Roma vs Fiorentina: Pisilli expected to start ahead of Dybala as Koné returns

AS Roma host Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico with an opportunity to close the gap on the Champions League qualification spots. Juventus drew against Verona, and AC Milan sits third, leaving Roma four points behind the top four. A victory would move Roma to within one point of fourth place. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has emphasized to the squad that this is the moment to rejoin the Champions League race. Qualification would bring immediate financial relief—nearly €20 million guaranteed from competition participation—and help Gasperini construct a different strategic approach to squad management, particularly regarding potential departures of key players required to comply with UEFA financial fair play regulations. Corbin Friedkin, brother of vice-president Ryan Friedkin, is at Trigoria to ease tensions after weeks of turbulence. Gasperini acknowledged the situation, saying: "The society has suffered a major disappointment, which it did not expect. A path was taken that was not imagined." He was referring to former senior advisor Claudio Ranieri without naming him directly. Gasperini emphasized the need for clarity regarding the sporting director position. Ricky Massara remains in the role for now, but the coach stated the society must provide clear direction moving forward. Paulo Dybala is expected to start alongside Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen.

Roma play a decisive match against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with a significant portion of their European qualification hopes at stake. The fixture carries weight far beyond three points as the Giallorossi continue their push for continental football. Head coach Gasperini signalled optimism about Roma's Champions League prospects, suggesting the club remains in contention despite recent challenges. The encounter represents a key opportunity for Roma to mount a comeback in the standings and keep pace with the season's competition.

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 has recalled midfielder Manu Koné for Roma's upcoming fixture against Fiorentina after more than a month out following a knee injury sustained in the Europa League match against Bologna. Koné is expected to start immediately and provides crucial reinforcement to Roma's midfield depth, as Bryan Cristante would otherwise be the sole available option alongside Niccolò Pisilli. El Aynaoui is absent from the squad due to suspension following a yellow card at Bologna, while Bryan Zaragoza is ruled out through injury. The squad list includes Paulo Dybala, who featured in the previous round and remains part of Gasperini's plans despite not yet operating at full capacity. Defender Tsimikas has recovered from muscle fatigue and returns to the squad. Several players remain unavailable: Dovbyk, Ferguson, and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all sidelined through longer-term injuries. The recovery of Koné represents a timely boost for Roma's midfield stability as the campaign progresses.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Olimpico in a match offering a significant opportunity to close the gap in the Champions League race, following recent results from Milan and Juventus. Midfielder Koné is expected to return to the squad. A key tactical question centres on the attack, with Paulo Dybala and Niccolò Pisilli competing for a starting position. The fixture presents Roma with a crucial chance to strengthen their European qualification prospects through a home victory.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has recalled midfielder Manu Koné for Roma's upcoming fixture against Fiorentina after more than a month out following a knee injury sustained in the Europa League match against Bologna. Koné is expected to start immediately and provides crucial reinforcement to Roma's midfield depth, as Bryan Cristante would otherwise be the sole available option alongside Niccolò Pisilli. El Aynaoui is absent from the squad due to suspension following a yellow card at Bologna, while Bryan Zaragoza is ruled out through injury. The squad list includes Paulo Dybala, who featured in the previous round and remains part of Gasperini's plans despite not yet operating at full capacity. Defender Tsimikas has recovered from muscle fatigue and returns to the squad. Several players remain unavailable: Dovbyk, Ferguson, and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all sidelined through longer-term injuries. The recovery of Koné represents a timely boost for Roma's midfield stability as the campaign progresses.

Italian football radio commentators have weighed in on Roma's prospects, with several calling for the Giallorossi to establish themselves as serious contenders against top rivals. Piero Torri from Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma emphasized that Roma must accumulate 12 points and strike fear into Juventus and Milan. He suggested that returning players will enable Gasperini to rotate the squad effectively, and noted the coach may be tempted to field Dybala alongside Soulé and Malen. Torri added that the current focus is on player sales rather than acquisitions. Roberto Pruzzo stressed Roma must focus on their own performances, particularly in the upcoming Fiorentina match and the derby against Lazio. He acknowledged that Dybala's fitness will be crucial, noting that Gasperini will likely deploy the Argentine midfielder if he is available for extended playing time. Pruzzo expressed hope that Malen continues his recent scoring form. Mario Mattioli cautioned against overconfidence, suggesting Roma should aggressively approach the Fiorentina fixture to secure the result early. He noted that Fiorentina faces a depleted squad with limited remaining objectives in the season.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Olimpico in a match offering a significant opportunity to close the gap in the Champions League race, following recent results from Milan and Juventus. Midfielder Koné is expected to return to the squad. A key tactical question centres on the attack, with Paulo Dybala and Niccolò Pisilli competing for a starting position. The fixture presents Roma with a crucial chance to strengthen their European qualification prospects through a home victory.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has recalled midfielder Manu Koné for Roma's upcoming fixture against Fiorentina after more than a month out following a knee injury sustained in the Europa League match against Bologna. Koné is expected to start immediately and provides crucial reinforcement to Roma's midfield depth, as Bryan Cristante would otherwise be the sole available option alongside Niccolò Pisilli. El Aynaoui is absent from the squad due to suspension following a yellow card at Bologna, while Bryan Zaragoza is ruled out through injury. The squad list includes Paulo Dybala, who featured in the previous round and remains part of Gasperini's plans despite not yet operating at full capacity. Defender Tsimikas has recovered from muscle fatigue and returns to the squad. Several players remain unavailable: Dovbyk, Ferguson, and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all sidelined through longer-term injuries. The recovery of Koné represents a timely boost for Roma's midfield stability as the campaign progresses.

Inter, having secured their twenty-first Serie A title, are planning significant squad changes across all departments. The club's scouting team has identified several AS Roma players as targets. Manu Koné remains Inter's primary focus, valued at approximately €40 million, with midfielder Frattesi potentially included as a bargaining chip to facilitate the deal. Inter are also monitoring Curtis Jones, whose Liverpool contract expires in 2027 and who is not expected to sign a renewal. Lorenzo Pellegrini has also attracted Inter's attention despite his contract situation remaining unresolved at Roma. The Roma captain has not renewed his deal and is reportedly of interest to Juventus as well. In goalkeeping, Inter view Svilar as a potential alternative, alongside Lunin, with current number one Sommer potentially moving to a backup role and Vicario becoming the primary starter. Celik, whose Roma contract is expiring, is another player on Inter's radar. For Roma, the interest in key players like Pellegrini and Koné underscores the squad's quality but also poses potential challenges in maintaining stability. Frattesi, who also attracts interest from Nottingham Forest, could prove valuable in negotiations.

Zeki Celik's future at AS Roma remains unresolved despite interest from Juventus, Inter, and Premier League clubs. The Turkish right-back has not signed with any rival club and is willing to wait for a renewed contract offer from Roma, having made a commitment to head coach Gasperini, who values him highly. Gasperini is eager to meet Ryan Friedkin to plan the upcoming season, with contract renewals — including for Celik — a key priority. Celik is among several Roma players whose contracts expire in June, alongside Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and El Shaarawy. Roma is now reconsidering its valuation of the former Lille player after initial negotiations stalled. The club had quoted a salary of 4 million euros net, to which the Growth Decree tax benefits would apply. Though a substantial figure, Roma has resumed dialogue, recognizing that replacing Celik at comparable quality would cost considerably more on the transfer market. The player's commitment to his promise to Gasperini and Roma's willingness to continue negotiations suggest a renewal remains feasible, though details of any formal agreement have yet to be reached.