Roma Radio Panel: Club Must Challenge Juventus and Milan

Roma legend Bruno Conti has shared his experience fighting lung cancer and reflected on his early career and philosophy for youth development. Speaking to Vivo Azzurro TV, Conti recalled his unlikely path to becoming a professional footballer, describing how scouts initially doubted his physical readiness despite his technical ability. He explained: "They said 'he's technically good, but physically he's not ready'. I didn't let it bother me though—the next day I'd be back out on the street playing with friends. For me, sport was fun." Conti credited a chance encounter at a local tournament in Nettuno with leading to his Roma career, when scout Antonio Trebiciani spotted him and recommended him to the club. Conti emphasized the importance of proper youth coaching structures at Roma, arguing that technical development should take priority over physical attributes and tactical instruction at younger age groups. He stated that educators rather than tactical coaches are needed from Under-10 to Under-14 levels to teach fundamental skills and technique. He reflected on his proudest achievement not as winning trophies, but developing players like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi through the academy system. Regarding his health battle, Conti revealed he was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago and underwent treatment that included hair loss. He acknowledged the emotional toll initially, saying: "At first I didn't want to do anything. My luck was having my family close. My wife gave me incredible strength—I owe her everything."

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), has publicly stated his support for Bologna. He indicated that when Bologna play against Roma, he avoids being present for the match due to his footballing loyalties. The cardinal made these comments during a discussion marking 50 years since the Friuli earthquake. His remarks highlight a notable football allegiance that creates a conflict of interest when the two clubs face each other.

Vincenzo Iaquinta, the former Juventus striker, has offered high praise for Francesco Totti, suggesting the Roma legend would have achieved even greater success had he joined Real Madrid. Iaquinta and Totti never played together at Roma but shared the experience of Italy's 2006 World Cup victory in Germany. Iaquinta has included Totti in his personal top 11 of players he has shared a team with throughout his career. Totti remains one of Roma's greatest figures, having spent his entire career at the club from 1992 to 2017 and scoring 307 goals. The comparison to Real Madrid underscores what might have been for the former Roma captain, though his loyalty to the Giallorossi defined his legacy. Iaquinta's all-time team alongside Totti includes several Serie A and international stars: Buffon, Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro, Maldini, Camoranesi, Pirlo, Nedved, Del Piero, and Trezeguet.

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 will face Fiorentina this evening with the aim of claiming points in the competitive battle for a Champions League spot, particularly as rivals like AC Milan struggle. Niccolò Pisilli is expected to feature in the starting lineup ahead of Paulo Dybala according to most pre-match predictions, while Manu Koné makes his return to the squad and will start from the first minute. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Dovbyk, Ferguson, and El Aynaoui are ruled out due to injury or suspension. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini's team will line up with Mile Svilar in goal, a back line of Gianluca Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso, and Çelik on the right. Bryan Cristante partners Koné in midfield, with Wesley on the left. The attacking setup sees Matías Soulé and Pisilli in advanced roles, supporting Donyell Malen up front. The Italian press largely agrees on this formation, with La Gazzetta dello Sport as the sole outlier predicting Dybala instead of Pisilli alongside Soulé behind Malen. The match represents a key fixture as Roma seeks to strengthen their position in the upper reaches of Serie A.

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 will face Fiorentina this evening with the aim of claiming points in the competitive battle for a Champions League spot, particularly as rivals like AC Milan struggle. Niccolò Pisilli is expected to feature in the starting lineup ahead of Paulo Dybala according to most pre-match predictions, while Manu Koné makes his return to the squad and will start from the first minute. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Dovbyk, Ferguson, and El Aynaoui are ruled out due to injury or suspension. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini's team will line up with Mile Svilar in goal, a back line of Gianluca Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso, and Çelik on the right. Bryan Cristante partners Koné in midfield, with Wesley on the left. The attacking setup sees Matías Soulé and Pisilli in advanced roles, supporting Donyell Malen up front. The Italian press largely agrees on this formation, with La Gazzetta dello Sport as the sole outlier predicting Dybala instead of Pisilli alongside Soulé behind Malen. The match represents a key fixture as Roma seeks to strengthen their position in the upper reaches of Serie A.

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 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.