Mancini: Champions League is in our hands, we cannot afford mistakes

AS Roma has publicly taken a stance on the Derby della Capitale dispute, expressing support for fan concerns regarding the match date and kick-off time. The club stated it is working to play the derby on Sunday, signalling its alignment with supporter sentiment over fixture scheduling arrangements. The derby against SS Lazio has been subject to scheduling uncertainty, with Roma attempting to negotiate favorable conditions. The club's public statement reflects broader tensions between Italian football authorities and fan groups over fixture congestion and scheduling decisions that affect supporter attendance and participation.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will look to secure back-to-back victories over Lazio in the Derby della Capitale after Roma won the first encounter 1–0 thanks to a Lorenzo Pellegrini goal eight months earlier. The return fixture date has not yet been confirmed. Gasperini's last experience of winning both derbies in a single season came in 2009, when managing Genoa against Sampdoria, securing victories of 0–1 and 3–1 in successive matches. Since then, he has not replicated that achievement. During his time at Inter Milan, Gasperini played only one derby match and lost it in a Supercoppa final against AC Milan. The upcoming week is described as decisive both on and off the pitch for Roma. Qualification for the Champions League remains mathematically possible, though the club's fate is not entirely in their own hands. Roma would require slip-ups from both AC Milan and Juventus to secure European football. Gasperini's exuberant celebrations following recent matches have resonated strongly with supporters, strengthening the relationship between the coach and the fanbase since his arrival.

The Lega Serie A has filed an appeal with the administrative court (TAR) against the Prefect's decision regarding the Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio. The dispute has escalated beyond purely sporting or public order concerns. The match is reportedly being rescheduled toward Monday, though details remain unclear regarding the exact nature of the Prefect's original ruling and the specific grounds of the League's legal challenge.

Roma secured victory at Parma amid controversy over a late penalty awarded to the Giallorossi, though that decision appears justified. Overshadowed by the awarded penalty was an earlier incident in the first half when Gianluca Mancini was brought down by Lautaro Valenti at 0–0, a contact the defender made first on the ball. VAR reviewed the incident but did not trigger an on-field review for referee Chiffi, who allowed play to continue. Former referee and Mediaset pundit Graziano Cesari sarcastically questioned the decision during analysis on Pressing. He remarked: "We have always heard that kicking an opponent is a penalty, no? Apparently changing the referee designator means it is no longer a penalty. Why does VAR not intervene? I can make a joke about it… Either the video was off, or they fell asleep, or nobody knocked." Cesari's final comment referenced previous controversy involving former designator Gianluca Rocchi, who allegedly signaled VAR officials from studios in Lissone to influence decisions. The missed penalty call drew scrutiny as Roma's win came amid debate over consistency in refereeing decisions this season. Mancini's involvement in the incident and subsequent non-call added a talking point beyond the final whistle, with Cesari's remarks prompting laughter and surprise in the studio.

Tension boiled over at the final whistle of Parma's match against Roma after the visitors secured a comeback 2–1 victory. Evan Ndicka was visibly angry on the pitch and had to be held back and escorted away by four teammates—Gollini, Tsimikas, Malen, and Cristante—while Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini were also among the most heated Roma players involved in the post-match melee. The confrontation intensified between the benches and drew intervention from Gasperini and his assistant Gritti, who quickly pulled Mancini away from the conflict to prevent disciplinary action. Mancini's removal was particularly critical because he was the only Roma player carrying a yellow-card caution ahead of the upcoming derby against Lazio. The tension appears to have been fueled by aggressive play from Parma's players throughout the match, with notably tough and sometimes excessive challenges. Details remain unclear about the specific grievances between individual players, though conflict emerged between Mancini and Parma's right-back Valeri, described as a Lazio supporter. Roma had initially gone ahead through Donyell Malen but surrendered the lead before fighting back to secure the points in added time.

Roma secured an unlikely victory at Parma with a dramatic comeback entirely in added time, overturning a 2–1 deficit. Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala were the standout performers, with substitute Rensch making an immediate impact after entering the pitch. The two Dutch players drove the team to success after the defence had struggled throughout the match. Across seven major Italian newspapers, Malen received ratings ranging from 7.5 to 9 for his display, while Rensch earned 7.5 to 8 for his contribution from the bench. Dybala was consistently praised with scores of 6.5 to 7.5. However, the defensive line drew widespread criticism. Gianluca Mancini, Hermoso, and Matías Soulé were all rated between 5 and 5.5 across the publications, reflecting their poor performances. N'Dicka received marginally better marks. Mile Svilar in goal was rated 6 by all outlets. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's management earned scores of 6 to 8, with one outlet giving him 8 for his tactical decisions during the comeback. The victory marked a significant response to what appeared a lost cause with Keita's goal late in regular time. Rensch's introduction proved crucial in turning the match, demonstrating the impact of tactical substitutions in Roma's dramatic turnaround.