AS Roma confirmed on Friday that Ranieri's role as senior advisor had come to an end by mutual consent, ending an association that had become increasingly fractured in recent weeks.
Ranieri had publicly said Gasperini was the fourth choice for the Roma job last summer and claimed the coach had personally approved every transfer decision — comments that drew a furious response from the dressing room.
Speaking at a press conference, Gasperini addressed the situation directly: "This highlights two things, in my opinion. First, the club's trust — I've never lacked it; they've always supported me since day one. The other very important thing in the statement is that Roma is ahead of everything. These are the two lines."
Asked whether Ranieri's public remarks had hurt him, Gasperini appeared genuinely surprised by the episode: "I'm sorry I never felt this very tough, very intense situation.
"It had never happened before, in any meeting. That's the only thing. It really surprised me."
Ranieri's exit removes one layer of internal tension, but the club's sporting director Frédéric Massara — appointed by Ranieri — is also expected to leave in the coming days. Gasperini, who signed a three-year deal last summer, now has greater control over the club's transfer strategy going into the window.
Roma face Atalanta in a critical Serie A fixture this weekend, with Champions League qualification still in the balance.