Gremio striker Vinicius misses three penalties in a row, echoing Roma's recent struggles

Ezio Simonelli, president of Serie A, indicated that the upcoming Derby della Capitale between AS Roma and SS Lazio is heading toward a midday kickoff time. The statement came during the presentation of the third edition of the 'Road to Zero' project. The exact match date and final confirmation of the kickoff time remain unclear, though Simonelli's remarks suggest Serie A is moving in that direction for the fixture. Midday scheduling for the Derby della Capitale is relatively uncommon and could affect both clubs' preparations and fan attendance logistics.

Referee Luca Zufferli has been appointed to oversee Roma's crucial Serie A match against Fiorentina on Monday, 4 May at Stadio Olimpico. Di Paolo will operate as VAR, with Rossi and Ceccon as assistant referees. This fixture is vital for Roma's hopes of securing a Champions League spot. Zufferli's record with Roma stands at four wins and two defeats. His most recent encounter with the Giallorossi came in December 2025 when he sent off Çelik during Roma's visit to Cagliari. That match highlighted concerns about inconsistency in his decision-making. During the Cagliari game, Zufferli failed to sanction Folorunsho after the player displayed clearly unsporting conduct during an altercation with Hermoso, drawing criticism over the fairness of his officiating. With Roma needing points to maintain their Champions League ambitions, the performance of the refereeing team will be closely scrutinized by supporters and analysts alike. The fixture carries significant weight in the title race and European qualification battle.

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.

Italian radio commentators have voiced concern about Roma's direction under the Friedkin Group ownership. Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà stated: "I believe we are behind schedule. This ownership navigates without direction. The Ranieri-Gasperini-Massara trio lasted essentially two months, then in practice ten. I hope things are done well: Roma needs to be more of a football club. I see an empty Roma. Roma is already behind schedule, in two months the next season begins. The risk of facing disappointments is concrete." Former striker Roberto Pruzzo commented on Roma's strikeforce, noting the club has three centre-forwards and expressing hope that Dovbyk finds a new opportunity elsewhere. He believes Roma could strengthen by acquiring two new starting-level forwards to make a quality leap. Lorenzo Pes added that Dovbyk represented one of the most misguided investments in recent years, while also discussing Paulo Dybala's potential future at Boca Juniors or his willingness to remain in Rome if circumstances allow. The commentary reflects broader anxiety among Roma observers about the club's management structure and transfer planning as the new season approaches. The frequent managerial changes and perceived lack of coherent strategy have intensified doubts about whether the current ownership can deliver sustained sporting success.

A daily radio commentary feature from Romanews.eu presents opinions on AS Roma from various contributors. One voice criticises striker Artem Dovbyk's performance, labelling him a disappointment. Another commentator argues the core problem lies with ownership under the Friedkin Group rather than individual players. A third contributor suggests finding a sporting director to work with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will prove a complicated task. The piece reflects wider debate among Roma supporters and analysts about squad underperformance, structural decision-making at the club, and ongoing challenges in rebuilding the team's competitive standing.

Artem Dovbyk will travel to Finland this weekend for final medical clearance before returning to action following January surgery on his left thigh. The Ukrainian striker has been working separately at Roma's training ground during the team's preparation for upcoming fixtures. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is targeting Dovbyk's return to the squad for matches against Parma and the Derby della Capitale, though the exact timeline remains under review. Meanwhile, Gasperini has regained midfielder Manu Koné, who returned to full training after six weeks out with injury and will be included in the squad for Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday at the Olimpico. El Aynaoui is unavailable for that fixture due to suspension. Lorenzo Pellegrini also worked separately during training but is expected to feature in upcoming matches. Defender Çelik underwent tests for a right flexor issue, with details of his availability remaining unclear. Roma's medical staff continue monitoring the squad ahead of the busy fixture schedule.