Gasperini chases second derby win as Roma prepare for Lazio return

With three matches remaining in the 2025/26 Serie A season, five clubs are locked in a battle for the three remaining Champions League spots. Napoli hold a six-point cushion in fifth place and are considered favourites to secure qualification, while Milan and Juventus occupy the top four but face mounting pressure. Roma sit just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus and have momentum on their side, winning three of their last four league games. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma appear well-positioned to challenge for a top-four finish for the first time since 2017/18. Their remaining fixtures—Parma, the Derby della Capitale against Lazio, and Verona—are considered manageable, though they depend partly on results elsewhere. Como remain in contention three points behind Juventus despite recent struggles. Juventus, despite an unbeaten run of nine games, drew with already-relegated Verona last weekend, leaving their qualification hopes fragile with matches against Lecce, Fiorentina, and Torino remaining. Napoli must navigate a tricky schedule featuring Bologna, Pisa, and Udinese, though two of those matches come at home. Milan have hit a rough patch with three defeats in their last five, though fixtures against Atalanta, Genoa, and Cagliari offer recovery opportunities. The title was already won by Inter last weekend.

Pundit Perinetti has commented on the recent coaching change at Roma, with Claudio Ranieri departing and Gian Piero Gasperini taking over. Perinetti suggested that Ranieri's absence from the club could have implications for Gasperini's work going forward. The exact nature of these potential effects remains unclear from the available information. The managerial transition has raised questions about continuity and stability at the club during this period of change.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is preparing for the upcoming Derby della Capitale, which could prove pivotal for both his immediate form and his contract situation at Roma. After a complicated period that raised questions about his future at the club, the Rome-born midfielder sees the derby as a chance to reignite his season and reset negotiations around a new deal. A strong performance in such a high-stakes match could change the narrative surrounding his position at the Giallorossi and demonstrate his commitment to the project.

Roma have begun contract renewal discussions with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and owner Ryan Friedkin following their first meeting. The renewal landscape shows mixed prospects across the squad, with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini remaining optimistic about staying, while Stephan El Shaarawy appears increasingly likely to leave the club. Dybala has made clear his desire to learn his fate soon and is willing to accept reduced wages to remain at Roma, currently earning €8 million plus €1 million in bonuses. He has put on hold offers from Boca Juniors and Inter Miami. Pellegrini, who benefits from Gasperini's confidence, awaits contact from the club to discuss a contract extension, also on lower terms. Türkiye international Zeynel Celik's renewal talks are progressing more slowly; his agent has made multiple visits to the club's Trigoria training ground in recent days, with negotiations resuming. Financial terms remain the key sticking point in Celik's case—a deal can be reached if he lowers his wage demands. El Shaarawy's prospects are less certain, with the likelihood of renewal diminishing. Pellegrini's agent is expected to remain in Rome beyond the upcoming derby to hold renewal talks with the club.

Ryan Friedkin, part of the ownership group, arrived in Rome as AS Roma continues its off-field operations. Napoli have reportedly refused to release Manna from their staff. At Roma's Trigoria training ground, players Dovbyk and Pellegrini were seen, indicating they remain part of squad preparations. The article collates daily Roma news updates but specific details about the significance of these developments remain unclear.

Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk have returned to training with the Roma squad, providing positive news for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The pair resumed work with their teammates at Trigoria following a rest day granted to the squad by the manager. The return of both players to group training is a welcome development for Roma's preparation. Pellegrini, who wears the number 7, and the Ukrainian striker Dovbyk represent important elements of Gasperini's squad as the team looks to maintain fitness and cohesion. Their availability strengthens the team's options as Roma continues its campaign. The recovery of these key players comes as the club resumes its training schedule after the scheduled rest period. Their participation in full group sessions suggests they are progressing well and moving closer to full availability for upcoming fixtures.