Roma great Giuseppe Giannini says the owners were right to go with coach Gian Piero Gasperini over technical chief Claudio Ranieri.
Ranieri was forced out last week after clashing publicly with Gasperini over transfer policy.
Giannini told Il Tempo: "It's normal for the owners to focus on the essentials. The most important man was Gasperini, the coach who still has a season to finish, and they clearly gave him space and freedom of action.
"They removed Ranieri, who was slightly weaker, despite having achieved great things at Roma. Furthermore, there were statements that surprised everyone because Ranieri is a person who has always shown great control."
On finishing in the top four, Giannini added: "You have to believe in it, even if it's not easy. It's bad to talk about bad luck, but Roma have been a bit unlucky. The match against Juve turned the season around."