Roma vs Fiorentina: Gasperini names squad with decision made on Koné

Barcelona has reportedly turned its attention to Roma defender Evan N'Dicka, according to transfer news. The Italian club's defender has emerged as a potential target for the Spanish giants as they evaluate defensive options. The report also references a scenario involving Bastoni, though details of that connection remain unclear. N'Dicka's potential departure would represent a significant loss for Roma's defence, though any concrete developments are yet to materialise.

Roma host Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico in a crucial fixture as they chase a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for the first time in eight years. The Giallorossi sit four points behind Juventus and cannot afford a slip-up, especially with the Derby della Capitale against Lazio looming. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive in good form, having won 2–0 at Bologna last weekend to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches. Roma have accumulated 61 points—their best return since last securing top-four in 2017–18—and boast an impressive home record, remaining unbeaten at the Olimpico since November (7 wins, 3 draws). They have scored first in 21 Serie A games this season, second only to champions Inter. Meanwhile, Fiorentina are unbeaten in seven consecutive league matches and have already secured safety with a comfortable nine-point cushion over the relegation zone. However, the visitors' record at the Olimpico is poor: they have won just three times in 51 visits, with only three wins in their last seven away clashes against Roma since April 2018. Roma will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, Bryan Zaragoza, and Neil El Aynaoui. Manu Kone has returned from injury and is expected to start. Fiorentina are missing Moise Kean and Roberto Piccoli, with Albert Gudmundsson leading the attack. The prediction suggests a closely contested match.

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.