Claudio Ranieri has departed his role as special adviser at AS Roma after a public dispute with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini brought his time at the club to an abrupt end.

The Roman club confirmed the split in a statement released on Friday.

"AS Roma confirms the relationship with Claudio Ranieri has ended. The club would like to thank Claudio for his significant contributions to Roma. He led the team through a very challenging time and we will always be grateful for his efforts."

How the fallout unfolded

The 74-year-old Ranieri had stepped down as Roma head coach at the conclusion of last season — a campaign in which the Giallorossi missed out on Champions League qualification by a single point despite a strong run-in. He transitioned into a consultancy position for the club's American ownership group and played a central part in the process that led to Gasperini being appointed as his successor.

The relationship deteriorated when Ranieri publicly criticised Gasperini's complaints about Roma's activity in the transfer market. Rather than mediate, Roma sided decisively with Gasperini.

In a pointed statement, the club drew a firm line under the matter.

"As we look to the future, our direction is clear. The club is strong, with solid leadership and a defined vision. AS Roma will always come first. We have full confidence in the path ahead under Gian Piero Gasperini, with the shared objective of growing, improving and delivering results worthy of our history."

Ranieri's legacy in the capital

Ranieri came out of retirement in November 2024 to take charge of his hometown club when Roma were labouring in 12th place in Serie A. The veteran manager steadied the ship remarkably, guiding the team to a fifth-place finish — a run that included just one defeat across the entire second half of the season.

Roma currently sit sixth in Serie A with five rounds of matches remaining, five points adrift of the Champions League places. Under Gasperini, the club's stated ambition is to close that gap and build a project that matches the weight of their history.