Roma in Final Push for Europe: Gasperini Counts on Dybala, Soulé and Malen

Claudio Ranieri's comments during Roma's pre-match press conference ahead of the Roma-Pisa fixture revealed a transfer market backstory. Ranieri had reportedly identified De Rossi as his primary target for the club, but a return to Roma did not materialize. The exact reasons why the move fell through remain unclear from available details. This confirms that De Rossi was actively considered as an option during the transfer window, though other factors ultimately prevented the deal from being completed.

Ranieri attempted to bring Daniele De Rossi back to AS Roma as head coach, but the Friedkin ownership immediately blocked the move, deeming the timing not right. De Rossi was Ranieri's primary target, followed by other managers including Conte and Fabregas who were also sounded out. When these candidates either declined or became unavailable—including Emery stepping back—Gasperini emerged as the preferred option. The ownership viewed him as the ideal synthesis of a successful tactician with proven ability to develop existing squad talent. Gasperini was ultimately appointed, though the article notes that despite initial optimism, the relationship later deteriorated over frequent disagreements regarding the transfer market and increasingly contentious discussions between coach and club leadership. Ranieri, now serving in an advisory capacity after retiring from active coaching, had publicly suggested Gasperini represented his fourth choice when speaking before the Roma-Pisa match. This statement reflected his genuine perspective on the managerial search process. The Friedkin family's decision to reject De Rossi marked a significant turning point in the appointment timeline. The ownership's rationale centered on their judgment that the moment was not suitable for De Rossi's return, signaling a preference for alternative leadership at that juncture.

Roma's ownership is considering bringing Francesco Totti back to the club in an off-field role as the organization undergoes significant leadership changes. Following Claudio Ranieri's removal and the anticipated departure of sporting director Massara, the Friedkin family is weighing a symbolic move to stabilize the club ahead of its centenary. Totti, Roma's legendary former captain, represents an emotional anchor during a turbulent period in the club's administration. The club faces a complete structural overhaul at management level. The search for a new sporting director is underway, with Giuntoli the primary candidate, though Sogliano and Manna are also under consideration. Gasperini, who has been confirmed as head coach by the Friedkin family despite recent tensions, appears to be gaining broader influence during this transitional phase. The medical department is also being restructured, and changes are expected in the youth academy sector, with Tarantino arriving and Conti departing. Details remain unclear regarding Totti's potential role or timeline. The Friedkins have previously demonstrated a pattern of appointing high-profile former figures—replacing Mourinho with De Rossi, and following De Rossi's exit with Ranieri—suggesting Totti's return would align with their preference for continuity through club legends. The ownership remains attentive to supporter sentiment as these organizational decisions unfold.

Claudio Ranieri has officially departed AS Roma, with the club issuing a statement reaffirming complete confidence in Gasperini and the new technical project. Ranieri characterized the exit as a unilateral decision by Roma, stating in his own message: "A unilateral choice by the club. For the sake of transparency, clarity of action, fidelity to the truth of facts, and love for the shirt that represents my second skin." Ranieri's departure as senior advisor marks the end of his off-field involvement with the club and opens significant internal changes. Massara faces uncertainty regarding his position, with the club evaluating potential replacements for the sporting director role, including names reportedly favored by Gasperini. The youth academy sector is also undergoing restructuring, with some personnel decisions pending. These developments suggest Roma is undertaking a broader organizational overhaul under Gasperini's direction. Gasperini has confirmed Dybala will not start in the upcoming Bologna match, with broader questions surrounding the player's future remaining unresolved. The squad also welcomes back Dybala and Wesley following their availability updates. Details remain unclear on the full scope of organizational changes ahead.

Claudio Ranieri has departed his advisory role at AS Roma. The Friedkin ownership has issued a statement emphasizing that Roma's interests come first. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has indicated a lack of alignment with sporting director Massara, citing what he describes as an absence of working chemistry between them. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala has returned to the squad.

Roma are preparing to face Bologna with Wesley returning to the squad and El Shaarawy deployed in attack. Paulo Dybala is expected to be available as a substitute, ready to enter the match during the second half if needed. The fixture represents a key Serie A encounter, with Roma adjusting their attacking setup for the clash. The return of Wesley adds depth to the squad rotation, while El Shaarawy's prominence in the attacking formation reflects the team's tactical approach for this match. Dybala's role coming off the bench suggests he may be managed carefully, either due to recent fitness considerations or tactical preference. The probable lineups indicate Roma are balancing squad freshness with attacking potency ahead of the Bologna match.

Roma will travel to Bologna's Dall'Ara stadium for a Serie A encounter on 25 April as Gian Piero Gasperini's side looks to bounce back after recent turbulence at the club. The match represents a crucial fixture in Bologna's pursuit of European qualification, with the home side sitting eighth, six points behind seventh-place Atalanta in the Champions League race. Roma's squad will be depleted by absences, with Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson unavailable. Gasperini is expected to field a 3-4-2-1 formation with Svilar in goal behind a defensive line of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso. Wesley returns to the starting lineup at wing-back alongside Celik, with Cristante and Pisilli anchoring midfield. In attack, El Shaarawy and Soulé will support Malen, while Dybala is available as a potential substitute option. The probable squad composition suggests Roma will operate with a balanced defensive setup while maintaining attacking options off the bench. Roma's last two home matches produced contrasting results: a decisive victory over Pisa and a frustrating draw against Atalanta. The Bologna fixture carries heightened significance as both clubs pursue distinct objectives—Bologna seeking to secure European football for next season, and Roma looking to maintain momentum under their new tactical direction.

Roma travel to Bologna on April 25 for a Serie A matchday 34 fixture at the Dall'Ara stadium, with kick-off at 18:00. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed his squad list, with good news on the injury front: Wesley and Dybala are fit and included, while Rensch and Pisilli are also available. However, four players remain sidelined: Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson. The match represents a crucial contest for Roma, who are fighting for a Champions League place and broader European qualification for next season. The return of Dybala and Wesley provides Gasperini with important options in attack and defense respectively, strengthening the squad depth for a fixture that could prove significant in Roma's push for continental football. Roma's full squad includes goalkeepers Svilar, Gollini, and De Marzi; defenders Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Tsimikas, Celik, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, El Aynaoui, and Pisilli; and forwards Malen, Soulé, Venturino, Dybala, Vaz, El Shaarawy, and Zaragoza.

Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed that Paulo Dybala will not start in Roma's upcoming match against Bologna. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the coach explained that Dybala has only recently returned to team training after nearly 90 days sidelined by injury, having undergone surgery in early March following an issue that kept him out since late January. Gasperini stated the Argentine forward could be available to play during the match but ruled out starting him from the beginning. Gasperini emphasized the difficulty of reintegrating a player after such an extended absence, noting that Dybala's return is now a question of regaining match rhythm and personal confidence. The coach also addressed broader questions about Roma's direction, noting that the club's final five league matches—worth 15 points—will significantly shape both the season's outcome and future planning. He expressed interest in seeing Dybala and Malen play together more, as they have featured in only two matches as a pair so far. Gasperini stressed his focus remains on maintaining concentration for the upcoming fixture rather than speculating about longer-term decisions.