Gasperini eyes title push but calls for clarity from Friedkin ownership

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.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini provided a pre-match update ahead of Roma's fixture against Fiorentina, confirming that both midfielder Koné and forward Paulo Dybala are available for selection. Dybala had recovered from earlier in the week and appeared in a recent match, while Koné has fully returned to fitness. Gasperini emphasized the significance of owner Corbin Friedkin's presence at the club, stating: "The presence of Corbin Friedkin is certainly a signal: the ownership begins to move not only for the final stretch of the campaign, which is the priority now, but also with a view to the future." With four matches remaining in the season, Roma remain competitive in the league standings. Gasperini stressed the importance of the upcoming match against Fiorentina, describing the Florence club as a team of quality that has recovered from a difficult period with seven consecutive positive results. He acknowledged that the club faced an unexpected setback earlier in the campaign but expressed confidence in the squad's resilience. The coach noted that while other Serie A clubs may have moved further ahead in summer planning, Roma still has capacity to catch up in recruitment timelines. Gasperini praised the professionalism and moral values displayed by players, many of whom are entering the final months of their contracts or on loan arrangements. Gasperini added: "It was a risky situation to reach four games from the end with such strong participation, remaining competitive and still in contention." He deflected specific questions about future squad construction and potential discussions with management, saying such matters would be addressed "when the moment is right."