Dybala Returns After Three Months as Gasperini Recalls Roma Playmaker

Neil El Aynaoui scored the second goal and set up Donyell Malen's opener as Roma defeated Bologna 2-0 on April 25, 2026. The Moroccan midfielder provided an assist for Malen's opening goal and then sealed the victory with a strike of his own. Speaking after the match, El Aynaoui reflected on his attacking partnership: "No the assist was incredible, Malen is an incredible player, I knew he could put a ball like that." El Aynaoui, in his first season at Roma, described the campaign as a learning experience. "It was a year of discovery, the first time I went outside France," he explained. "I learn every day with a team and an incredible club. I work every day to improve." Despite acknowledging Roma's performance could have been better technically, he emphasized the team's efficiency in crucial moments: "We can do better in our play, but we were good at the important points and that made the difference today." When asked about his future at the club, El Aynaoui expressed contentment with his situation. "I'm well at Roma and I work with high-level players and with a great coach," he stated. He also noted that he is regaining form following the Africa Cup of Nations: "After the Africa Cup of Nations it was harder for me but now I feel good and I'm trying to help the team play well."

Bryan Cristante spoke after Roma's 2–0 victory over Bologna, discussing the club's push for the Champions League. The midfielder confirmed that the European dream remains active despite the difficulty of the chase. He acknowledged that Juventus is a strong competitor but called for Roma to stay in contention, noting that the season often brings surprises. Cristante also paid tribute to former manager Claudio Ranieri, who departed the club recently. He said: "Certainly, the manager is a great coach and a great figure, we send him our regards. Last year we made a great journey, we can only give him a big hug and thank him." Ranieri guided Roma through a significant campaign in the previous season before his exit. With 61 points after 34 matches, Roma are positioned to compete for a European place. Cristante's comments reflect the team's determination to close the gap on rivals in the final stages of the season, though he acknowledged the mathematical challenge ahead.

Donyell Malen delivered a standout performance in Roma's 2-0 victory against Bologna, scoring the opening goal and providing an assist for the second goal to earn the match MVP award. The forward has now registered 11 goals in 14 appearances since arriving in January, approaching Mario Balotelli's record of 12 goals for a player joining mid-season. Speaking after the match, Malen said: "This is very beautiful, helping the team to score. I think we played a good match." When asked whether his recent form might convince Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman to select him as the Dutch national team's number nine, Malen indicated his focus remains with Roma. He stated: "I'm not thinking much about that now. I think about playing and scoring here, that is a great tournament (the World Cup)." The 26-year-old's performances have been crucial to Roma's strong campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini this season. Malen's goal tally and consistency have made him one of Serie A's most prolific arrivals, and his dual contribution against Bologna—both goals and assists—underscores his importance to Roma's attacking strategy. His emphasis on club football over international considerations reflects his commitment to driving Roma's continued success.

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.

Bologna host Roma at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on Saturday evening in a crucial Serie A fixture. Bologna sit ten points behind sixth-placed Roma and cannot afford another slip-up after a 2-0 defeat at Juventus, having lost three of their last four matches by multiple goals. Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, are targeting a top-four finish for the first time since 2017–18, but trail fourth-placed Juventus by five points following a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta. With only five games remaining, both sides face mounting pressure in their pursuit of European qualification. Bologna's home record presents a significant weakness—they have lost 50% of their Serie A matches at Renato Dall'Ara this season (W6, D2, L8) and have won only two of ten encounters against current top-seven sides. Roma, however, struggle on the road, having failed to win any of their last seven away games in all competitions (D3, L4) despite scoring in six of them. Defensively, Roma have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four Serie A away matches. Bologna will be without goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, defender Nicolo Casale, and striker Thijs Dallinga, with Federico Bernardeschi also sidelined by injury. Roma cannot call upon Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, though Paulo Dybala may be available from the bench. Injuries to Manu Kone and Lorenzo Pellegrini have depleted Roma's midfield, leaving Niccolo Pisilli and Bryan Cristante to fill the gaps. The prediction favours Roma to win, given Bologna's fatigue from additional recent matches.

Roma faces Bologna with several lineup decisions to finalize ahead of the match. Lorenzo Venturino will start on the bench after sustaining a bruise during the week that has left him below full fitness. The main selection uncertainty centers on the attacking midfield position, where El Aynaoui is competing with El Shaarawy for a starting role alongside Cristante in midfield. If El Aynaoui gets the nod, Pisilli would occupy the number 10 role; if El Shaarawy starts instead, Pisilli would move into a more central midfield position. Paulo Dybala is unavailable to begin the match. Roma is pushing to maintain their Champions League qualification hopes heading into the fixture. The squad faces considerable constraints, with Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson all ruled out. Gasperini will field Celik on one flank, with Wesley returning from injury to operate on the other wing. The selection dilemmas reflect Roma's current depth challenges as they navigate multiple absences while competing for European qualification.