Mancini: Roma comes before everything, we won't change our identity

Roma faced Bologna at the Renato Dall'Ara stadium in a match that sent a clear signal about the club's future direction. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini took a prominent role in pre-match proceedings, addressing the media and team, while sporting director Massara remained notably absent from the spotlight. The contrast in visibility between the two figures underscores Gasperini's established authority over team selection, tactics, and strategic direction at Roma. This appearance reflects the clear hierarchy established since Gasperini's appointment, positioning him as the sole voice responsible for the club's on-pitch matters and public communications.

Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci spoke before the Bologna–Roma match on 25 April 2026, clarifying recent comments by manager Italiano about the season. Fenucci stated that Italiano's remarks about closing out the season were misinterpreted and made in a different context. He explained: "They were interpreted badly, said in a different context. I've already spoken with the squad, saying that a few weeks ago we were convinced we could aim for at least eighth place while leaving a window open on those ahead of us. The motivations and intentions have never changed, we've shown it on the pitch." Fenucci also addressed Roma's previously reported interest in English winger Rowe, a summer signing for Bologna. When asked whether Roma had pursued Rowe, Fenucci acknowledged the transfer but deflected on Roma's involvement, saying: "Rowe was a very quick negotiation, we spoke with De Zerbi, he was one of the most expensive signings in our history. I know he had some requests, I don't know if from Roma. He initially had to adapt to Italian football, then he did well." Regarding Italiano's contract, which expires in 2027, Fenucci expressed commitment to competing for European football despite recent financial constraints from not qualifying for European competition. He indicated Bologna intends to continue working with Rowe, noting the player's improved recent performances.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media ahead of Roma's match against Bologna, declining to engage with questions about recent off-field matters. When asked whether distractions from developments outside the pitch could affect the team's focus, Gasperini responded: "Continuate a farmi delle domande in cui non sono direttamente coinvolto. Io non ho fatto botta e risposta, mai, c'è una partita importante per cui ci siamo preparati nel modo migliore per cercare di vincere" (You keep asking me questions in which I'm not directly involved. I have never engaged in tit-for-tat exchanges. There is an important match for which we have prepared in the best way to try to win). Regarding the Bologna fixture, Gasperini acknowledged the opposition's quality despite Roma's current league position advantage over them. He noted that Bologna fielded a competitive squad in the Champions League the previous season and that the teams' previous encounters had been evenly matched. Gasperini confirmed Roma were prepared to face Bologna regardless of their defensive formation, suggesting the club had trained with multiple tactical scenarios in mind. The coach emphasized his focus remained entirely on securing victory in what he described as a very important match for Roma.

Roma faced Bologna at the Dall'Ara stadium on April 25, 2026, with Gasperini selecting his starting XI following the previous Saturday's draw against Atalanta. Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso, and Wesley returning to the right flank alongside Celik on the left. The midfield pairing of Cristante and El Aynaoui anchored the side, with Niccolò Pisilli and Matías Soulé deployed behind the sole striker Donyell Malen. Paulo Dybala was among the substitutes after recovering from a recent issue. This fixture represented a critical moment for Roma as the season entered its final stretch, with points still to play for in the title race. Gasperini had also recovered Wesley and defender Rensch from their previous unavailability. The match provided an important test for Roma's form and their prospects for the remainder of the campaign. Bologna, managed by Italiano, fielded a 3-4-3 formation featuring Ravaglia in goal, with Castro and Rowe leading their attacking line. The contest between these two sides carried significance for both teams' final-season ambitions.

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.

AS Roma prepare for a crucial Serie A match against Bologna on Saturday afternoon (18:00 CET) at the Dall'Ara stadium, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini relying on his core group of experienced players and recent signings. The squad will feature senior figures Hermoso, Mancini, and Cristante alongside summer acquisitions Wesley and Malen. Wesley is expected to start, while Rensch is also available. Dybala travelled with the squad to Emilia but is likely to begin on the bench. Venturino is in the squad despite limited training during the week due to a contusion, and the only tactical question mark involves a choice between El Shaarawy and El Aynaoui for the starting lineup. Roma sit sixth in Serie A, five points behind Juventus—or six in terms of head-to-head record—but remain in contention for Champions League qualification. This weekend's result could prove decisive in that fight. Gasperini has made clear his ambitions remain high, stating: "We are still looking ahead. Then when we cannot do that anymore we will be content with other things." The coach is not ruling out the Champions League race despite Roma's current position. The match represents an important opportunity for the team to close the gap on the top four. Details about squad composition and tactical options remain fluid, with several players awaiting clarification on their futures beyond this season. Gasperini has opted to build around familiar faces and his recent purchases as Roma pursue their European objectives.