Radio commentary: Roma acted in fans' interests; Pisilli indispensable

Diego Perotti, who played for AS Roma between 2016 and 2020 with over 138 appearances and 31 goals, has expressed continued affection for the club and optimism about its future. Speaking to Sky Sport, the Argentine winger reflected on Roma's season and its pursuit of Champions League qualification. Perotti is remembered for scoring the goal that sent Roma to the Champions League in 2017, the same day Francesco Totti played his final match. Perotti emphasized his lasting bond with the club, saying: "The football will always be missing from me, you never forget this love. It's a void that will always remain, fortunately I found a way with padel to fill the void a bit and see former teammates again. On Roma, I say that I remained there, my heart will always be there. I hope it goes to the Champions League, with all the difficulties it had among injuries and internal things they had a very good year. Unfortunately it doesn't depend on them but I hope for it, they would deserve it." He also praised the current squad and coach, noting that Roma has quality players and "a very great coach" in Gian Piero Gasperini. Perotti expressed hope that fortune might yet favor Roma's Champions League ambitions, noting that the club has lacked luck at times. He carries a Colosseum tattoo as a symbol of his deep connection to Rome.

Marco Delvecchio, a former Roma striker who won a Serie A title and Coppa Italia with the club, has reflected on the significance of the Derby della Capitale in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Delvecchio scored 9 derby goals between 2002 and 2009, making him Roma's all-time leading scorer in these matches before being surpassed. Despite being born in Milan, he said he feels entirely Roman and attributes his success in derbies to approaching them without tension or anxiety. Delvecchio highlighted Francesco Totti as Roma's constant presence during his decade at the club, describing him as "the greatest player who has ever played here at Roma and beyond." He recalled 11 April 1999 as a turning point—a 3–1 Roma victory after four previous derby defeats and a draw. "The derby is a match that can change your season, it can give you momentum to win or knock you down," Delvecchio said. He noted that the anticipation builds weeks in advance, with the city and the Trigoria training ground constantly reminding players of its importance. The match represents more than football; it permeates the entire city and affects how people approach Roma players in daily life.

A Derby della Capitale match scheduled to coincide with the final of Rome's International Tennis Championships has created significant disruption affecting not only the two football clubs' supporters but the entire city. The scheduling overlap highlights what critics describe as a lack of foresight in Italian football administration. The incident underscores broader tensions between major sporting events competing for the same venue access and fan resources within Rome. Details of specific fixture dates and rescheduling possibilities remain unclear from the available information.

Roma face SS Lazio in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday 17 May at Stadio Olimpico (kickoff 12:00), with referee Maresca in charge. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has his full squad available for the first time this season, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk recovered from injury; only Ferguson remains sidelined. Gasperini is expected to field the same eleven that started against Parma, with a potential choice between Pisilli and Soulé. The coach will address the media in a press conference on the eve of the match to clarify his final tactical decisions. In a significant development, El Shaarawy's departure from Roma was officially confirmed. The winger, who joined the club in January 2016 and spent the majority of the past decade in a giallorossi shirt—apart from a spell in China—announced his farewell through an emotional video and message to the club and supporters. The derby and an away trip to Verona will be his final two matches for Roma. The confirmation of his exit follows recent speculation about his future. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal remains an ongoing priority for the club, with general manager Sogliano handling negotiations. Former Roma midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo has also discussed his own departure from the club in recent comments.

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a press conference at 13:30 tomorrow ahead of the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. The match kicks off on Sunday at 12:00 in what is the penultimate round of Serie A. Roma cannot afford to drop points if they hope to maintain their Champions League aspirations. Gasperini has almost his entire squad available for selection, with Ferguson the only confirmed absentee. A question mark remains over the attacking midfield position, with competition between Soulé and Pisilli, while Malen and Dybala are expected to lead the attack. Approximately 50,000 spectators are anticipated at the Olimpico, the vast majority supporting Roma; Lazio fans are expected to boycott the match in protest against their club's management. When asked about his own future at the club, Gasperini stated: "I here on 1 July? I hope so, everyone must be satisfied."

Roma returned to training on Friday morning to prepare for Sunday's Derby della Capitale against Lazio, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having his full squad available for the first time this season. Key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk have recovered from injury, with only Ferguson remaining sidelined since January. Gasperini plans to field almost the same lineup that defeated Parma, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen guaranteed starting positions. The main selection decision centers on the attacking midfield role, where Niccolò Pisilli holds a slight edge over Matías Soulé. The defensive line is expected to consist of Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermeso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Celik and Wesley will operate on the flanks, with Bryan Cristante and Koné forming the midfield partnership. This represents a significant shift in Gasperini's options, as squad depth and injury recovery have previously limited his tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.