Roma's injury crisis eases as Dybala and Wesley return; Koné expected back soon

Paulo Dybala returned to action for AS Roma in the match against Bologna after three months out with a knee injury. The Argentine forward's comeback comes at a critical juncture for the club, which faces four remaining matches with 12 points available in their bid to secure Champions League qualification after an eight-year absence. Dybala's performance in these final matches will be significant not only for Roma's European hopes but also in determining his future at the club beyond the current season. Dybala's contract renewal remains uncertain but possible. While the player reportedly wants to stay in Rome, an agreement must be reached that satisfies both the Argentine and the club financially. Recent organizational changes, including the departure of former manager Claudio Ranieri and the probable separation from club official Massara, mean that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's opinion will carry considerable weight in decisions about Dybala's future. Gasperini is reportedly keen to retain Dybala for next season. Dybala will attempt to contribute in Roma's final push toward a Champions League place, an achievement that could represent a turning point in the club's season. His return to fitness comes as Roma's medical team reported other squad members also becoming available for selection.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini returns from Roma's trip to Bologna with fresh concerns surrounding defender Zeki Celik's fitness ahead of the upcoming Fiorentina fixture. Despite the injury worry, Gasperini can take encouragement from the availability of midfielders Koné and striker Dovbyk, both of whom are in contention for the match. The extent of Celik's injury and the exact timeline for his recovery remain unclear, though his absence could impact Roma's defensive setup for the Florence encounter.

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.

Paulo Dybala returned to action for AS Roma in the match against Bologna after three months out with a knee injury. The Argentine forward's comeback comes at a critical juncture for the club, which faces four remaining matches with 12 points available in their bid to secure Champions League qualification after an eight-year absence. Dybala's performance in these final matches will be significant not only for Roma's European hopes but also in determining his future at the club beyond the current season. Dybala's contract renewal remains uncertain but possible. While the player reportedly wants to stay in Rome, an agreement must be reached that satisfies both the Argentine and the club financially. Recent organizational changes, including the departure of former manager Claudio Ranieri and the probable separation from club official Massara, mean that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's opinion will carry considerable weight in decisions about Dybala's future. Gasperini is reportedly keen to retain Dybala for next season. Dybala will attempt to contribute in Roma's final push toward a Champions League place, an achievement that could represent a turning point in the club's season. His return to fitness comes as Roma's medical team reported other squad members also becoming available for selection.

AS Roma defeated Bologna 2–0 away at the Dall'Ara stadium in a dominant performance that keeps the club in pursuit of a Champions League place. Donyell Malen scored in the 7th minute from a pass by El Aynaoui, and El Aynaoui himself added a second goal in the 47th minute from a Malen cross. Malen has now reached 10 goals in 13 appearances since his January arrival. Paulo Dybala also made a return to the pitch in the final stages after three months absent. The victory extends Gian Piero Gasperini's positive run since taking charge. Roma's display was described as solid and rapid, with Mile Svilar making one notable save. Bologna, by contrast, suffered their eleventh home defeat of the season and were booed by their own supporters for the first time in many years. The win suggests the squad has not been destabilized by recent turmoil, including the departure of former manager Claudio Ranieri following a public disagreement, and the anticipated exit of the sporting director. Gasperini stated: "Who has responsibility must be satisfied," reflecting confidence in the team's trajectory. Roma created multiple clear-cut chances throughout the match, while Bologna rarely troubled the visitors' defence after the opening half. The Giallorossi maintained control through to the 92nd minute, with Orsolini's strike hitting the crossbar being Bologna's closest approach in the second half.

Roma secured a 2-0 victory away at Bologna, with Donyell Malen and El Aynaoui scoring in the first half. Malen was central to Roma's dominance, recording a goal and an assist while creating additional clear chances that went begging. Wesley made two decisive defensive contributions that led directly to both goals. The match was never in doubt as Bologna offered little resistance, contrasting sharply with their earlier performance that season. Gasperini's side played clean, direct football with freedom after internal tensions dissipated. The coach deployed El Aynaoui in an unorthodox role ahead of traditional strikers, raising Niccolò Pisilli into the midfield line alongside Matías Soulé. Paulo Dybala entered as a substitute in the second half after three months sidelined. Roma squandered at least two additional scoring opportunities through Malen, who was found in behind by Wesley but fired wide on one occasion and had another effort deflected by an opponent. The victory narrows the gap on Juventus to two points, with the Turin club facing Milan later that evening. Gasperini continues to shape Roma into a competitive unit, though questions linger about squad depth in midfield as Bryan Cristante and another midfielder enter the final stretch fatigued and dealing with injury concerns.

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 2-0 victory away at Bologna, with Donyell Malen and El Aynaoui scoring in the first half. Malen was central to Roma's dominance, recording a goal and an assist while creating additional clear chances that went begging. Wesley made two decisive defensive contributions that led directly to both goals. The match was never in doubt as Bologna offered little resistance, contrasting sharply with their earlier performance that season. Gasperini's side played clean, direct football with freedom after internal tensions dissipated. The coach deployed El Aynaoui in an unorthodox role ahead of traditional strikers, raising Niccolò Pisilli into the midfield line alongside Matías Soulé. Paulo Dybala entered as a substitute in the second half after three months sidelined. Roma squandered at least two additional scoring opportunities through Malen, who was found in behind by Wesley but fired wide on one occasion and had another effort deflected by an opponent. The victory narrows the gap on Juventus to two points, with the Turin club facing Milan later that evening. Gasperini continues to shape Roma into a competitive unit, though questions linger about squad depth in midfield as Bryan Cristante and another midfielder enter the final stretch fatigued and dealing with injury concerns.

Donyell Malen scored and assisted in Roma's first away victory in over three months, helping the club move within two points of fourth place and the Champions League qualification spots. The win came in the immediate aftermath of Claudio Ranieri's departure as manager, with Gian Piero Gasperini now sole authority over team selection and tactics. El Aynaoui also impressed with a goal and an assist, while Wesley's return from injury brought fresh offensive variations and higher quality to Roma's attacking play. Paulo Dybala appeared off the bench for the first time since January 25, offering a glimpse of potential reinforcement ahead of four remaining fixtures. The victory provides Roma with renewed belief in their Champions League bid, with the club viewing the Milan-versus-Juventus match as a possible catalyst for re-entry into the fight. The pitch has proven therapeutic after weeks of internal friction and tension at the club. Wesley's presence was pivotal; operating as a winger, he repeatedly exploited Joao Mario's weakness and crafted both Malen's opening goal (finished by El Aynaoui's refinement) and the second goal through a precise cross that found the Moroccan midfielder. Questions remain about the squad's composition going forward. Bryan Cristante is expected to renew his contract, though Angelino's future is uncertain. Lorenzo Pellegrini's long-term status with Gasperini's Roma also requires clarification in the coming weeks.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini returns from Roma's trip to Bologna with fresh concerns surrounding defender Zeki Celik's fitness ahead of the upcoming Fiorentina fixture. Despite the injury worry, Gasperini can take encouragement from the availability of midfielders Koné and striker Dovbyk, both of whom are in contention for the match. The extent of Celik's injury and the exact timeline for his recovery remain unclear, though his absence could impact Roma's defensive setup for the Florence encounter.

Bologna host Roma at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on Saturday evening in a critical Serie A encounter. Bologna sit ten points behind sixth-placed Roma and cannot afford a slip-up after a 2-0 defeat to Juventus, having lost three of their last four matches by multi-goal margins. Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, aim to recover from a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta and have already fallen five points behind fourth-placed Juventus. With only five games remaining, Roma's hopes of securing a top-four finish for the first time since 2017–18 are in jeopardy. Bologna's home record presents a significant weakness—they have lost 50% of their Serie A home matches this season (W6, D2, L8) and have failed to beat Roma in all three meetings this term (D2, L1). However, the hosts have avoided defeat in their last five home encounters against Roma (W2, D3), keeping three clean sheets. Roma's away form is deeply concerning: they have failed to win any of their last seven away games across all competitions (D3, L4) and have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four Serie A away outings, including a 5-2 loss to Inter. Absences will impact both sides. Bologna will be without goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, centre-back Nicolo Casale, striker Thijs Dallinga, and Federico Bernardeschi due to injury. Roma are without long-term absentees Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, whilst injuries to Manu Kone and Lorenzo Pellegrini have depleted their midfield, forcing Niccolò Pisilli and Bryan Cristante to step in. Paulo Dybala could feature on the bench.

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.