Gasperini: Roma must avoid new ‘misunderstandings’ in 2026-27

“We know that by recovering some players, we can have our say, we get to the final rush with confidence, but we’ve always been there.

“At the end of the season, we’ll have to talk to avoid the misunderstandings we’ve had. We need clarity,” he added.

“Perhaps we didn’t understand each other well. Now we are there, and we’ll fight.”

Roma parted ways with Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri two weeks ago, effectively reinforcing Gasperini’s powers within the club.

Sporting director Frederic Massara is also expected to leave the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season, with Gasp previously admitting that he and the club executive had had different views throughout the current campaign.

“We want to gift a result beyond predictions, and this strongly motivates us. This team’s strength is the unity in the dressing room, and it bothers me to think that this group is only worthy of a fifth- or sixth-place finish,” Gasp continued.

“This is a strong team with solid foundations. There are values that must be strengthened and not wasted. I respect everyone’s opinions, but I must work with my ideas. If I have to work with other ideas, I’d rather find another place.”

Roma will face Lazio in the penultimate round of the season. Even if the date and kick-off time have yet to be officially confirmed, Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has hinted that the match will be played on May 17 at 12:30 CET.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri looked unhappy with the kick-off time decided by Lega Serie A and threatened not to go on the bench for the derby.

“Perhaps it will rain. It won’t be hot. The problem is that there aren’t any other times available,” Gasp said.

“Nobody is happy with that kick-off time. I’ve been told that we can’t play in the evening. Monday at 18:00 [CET] would be even worse, and then there’s the matter of games played simultaneously. You’ll see, Sarri will be there eventually.”