El Aynaoui reflects on a year of discovery at Roma

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Roma's 2–0 victory over Bologna, with goals from Malen and El Aynaoui, highlighting strong defensive play in the first half. Gasperini expressed confidence in Malen's abilities, noting he had already identified him as the ideal player for the role during pre-season. He commended El Aynaoui's performance after the striker's return from Africa Cup of Nations duties, saying he remained physically and emotionally affected by the extended competition but has since shown his quality. Gasperini acknowledged Roma's injury struggles throughout the season, citing absences of key players including Wesley, Soulé, Dybala, and Koné. He noted that Dybala had not played since 25 January, while Soulé missed 40 days. Despite these setbacks, he praised the squad's resilience, highlighting solid performances even against stronger opponents like Atalanta and Juventus. The head coach attributed some difficulties to unfortunate circumstances, including Wesley's red card at Como. Regarding the summer transfer window, Gasperini stated: "If I have technical responsibilities, it is fair that I get what I want." He indicated he holds ideas on how to elevate Roma's level and strength, though he deferred detailed market discussions to the coming season. With four matches remaining, Gasperini expressed determination, saying the team still has opportunities ahead.

Roma has returned to winning ways after recent turmoil, securing a 2–0 victory away from home. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the club's ambitions in a press conference, stating his desire to raise the team's level while making clear demands for support. Gasperini said: "I want to raise the level, but I demand to be satisfied." The comment reflects his determination to strengthen the squad and his expectations that the club will back his vision. The victory comes as Roma attempts to move forward from a difficult period and rebuild momentum in the campaign.

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Roma's 2–0 victory over Bologna, with goals from Malen and El Aynaoui, highlighting strong defensive play in the first half. Gasperini expressed confidence in Malen's abilities, noting he had already identified him as the ideal player for the role during pre-season. He commended El Aynaoui's performance after the striker's return from Africa Cup of Nations duties, saying he remained physically and emotionally affected by the extended competition but has since shown his quality. Gasperini acknowledged Roma's injury struggles throughout the season, citing absences of key players including Wesley, Soulé, Dybala, and Koné. He noted that Dybala had not played since 25 January, while Soulé missed 40 days. Despite these setbacks, he praised the squad's resilience, highlighting solid performances even against stronger opponents like Atalanta and Juventus. The head coach attributed some difficulties to unfortunate circumstances, including Wesley's red card at Como. Regarding the summer transfer window, Gasperini stated: "If I have technical responsibilities, it is fair that I get what I want." He indicated he holds ideas on how to elevate Roma's level and strength, though he deferred detailed market discussions to the coming season. With four matches remaining, Gasperini expressed determination, saying the team still has opportunities ahead.

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."

Roma secured victory against Bologna with Donyell Malen delivering a commanding central performance and El Aynaoui rediscovering his form. The win provided a response on the pitch to the recent upheaval surrounding the club. Malen was pivotal in Roma's attack, while El Aynaoui's revival suggests the forward is regaining confidence after a difficult period. The result comes as Roma look to build momentum following recent turmoil in the dugout and squad management.