Roma radio roundtable: Rensch criticized as April's underperformer; discussion on Manna contact and Gasperini backing

Fiorentina midfielder Marco Brescianini has spoken ahead of the Serie A match between Roma and Fiorentina scheduled for Monday, 4 May at the Olimpico (kick-off 20:45), the postponed fixture of matchday 35. Brescianini, who previously worked under Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, offered high praise for the giallorossi tactician in an interview with TuttoSport. Brescianini described Roma as one of the season's surprises, alongside Como, noting that the capital club embodies all of Gasperini's characteristic playing style. He acknowledged that Fiorentina could mathematically secure safety on Monday, though he emphasized that playing last in the round would not alter their competitive approach to the match. Regarding Gasperini, Brescianini stated: "For me he is a phenomenon. Many have tried to emulate him but he is unique, he has the mentality of someone who always wants to raise the bar. I learned a lot from him." Brescianini also reflected on Fiorentina's season, suggesting the club could have occupied a higher league position but acknowledged that some seasons unfold in unpredictable ways. The match will pit two sides with contrasting trajectories—Roma's resurgence under Gasperini's management against Fiorentina's mixed campaign.

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has warned the club against competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, arguing it would be detrimental to the team's development and summer transfer strategy. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo emphasized that avoiding the Conference League should be a priority, suggesting that success in that competition would represent a step backward rather than progress for the club. Pruzzo stated: "Dico solo una cosa: evitare la Conference. Condizionerebbe anche il calciomercato. Per vincere quella coppa, basta una squadra di medio livello. Mourinho voleva quel percorso lì, vincere due coppe e poi alzare il livello ma non è stato possibile. Se devi ripartire dalla Conference… mi sembra di tornare indietro di cinque anni." He added that Roma needs structural change in its sporting direction, suggesting the club appoint two sporting directors—one to sell players and another to acquire them—to clarify the transfer market approach. Mario Mattioli, also speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, echoed concerns about Roma's organizational structure, noting that the Conference League is a competition suited for clubs that narrowly miss Europe's top competitions rather than those finishing last or second-to-last. Mattioli highlighted difficulties in identifying a suitable sporting director and suggested the Friedkin Group may rely on agent networks, which he views as a limitation for the club.

Radja Nainggolan has reiterated his enduring love for AS Roma while reflecting on his time at the club during an interview on Sky Calcio Unplugged. The former midfielder discussed Roma's competitive ambitions during his era, acknowledging the squad's quality but highlighting their inability to compete with Juventus, particularly against their formidable three-man defensive line of Barzagli, Bonucci, and Chiellini. Nainggolan emphasized that Roma's objective should always be to finish in the top four, noting that current squad members such as Paulo Dybala are expected to make greater impact. Nainggolan reflected fondly on Roma's memorable Champions League encounter against Barcelona, recalling the atmosphere and belief within the squad that something special could happen. He recalled: "In that week we could feel something, a sensation that made us think something could happen." He also highlighted a missed penalty decision on Pellegrini that would be awarded with VAR technology. Beyond his playing career, Nainggolan expressed admiration for coach Luciano Spalletti, praising his tactical approach and communication style while suggesting Juventus could have challenged Inter more effectively had Spalletti been in place from the season's start.

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.

Roma faced Bologna in a crucial late-season encounter at the Dall'Ara stadium, with the match officiated by Marco Di Bello from Brindisi. The match saw several bookings reviewed, including a controversial yellow card for Hermoso in the 46th minute for a foul on Orsolini that appeared minimal, with the Spanish defender protesting the decision. Rensch also received a caution in the 65th minute for a high challenge on Zortea, while a silent VAR check confirmed the booking. The most significant outcome involved El Aynaoui, who received a yellow card in the 68th minute for a foul on Rowe. Since the Moroccan player was already on a booking suspension, this caution rules him out of Roma's next fixture against Fiorentina. The incident highlights the importance of Roma's upcoming schedule as the season reaches its critical final stages, with the club needing to manage squad discipline carefully moving forward.

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.