Zufferli to referee Roma vs Fiorentina; mixed history with Giallorossi

The Italian Football Federation has announced that Luca Zufferli from the Udine section will referee Roma's match against Fiorentina in Serie A matchday 35. The headline references Zufferli's previous involvement in Roma matches, noting a red card issued to Çelik and a defeat at Cagliari, though full details of these incidents remain unclear from the available text. Zufferli's appointment comes as Roma prepare for this fixture in the domestic league calendar.

Roma will face Fiorentina on Monday in Serie A matchday 35, with kick-off at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico. The article previews the likely team selections for both sides and provides broadcast information for viewers. Details remain unclear regarding specific lineup decisions and injury status.

Rome's Prefect, Lamberto Giannini, has addressed the organizational challenges surrounding the Derby della Capitale between Roma and SS Lazio, scheduled for the weekend of 17–18 May with date and time yet to be confirmed. A key complication is the potential overlap with the final of the International tennis tournament at the Foro Italico on the same Sunday. Giannini explained that multiple variables are being considered in the scheduling process, including the competitive standings of both clubs heading into the final matchday of the season. The Prefect noted that teams competing for Champions League qualification must play simultaneously, which adds complexity to fixture planning. He stated: "There are reflections underway that have various variables. Among those that exist: the teams that will be involved in their end-of-year objectives. For example, the teams in competition to qualify for Champions will have to play at the same time, so knowing how many matches will be necessary to examine is one of the points for reflection." This constraint means authorities must balance the security and logistical demands of hosting two major sporting events in Rome on the same day. Final decisions on the derby's scheduling are expected in the coming days to ensure both events proceed smoothly.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to begin planning AS Roma's 2026–27 campaign but faces obstacles with the club's sporting director position unfilled. Following Claudio Ranieri's departure and public loss of confidence in Massara, Roma's operational capability has stalled, leaving Gasperini without a clear point of contact for recruitment decisions. The Friedkin Group owners are currently abroad, compounding the delay. Gasperini has requested a meeting with ownership to discuss the appointment, expecting to have a voice in the decision. Several candidates are under consideration. D'Amico, the preferred option, remains contracted to Atalanta for another year and the Serie A club has shown no willingness to release him. Giuntoli and Paratici are viewed as less viable at present, while Manna's relationship with Napoli manager Conte has not flourished. Sogliano is identified as the most straightforward acquisition. The appointment is critical to Roma's summer planning, as the club must manage financial Fair Play compliance by generating sales revenue by 30 June and then executing incoming transfers from 1 July onwards. Gasperini has outlined his technical priorities: contract renewals for Hermoso, Pellegrini, Mancini, and Cristante; replacement signings to satisfy Financial Fair Play requirements; and recruitment of a starting left-back. Additional targets include left wingers—with Nusa identified as an aspirational target and Summerville among options—and a right winger if Soulé departs. Sauer and Munoz are listed as more readily available alternatives.

Roma secured a convincing 2–0 victory away at Bologna, with winger Donyell Malen delivering an outstanding performance to decide the match. The win marks an important step in Roma's pursuit of European qualification. Defender Gianluca Mancini also impressed, particularly in the first half, combining aggressive defending with composure. Paulo Dybala returned to action during the encounter. This was Roma's first match after Claudio Ranieri's departure, and the team showed a level of performance the fans have long awaited. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet, including a late intervention to deny Bologna a consolation goal. Mancini began nervously but quickly settled, neutralising Bologna's threat with physical but controlled defending. Fellow defender Ndicka had a far more comfortable evening compared to recent European fixtures, while Hermoso displayed the aggressive, dominant style that attracted coach Gian Piero Gasperini's attention. The defensive collective held firm despite increased pressure in the second half, with substitute Ghilardi entering during Bologna's most intense spell and coping admirably. Roma's convincing display away from home demonstrates the team is building momentum under its new tactical direction, with multiple players delivering well-balanced performances across both phases of play.

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.