From Champions League to Europa League: What Roma needs to return among the elite

Italian football is in turmoil following an investigation into the refereeing system that has cast doubt on its integrity. Gianluca Rocchi, the referee designator, and Andrea Gervasoni, a member of Italy's refereeing committees, are under investigation for alleged involvement in match-fixing and suspected bias toward Inter Milan. Both men have suspended themselves pending the inquiry. The investigation centers on accusations that they selected referees favorable to Inter in certain matches and that Rocchi intervened during Udinese-Parma on 1 March 2025, instructing the VAR room in Lissone to award a penalty. The probe was initiated by a report from Domenico Rocca, a former linesman. The case carries direct implications for AS Roma. Rocca's complaint references the Inter-Roma match in 2025, expressing surprise that supervisor Gervasoni did not alert the VAR to a clear penalty that should have been awarded in Inter's favor. Rocca states this error would likely cost Napoli the Serie A title. Inter issued no official statement on the scandal today and declined to comment before their match against Turin, saying they were stunned by such accusations. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is preparing to investigate the matter thoroughly. Maurizio Ciampi, a former CAN C head, is reportedly being considered as interim head of referees.

Roma secured a decisive 2-0 away victory at Bologna, with the goals coming in the first half. Donyell Malen delivered an outstanding performance, scoring one goal and providing an assist. Wesley, returning from injury, proved crucial to the result, while El Aynaoui also contributed a goal and an assist—marking his first Serie A goal. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar made important saves when called upon, and the defensive trio performed solidly throughout. The win keeps Roma's Champions League ambitions alive as Juventus faced AC Milan the same evening. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini received praise from multiple newspapers for his tactical setup and team management. Midfielder Niccolò Pisilli impressed with a solid display, while the midfield and defensive structure remained compact and disciplined. The ratings across major Italian publications were relatively consistent, with Malen earning scores between 7.5 and 8, and El Aynaoui consistently rated 7.5. Wesley and Svilar also drew positive marks across the board. Gasperini himself was rated 7 to 7.5 by the publications surveyed.

Roma secured a victory against Bologna with head coach Gasperini implementing a tactical setup that successfully countered Bologna's 3-4-2-1 formation under Italiano. The win came after what was described as a turbulent week for the club, during which tensions and uncertainty threatened to destabilize the squad. Gasperini's tactical adjustments proved effective in dismantling Bologna's approach, demonstrating his ability to adapt strategically at the highest level. The victory provided Roma with an opportunity to stabilize their season after a challenging period marked by internal pressures.