Soulé Struggling for Form: Just One Shot on Target Since Return

AS Roma face a crucial final four matches of the season as they attempt to secure Champions League qualification. Currently three points behind Juventus with four games remaining, Roma must win their remaining fixtures while also hoping Juventus slip up. Head coach Gasperini's side face Fiorentina, Parma, a derby against Lazio, and a trip to already-relegated Verona to complete their campaign. The challenge comes after recent seasons saw inconsistent final-game performances cost Roma dearly. The last time Roma won their final four matches was in 2020 under Fonseca, though those victories came in late July and early August following the Covid-enforced league restart. Former manager Ranieri came close last season with three wins from four, but a defeat to Atalanta ultimately proved decisive in Roma missing out on Champions League football. A perfect run-in remains the only viable path to European football, though the upcoming fixtures present genuine difficulties despite Verona's relegation.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is set to remain at Roma, with plans to meet owner Ryan Friedkin to discuss the club's direction. The upcoming match against Fiorentina represents a significant moment for both sides, each following distinct footballing paths. Gasperini's tenure at Roma continues as he works to implement his tactical vision. The scheduled talks with Friedkin suggest the coach wants to address priorities and expectations moving forward, indicating a desire to accelerate progress at the club. Details of the specific agenda remain unclear.

The PSG-Bayern Munich Champions League semifinal, which ended 5–4, has drawn comparisons from Italian managers in recent days. Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano referenced a Roma-Bologna Europa League encounter to explain the nature of such an open, attacking contest. Italiano said: "It was like Roma-Bologna in the Europa League, which they compared to the Italy-Germany 4-3 match from 1970. It happens when there are two teams playing to score one more goal than the opponent by pressing them and trying to keep control of the ball." Roma's recent involvement in European competition provides the framework for Italiano's analogy. The Bologna manager used the Roma encounter to illustrate how such high-scoring, pressing-intensive matches develop when both sides adopt similarly aggressive tactical approaches. The comparison suggests a pattern in modern football where attacking intent and pressing strategies can create open, entertaining fixtures with multiple goals. Italiano's observation highlights how tactical philosophy—specifically the pursuit of numerical superiority in goals combined with high-intensity pressing—creates conditions for spectacular matches. The manager's reference to historical precedent (the 1970 Italy-Germany clash) underscores how such contests transcend individual teams or competitions, reflecting broader principles of attacking football.

Paulo Dybala will return to the Roma starting lineup for the first time in over three months when the club faces Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini plans to deploy Dybala and Matías Soulé in attack with Donyell Malen as the central striker—a attacking combination the coach believes offers Roma's best chance to pursue Champions League qualification, despite the pair occasionally creating congestion in midfield. Dybala's inclusion comes as Roma evaluates the terms of his contract renewal. The club requires financial and technical certainty before agreeing to an extension. The Argentine forward has indicated willingness to accept a reduced salary to remain at Roma, though the specifics of any reduction remain to be determined. His current deal is worth approximately 8 million euros annually and requires significant trimming. Soulé, Dybala's attacking partner, has also struggled to score recently due to a groin injury, and his compensation package similarly needs adjustment. Gasperini's decision reflects continued faith in Dybala despite the renewal discussions. The upcoming match against Fiorentina will provide a platform to assess whether the forward can deliver the consistency Roma requires to justify keeping him on revised terms and to strengthen the club's European ambitions.

Roma are preparing for their upcoming match against Fiorentina as they continue their pursuit of European qualification. Head coach Gasperini is evaluating team selection options, with speculation that Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen could feature together in the starting lineup. The pairing represents a key attacking combination as Roma look to maintain momentum in their European chase. Gasperini continues to assess tactical approaches ahead of the fixture.

AS Roma is preparing for a fresh start with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini set to hold a comprehensive meeting with the Friedkin Group this weekend. The discussion will address several pressing issues facing the club, including the appointment of a new sporting director to replace Massara, financial fair play constraints ahead of the 30 June deadline, and strategic priorities for the squad. Gasperini has identified key untouchable players—Svilar, Malen, and Wesley—whom he will not allow to leave, and has made clear that the club must not block certain potential departures. Gasperini's main priorities for Roma's rebuild centre on strengthening the midfield flanks and overhauling the attacking department, which requires significant reinforcement. The meeting will also determine the format and location of the club's upcoming training camp. In a lighter note, Gasperini was reportedly spotted at the barbershop of one of Roma's trusted stylists, potentially preparing a new look for the coming season. The summit represents a critical moment for Roma to establish direction and clarity after recent instability.