Gasperini says goodbye to Atalanta after nine years: ‘I would have liked to do more’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini has penned a farewell message to Atalanta supporters in Saturday’s edition of l’Eco di Bergamo, and while he insists he wished to achieve more during his nine-year spell in charge, he believes La Dea will soon be celebrating again.

Gasperini has decided to leave Atalanta after nine years in charge, and is expected to replace Claudio Ranieri as head coach of Roma for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Various outlets claim that the 63-year-old will sign a three-year contract in the capital, which will see him through until the summer of 2028.

Fabrizio Romano adds that there will be bonuses clauses in the event of Champions League qualification and a Serie A title.

Gasperini says goodbye to Atalanta

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It wasn’t possible to express this before, only in the last few hours have I really decided to put an end to this wonderful nine-year-long story. But let’s not say goodbye, I don’t like that. I’m ending my experience in Bergamo as head coach of Atalanta, everything else will remain unchanged,” Gasperini said in a farewell message sent via l’Eco di Bergamo.

“The termination of my relationship with the club was decided by me, and no responsibility should be put upon the club and its directors, I’ve simply come to understand that the time has come to take this step.”

Gasperini went on to explain that he wanted to leave Atalanta in a better condition than when he first joined.

“Throughout the season that just ended, I only thought about leaving at the highest possible point. And, I leave them in third place in the standings, qualified for the Champions League, where they will once again be able to play in the most prestigious stadiums in Europe.

“We’ve managed to achieve some unquestionably extraordinary results. I would have liked to do more, I didn’t succeed, but we still celebrated a lot together and I’m sure you will do it again.”

Gasperini also clarified why exactly it is that he has decided to leave Atalanta in order to join Roma.

epa12094855 Roma�s coach Claudio Ranieri and Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini smile as they pose ahead of the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma, in Bergamo, Italy, 12 May 2025. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

“For the need of new motivations, for the trust shown in me and for the renewed enthusiasm that comes with it.

“We’re talking about a great, exciting challenge, which fills me with adrenaline. I’ll see you again in Piazza Pontiday, I promise! Adòss!”