Road to Champions: Roma sees the finish line as Juve and Como stumble

Roma face Fiorentina on May 4, 2026, in Serie A's 35th round as they chase a fifth-place finish and keep Champions League hopes alive. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed in a pre-match press conference that midfielder Koné has recovered from injury and Paulo Dybala is available after returning to full fitness last week. Both players will be available for tomorrow's match. Gasperini highlighted the significance of Corbin Friedkin's presence at Roma's training ground Trigoria, noting it signals the ownership is beginning to mobilize not only for the season's conclusion but also for future planning. Corbin Friedkin, the younger brother of majority owner Ryan Friedkin, primarily oversees the Friedkin Group's ownership of Cannes but has participated in Roma meetings and strategic discussions over the years. The coach indicated that finding a sporting director remains a pressing priority for the club. Roma currently sit outside the Champions League spots but can move above Como into fifth place with a win. The Friedkin Group's increased involvement at the club suggests preparations are underway for both the final stretch of the campaign and longer-term strategic decisions.

Roma remain in the hunt for European qualification after a positive weekend across Serie A. Juventus drew 1–1 against Verona and Como held Napoli to a 0–0 draw, results that have tightened the battle for the final Champions League spots. Roma currently sit sixth with 61 points, one point behind Como and four adrift of Juventus, with only two places available for the top four. Gasperini's side face Fiorentina at the Olimpico on the coming day in a crucial fixture. A victory would move Roma level with Como on points and within striking distance of Juventus. The remaining calendar presents both opportunity and peril: Roma must navigate trips to Parma and Verona alongside a home match against Lazio in the final stretch. The derby against their city rivals is a particular concern, as such matches carry unpredictable intensity and could prove decisive for Champions League qualification. Juventus have tougher fixtures ahead, including a trip to Lecce—a team fighting relegation—and a meeting with Fiorentina before their final-day clash with Torino. Como's route to qualification appears more straightforward with matches against Verona, Parma and Cremonese. Milan, currently third on 67 points, face Atalanta, Genoa and Cagliari. Four teams occupy six points with only two Champions League slots remaining—a tightly compressed race for Europe.

Roma will face Fiorentina on Monday at 20:45. Fiorentina head coach Vanoli has confirmed his squad selection for the match, with forwards Kean and Piccoli ruled out. Roma aim to secure a positive result in what appears to be a crucial Serie A fixture. The absence of Kean and Piccoli represents a significant blow to Fiorentina's attacking options, potentially altering their tactical approach. Details of Roma's own squad availability and match strategy remain unclear from the available information.