Juventus and Milan stumble: Roma's Champions League bid reignites

Roma play a match of major significance against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with a substantial portion of their European ambitions on the line. Head coach Gasperini expressed confidence in the team's ability to remain in contention for Champions League qualification, suggesting that despite recent challenges, Roma still has a realistic chance of closing the gap on top positions. The fixture represents a pivotal moment in Roma's season, with three points potentially reshaping their trajectory in the title race and continental competition pursuit.

Juventus drew 1–1 at home against already-relegated Verona in a surprise result that benefits Roma's Serie A title challenge. Kieron Bowie gave Verona an early lead in the first half, before Dusan Vlahovic equalized from a free kick in the second half. Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Juventus could not find a winning goal. The result comes as welcome news for Roma fans. Como's draw with Napoli earlier in the weekend, combined with this Juventus stalemate, means Roma can narrow the gap to fourth place and the Champions League positions. Roma trails the third-place Milan by three points after Milan lost 2–0 to Sassuolo. Roma plays Fiorentina on the following day and can move to within one point of the Champions League spots with a victory. Atlanta also drew 0–0 at home against Genoa, leaving the title race wide open as the season enters its final stretch. Roma's fixture against Fiorentina offers an immediate opportunity to capitalize on results elsewhere.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing Roma for an upcoming match against Fiorentina, with midfielder Koné expected to return to the starting lineup. Koné will operate in the centre of midfield alongside Bryan Cristante. The main tactical question centres on Roma's attacking options on the trequarti, where Gasperini must choose between Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala. The selection dilemma around Dybala's involvement remains unresolved as the match approaches. The return of Koné represents a boost to Roma's midfield after a period of absence. Pairing him with the reliable Cristante provides stability in the centre, allowing Gasperini to focus his attention on the attacking formation. The competition between Soulé and Dybala for a place in the attacking third reflects Gasperini's flexibility in his approach, as both players offer different qualities in breaking down opposition defences.

Roma are preparing for their upcoming match against Fiorentina with several squad decisions to finalize, particularly in midfield and the attacking midfield areas. Koné is set to return to the lineup, while Paulo Dybala is favored to start ahead of Niccolò Pisilli in the attacking setup. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working through the final tactical details as Roma aim to build on their campaign. The specific context of Roma's form and their approach to the fixture details remain unclear from available information.

Gian Piero Gasperini has Midfielder Koné available again after more than 40 days out with injury, though the midfielder may not yet have the stamina for a full 90 minutes. Roma's lineup for the upcoming match remains fluid in midfield, with Koné potentially operating in rotation with academy product Pisilli during the match. Dybala has been tested extensively as a starting forward and is expected to begin the game, paired with Soulé in attacking positions. The tactical setup reflects Gasperini's flexibility as he manages the reintegration of recently injured players. Pisilli, born in 2004, presents an alternative option and could start in an advanced number 10 role if the coach opts for that configuration. Koné's recovery from his lengthy absence represents a significant boost for Roma's midfield depth. Roma will officially announce the team sheet later, clarifying all remaining selection questions. Gasperini told reporters: 'The Champions? We are still in it, we need to win.' This reflects the coach's focus on securing important points as Roma pursues continued European competition.

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 will host Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on May 4 in a Serie A match crucial to their Champions League hopes. Head coach Gasperini has confirmed that midfielder Manu Koné has recovered from injury and will return to the squad after missing action since late March. Koné is expected to start in the midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, with Niccolò Pisilli and Matías Soulé providing support to striker Donyell Malen in attack. Paulo Dybala is included in the squad but is anticipated to begin the match on the bench, likely to feature later in the game. The fixture follows Roma's recent away victory against Bologna and represents a significant opportunity to maintain momentum in the title race and secure European football for next season. Fiorentina, managed by Vanoli, have moved clear of the relegation zone and will arrive as competitive opponents. Roma will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal and a back line comprising Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso. The inclusion of the fit-again Koné bolsters Roma's midfield options and provides tactical flexibility for Gasperini as the season approaches its conclusion.

Matías Soulé is finding his way back to full sharpness following a lengthy injury layoff. The Argentine winger returned to action approximately one month ago after suffering a pubic bone injury that kept him sidelined for roughly two months. Since his return in Roma's 5–2 defeat to Inter on 5 April, Soulé has started every match but has managed only one shot on target across four games against Inter, Pisa, Atalanta, and Bologna. His goal drought extends back to 10 January against Sassuolo. The statistics paint a picture of diminished attacking threat. Of 12 dribble attempts over this period, Soulé succeeded in beating his man only four times, and he did not attempt a dribble in the Bologna fixture. This lack of explosive play reflects his ongoing physical recovery and suggests he has not yet regained the condition that made him a key scorer before the arrival of Donyell Malen. The absence of his trademark long-range left-footed shots has been particularly noticeable, with Soulé increasingly preferring to lay the ball off to teammates. Looking ahead, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will have considerable influence over whether Soulé remains central to Roma's plans. The club could consider offers exceeding 30 million euros, with interest reportedly coming from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, and Borussia Dortmund. Soulé has approximately four remaining matches this season to convince Gasperini of his value for the coming year.

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.