Key reasons behind Gian Piero Gasperini’s frustration at Roma

The relationship between Gian Piero Gasperini and Roma sporting director Ricky Massara has reached an all-time low, with reports of “poisonous words” and heated face-to-face confrontations.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the tension between the two has been simmering since the summer, primarily fueled by a fundamental disagreement over the club’s transfer strategy.

Notably, the root of Gasperini’s dissatisfaction lies in several failed summer targets. The coach had explicitly requested Jadon Sancho from Manchester United to bolster his wings and Fabio Silva from Wolves as a versatile attacking option. However, Massara opted against these moves due to Financial Fair Play constraints and doubts over Sancho’s behavior and Silva’s tactical fit. Furthermore, the subsequent presences of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson—players whom Gasperini reportedly “never fully digested”—have only exacerbated the friction, especially when the duo struggled for goals early in the campaign.

Indeed, the disappointment has carried over into the January window. Gasperini had expected Giacomo Raspadori to be signed in time for the recent clash with Lecce, but the deal has stalled. The situation is further complicated by the pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee; while a personal agreement exists, Ruben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United has put the striker’s future back under review. 

This led to Gasperini and Massara having a heated conversation after Roma’s loss to Atalanta. This only carried on after the club’s win over Lecce, as the Italian refused to speak to the press.

Consequently, Gasperini has reportedly rejected several alternatives proposed by Massara, including Niclas Füllkrug and Albert Gudmundsson, as he feels they do not meet his specific tactical requirements. With the coach now demanding immediate reinforcements—including Raspadori, Zirkzee, and Fenerbahçe defender Jayden Oosterwolde—a summit with President Dan Friedkin is imminent to restore peace before the season is derailed by internal conflict.