Roma Eyes the Future: Cristante Close to Contract Renewal, Potential Departures Emerging

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly issued a harsh assessment of forward Robinio Vaz, suggesting the French attacker should spend two years in Serie B before competing at Roma's level. Vaz, a 2007-born player, arrived at Roma in January from Marseille in a transfer orchestrated by Massara for a fee exceeding €20 million, but has failed to meet Gasperini's expectations. The acquisition of Vaz has become a point of friction between Gasperini and the club's management, particularly with Massara. The coach reportedly wanted an immediately impactful player for Roma's struggling attack, which has been heavily reliant on Malen during the season. Gasperini previously rejected other attacking targets proposed by the club, including Hojlund, Rowe, and Boga, highlighting deeper disagreements over transfer strategy and squad planning between the technical staff and front office. Vaz's situation exemplifies the broader tensions at Roma's Trigoria training ground regarding the direction of the transfer market and squad composition. The young forward's early Roma career has not progressed as hoped, and the coach's candid criticism suggests the player faces an uncertain future at the club unless significant improvement materializes.

Roma will travel to Bologna in a crucial Serie A match as the club chases Champions League qualification. Manager Gasperini has several key players available for selection, with Brazilian winger Wesley expected to return to the starting lineup. Paulo Dybala is fit but will begin on the bench, leaving the main tactical question centered on the left-wing position. The primary selection debate involves choosing between El Shaarawy and El Aynaoui on the flank, with midfielder Pisilli's positioning dependent on that decision—he could operate in midfield or shift forward as a number 10 depending on the final lineup. Italian newspapers have published their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture, with most outlets favoring El Shaarawy in the starting XI. Gasperini faces this match during a period of organizational upheaval at the club, though Roma cannot afford further slip-ups if they are to maintain their top-four hopes. The Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, and Il Tempo all predict a 3-4-2-1 formation with El Shaarawy starting, while Tuttosport and Corriere della Sera suggest alternatives involving El Aynaoui in the midfield. The expected lineup includes goalkeeper Svilar, defensive trio of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso, with Malen leading the attack.

Mile Svilar continues to be AS Roma's most reliable performer amid turbulent circumstances at the club. The Serbian goalkeeper is delivering consistent displays and has prevented numerous goals throughout the current campaign, establishing himself as an indisputable strength for the team. Svilar's performances have made him Roma's standout asset during a challenging period for the club. His shot-stopping ability and distribution have provided stability to the defensive line, offering hope amid broader instability in the squad.

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.

Wesley is pushing to return to action on the left wing after missing matches against Inter, Pisa, and Atalanta. Dybala has resumed training with the squad this week and is hoping to start for Roma in the upcoming Bologna fixture, with encouraging signs emerging from recent sessions. Pisilli is also expected to return to the lineup and partner Cristante in midfield. Meanwhile, a dispute has emerged between head coach Gasperini and Roma's medical staff regarding Koné's availability. The French midfielder has been sidelined since mid-March with a right hamstring injury. Gasperini is pushing to have Koné available for the Bologna match, but the medical team believes he requires more recovery time and prefers to delay his return until the following week. The ongoing talks reflect differing assessments about the player's readiness to compete.