Rome - Hundreds of fans of Serie A side Roma Saturday protested outside the club's training camp asking for the resignation of president Rosella Sensi, Italian media reported.

Roma this week called Claudio Ranieri to replace coach Luciano Spalletti, who, after four seasons, resigned in the wake of two straight defeats at the start of the league.

Many fans have criticized the decision to let Spalletti go and earlier this summer were disappointed by the club's moves on the transfer market. Many opposed in particular the sale of Alberto Aquilani to Liverpool.

The protesters at the camp in Trigoria, outside Rome, displayed banners against Sensi and threw firecrackers and smoke bombs.

Roma's crisis on the pitch reflects a poor financial situation that has plagued the club in the past years.

The Sensi family control Roma through their oil company Italpetroli, which reportedly is in the red for 270 million euros (386 million dollars). (dpa)