Gasperini backs Dybala; Vaccaro says Roma must strengthen market

Carlo Verdone, a prominent Roman actor, commented on AS Roma's recent managerial changes at an event in Rome. Verdone expressed disappointment at the departure of Claudio Ranieri, the former manager who left the club recently. He also stated hopes that Roma can avoid qualifying for the Conference League, suggesting preference for higher European competition or domestic focus. Details of his full remarks remain unclear from the available information.

Director and Roma fan Carlo Verdone has commented on the recent tensions at the club, expressing sympathy for the departing figure while voicing support for the current coach. Speaking at a film presentation in Rome, Verdone acknowledged the difficult situation that has dominated discussion at the club in recent weeks. He stated: "I was sorry. I know him, he is a very decent person, very reliable, serious. But I don't know what elements triggered this fire." Verdone also noted: "I am a friend of Ranieri, I respect Gasperini, so I don't take sides. Then I have to tell the truth, I didn't understand what happened between the two and what the real elements of disagreement are." The comments come amid the recent departure of a senior advisor role at Roma following reported conflict with the coaching setup. Verdone, a lifelong Roma supporter, refrained from taking a definitive stance on the internal club matters, citing his personal relationships with those involved. Regarding Roma's season outlook, he expressed hope for a strong finish: "The end of the season? Let's hope for the best and to qualify for a cup, especially that it's not the Conference League, for goodness' sake." His remarks reflect broader concern among Roma fans about the club's direction and European ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.

Former football figures Gigi Di Biagio and Alessio Cerci have publicly endorsed Gian Piero Gasperini and urged AS Roma to maintain faith in the head coach's project. Speaking at the FIP Silver Mediolanum Padel Cup in Bari, both emphasized that Roma's recent victory against Bologna signals an important moment for the season and the development of the club's new direction. Di Biagio stressed the importance of unity and patience, noting that without access to internal dynamics, he believes in Gasperini and the squad's commitment. He stated: "Conoscendo Gasperini e i giocatori, c'è sempre stata fiducia nell'obiettivo. Fino all'ultimo bisogna lottare e lo faranno" ("Knowing Gasperini and the players, there has always been trust in the objective. Until the end they must fight and they will"). Cerci reinforced the case for technical continuity, arguing that Gasperini requires confidence and the right personnel to succeed. He said: "Gasperini ha sempre fatto un grandissimo lavoro e ha bisogno di fiducia. Sarà fondamentale anche il mercato, con giocatori adatti al suo calcio, come già visto all'Atalanta" ("Gasperini has always done great work and needs trust. The transfer market will also be fundamental, with players suited to his style of play, as we saw at Atalanta"). Both figures stressed that coherence in decision-making and allowing the project time to develop are essential for Roma's growth.

Paulo Dybala returned to action at Dall'Ara after a 90-day absence, receiving 14 minutes of playing time in place of Donyell Malen. His return was described as cautious and tentative, with observers noting he appeared mentally rather than physically unprepared. His involvement was minimal, with little impact on Roma's performance. Dybala's contract expires at the end of the season, and renewal discussions appear unlikely in the near term. With only 23 appearances from 45 matches this season and 1,308 minutes played, producing 3 goals and 4 assists, Dybala's future remains uncertain. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly requested three attacking additions: two wingers for the left flank and one for the right side—a move that would effectively exclude Dybala from Roma's plans. The Argentine can remain at the club only on a pay-per-appearance contract if no replacement arrives in his position. Roma's ownership must navigate this decision through an incoming director of sport, as Massara currently remains in his post. Several candidates have been proposed for the role, including Giuntoli, Sogliano, and Manna, though details on the final selection remain unclear.

Roma is planning a significant restructuring of its attack under new head coach Gasperini, with Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé expected to remain as exceptions. The club has identified RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa as a primary target for the left flank. Leipzig reportedly demanded €50 million for the Norwegian in January, but his valuation is expected to decrease in the summer transfer window. Other attacking options under consideration include Tel from Tottenham and Godts from Ajax, while the club is also monitoring Julian Brandt, who is available on a free transfer and previously played alongside Malen at Borussia Dortmund. Gasperini has outlined clear instructions to the Friedkin Group that the attack requires rebuilding, particularly if Paulo Dybala does not renew his contract. Several players are expected to depart, including Zaragoza, Venturino, El Shaarawy, and Ferguson. On the defensive side, Evan Ndicka is viewed as a potential sale to generate funds, with Lucumì emerging as a replacement option. Midfielder Youssouf Koné remains a transfer target for Inter, though he is expected to be available for Monday's match against Fiorentina alongside defender Zeki Çelik. Meanwhile, the club is close to appointing a new sporting director to oversee the summer transfer strategy. Daniele Massara is departing, with candidates including Paratici and Giuntoli, though D'Amico from Atalanta—who has previously worked with Gasperini—appears to be the leading option. On the pitch, Wesley's impact is notable: Roma averages 1.89 points per match with the Brazilian playing, compared to 1.43 without him.

Internal tensions have emerged between Roma's management and coach Gian Piero Gasperini regarding player departures. Gasperini is advocating for squad continuity, while the club appears to want several players to leave. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala are among the players considered surplus to requirements, yet both have delayed their exits from the Giallorossi. The situation reflects a broader disagreement over squad direction, with the coaching staff prioritizing stability while the board seeks to reshape the roster.

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.

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.

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.