Cristante: Champions League dream is difficult but alive, we are there

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to media following Roma's 2–0 away win at Bologna, expressing confidence in the club's ambitions and the squad's commitment. The coach acknowledged that while Roma produced a strong first half, the team struggled somewhat in the second period and must improve for upcoming matches. He emphasized the importance of maintaining belief: "We must believe we can win every match. We are in a condition to play a first half like today, in the second we struggled a bit. We must improve on this for the next game." Gasperini highlighted Donyell Malen's impressive performance and noted that absences of Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala had affected Roma's depth. He also praised a player named El Ayanoui for his display, noting that the player had returned from African Cup of Nations duty with Morocco and had earned recovery time before stepping in. The coach underlined his professional responsibility for tactical matters while expressing gratitude for the club's backing since his arrival. Reflecting on the organisation at Roma, Gasperini stated: "The Roma are a powerful club that will be able to do great things, and I hope to contribute on the technical side." He credited the Friedkin Group with demonstrating consistent trust and commitment to the project from day one, framing the technical direction as his primary focus moving forward.

Paulo Dybala made his return to action as AS Roma secured a 2-0 away victory against Bologna in Serie A matchday 34. The Argentine forward expressed satisfaction at playing again with the squad after a period of absence. Dybala's comeback strengthens Roma's midfield options as the season progresses. His return to fitness comes at a significant moment for the Giallorossi as they continue their campaign under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Details regarding the exact duration of Dybala's absence and the circumstances of his injury remain unclear from available information.

Paulo Dybala made his return to competitive action for Roma on April 25, coming off the bench in the 77th minute of Roma's 2–0 victory at Bologna. The Argentine forward had not played since January 25, when he suffered an injury during Roma's match against Milan at the Olimpico. Between that injury and his return, Dybala underwent meniscal surgery in early March. Dybala's comeback carries significance for Roma's final stretch of the season as the club pursues Champions League qualification or, at minimum, a place in European competition. The forward has approximately four remaining matches to help guide Roma toward their continental ambitions. Following the match, Dybala expressed his satisfaction on social media, posting on Instagram: "Happy to return with the team. Very important victory! Well done everyone." His celebration with supporters underscored the positive mood surrounding his reintegration. While only brief minutes were available to him against Bologna, the appearance serves as a foundation for Dybala to gradually rebuild match fitness and regain his rhythm with the ball and his teammates. Questions about his future beyond the current season remain, but his immediate focus is to contribute during this critical period of Roma's campaign.

Bryan Cristante spoke ahead of Roma's Serie A match against Bologna in matchday 34. The midfielder expressed confidence in Roma's ability to pursue a Champions League qualification, emphasizing the team's belief in their objectives. Regarding Claudio Ranieri's tenure, Cristante stated that the squad must simply thank the former manager for his work. Roma continue their campaign as they aim to secure European football, with the Bologna fixture representing another crucial opportunity in the title race.

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.