in goal, with a back‑four of Jan Ziolkowski, Daniele Ghilardi, and veteran defender Manu Kone. In midfield, Matías Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini will likely anchor the play, while the attack could feature Evan Ferguson alongside Wesley Franca on the wings.
What does the €43 million net from transfers mean for Roma’s future?
The cash influx gives the board breathing room to pursue higher‑profile signings in the winter window. It also eases wage‑bill pressures, allowing Roma to extend contracts of core players like Švilar and Soule, which aligns with Massara’s plan for squad stability.
How realistic is a Champions League spot for Roma this season?
Statistically, Roma needs at least 67 points to guarantee a top‑four finish. With 61 points after 32 games, they require a win and two draws in the final six while hoping rivals drop points. It’s a narrow window, but not impossible if the team capitalises on home advantage against Verona.
What legacy does Ranieri leave for his successor?
Ranieri’s tenure reshaped Roma’s culture, instilling a fighting spirit and a tactical flexibility that Gasperini now inherits. The core group of players he trusted remains largely intact, giving the new coach a solid foundation to build on while still facing the challenge of translating that foundation into European qualification.