Claudio Ranieri has stepped down from his senior advisor position at AS Roma, the Serie A club announced Friday. The departure follows a public disagreement with manager Gian Piero Gasperini regarding the club's transfer strategy.
The dispute began two weeks prior when Ranieri addressed Gasperini's criticism of Roma's player acquisitions. Ranieri stated that all signings were approved by the manager, adding that the club had considered multiple coaching candidates before Gasperini's appointment.
Gasperini responded a week later, describing Ranieri's comments as a "media storm" he did not create. A Roma statement emphasized the club's clear direction and strong leadership, asserting "AS Roma will always come first."
Fans displayed banners prior to a match against Gasperini's former club, Atalanta, signaling a desire for focus to return to on-pitch matters and questioning management transparency.
Ranieri, a former player and three-time manager for Roma, came out of retirement last season to guide the club to a fifth-place finish. He accepted an advisory role after leading the team through a difficult period. The club expressed gratitude for his "significant contributions."
Ranieri boasts a nearly 40-year managerial career, including stints at Chelsea and Juventus, and a notable Premier League title with Leicester City. He previously declined the opportunity to manage the Italian national team to focus on his role at Roma.