Bologna 0–2 Roma: Malen shines as El Aynaoui finds form

A goal by Edmundsson was disallowed in the final minute of stoppage time during Hellas Verona's match against Lecce on April 25. Referee Massa initially validated the strike but overturned the decision after an on-field review, citing a foul on goalkeeper Falcone. Edmundsson had made contact with Falcone's arm while attempting to block the ball, prompting the VAR check. The disallowed goal has drawn comparisons to a controversial decision from January 3, when Atalanta defeated Roma 1–0 with a goal by Scalvini at the New Balance Arena. Scalvini's goal generated significant debate because the defender appeared to place both hands on Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar's face while being obstructed by Rensch, before scoring. Despite a lengthy VAR review, the goal was awarded, sparking criticism from football experts. Luca Marelli, an arbitral expert at DAZN, stated: "Scalvini has both hands on Svilar's face and the goal should have been disallowed. The hands are on the goalkeeper's face before he strikes the ball." The contrast between these two decisions—one disallowed for contact with the goalkeeper, the other awarded despite similar circumstances—has fuelled debate about consistency in refereeing standards. Andrea De Marco, former referee and institutional relations officer for Serie A and Serie B, defended the Scalvini decision after reviewing the evidence. He explained that officials determined Scalvini struck the ball before contacting Svilar, and that the subsequent contact resulted from the goalkeeper's reaction to being unbalanced.

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.

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 will hold training tomorrow before enjoying a short break following their 2–0 away victory against Bologna. Donyell Malen scored in the win. The club has earned rest after the successful result on the road. Defender Celik is unavailable and will not participate in upcoming activities. Details on the nature and duration of his absence remain unclear. Roma will use the mini break to recover before resuming preparations.

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.

A Roma player spoke ahead of the Bologna match in Serie A's 34th round. El Aynaoui described his time at the club as a year of discovery, emphasizing his commitment to daily improvement. He stated: "It has been a year of discovery. I work every day to improve." The comments come as Roma prepare for their fixture against Bologna, with El Aynaoui reflecting on his development since joining the Giallorossi. His remarks highlight his dedication to progressing as a player in the team's project.

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."