Gasperini outlines plans to raise Roma's level, demands technical backing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

Roma secured a 2-0 victory away at Bologna on 25 April 2026, with both goals arriving in the first half. Donyell Malen opened the scoring with a right-footed finish, and El Aynaoui doubled the lead after receiving an assist from Malen. The result lifted Roma to 61 points in the Serie A standings, moving them to within two points of the Champions League qualification places ahead of the Milan–Juventus fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini fielded the side for the first time following Claudio Ranieri's departure, with Wesley and Niccolò Pisilli returning to the squad. Roma's aggressive approach from the outset set the tone for the match, with Gasperini's team controlling proceedings throughout the opening period. In the second half, Bologna's Orsolini struck the crossbar with a effort that posed a brief threat to Mile Svilar's goal. Malen was particularly influential in Roma's attacking play, while El Aynaoui made a decisive impact following his entry into the match. The victory represents an important step in Roma's pursuit of European qualification, with the Champions League race remaining competitive in the run-in to the season's conclusion.

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 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.