Roma chase Champions League qualification in historic derby, Mancini hailed as people's hero

The Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal on 30 May at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest will feature several former AS Roma players. The headline references Calafiori and Marquinhos among ex-Roma stars competing for European glory. Both clubs have connections to Roma's recent history through player transfers and departures. The fixture represents a meeting of two sides with links to the Giallorossi academy and roster. Details remain unclear on the specific roles and significance of each former Roma player competing in the final.

Donyell Malen has become the focal point of Roma's push toward Champions League qualification with just one match remaining in the season. The Dutch forward posted a social media image showing his hands in prayer with the number "90" written on them, symbolizing the ninety minutes standing between the club and their European objective. The post has resonated deeply with Roma fans, who see in Malen a player capable of guiding the team through its decisive final moment. Malen has transformed Roma's season in recent months, reviving fan optimism and bringing the team to the brink of Champions League football. His total focus and commitment to the club's objective have made him a symbol of confidence during this critical period. Roma's final challenge comes against Verona—a single match that will determine whether the Giallorossi secure Champions League football for the coming season. The image of Malen's hands in prayer captures the collective mood of Roma's fanbase: a city united in anticipation and hope, placing faith in their talisman to deliver in the moments that matter most.

Roma captain Bryan Cristante has spoken ahead of Sunday's Derby della Capitale against Lazio at the Olimpico, a match crucial to the club's Champions League qualification bid. The midfield leader emphasized the significance of the fixture for both sets of supporters and stressed that Roma must win to keep their European hopes alive. "The derby is always the derby. State of form doesn't matter," Cristante said. "We know we must win and we'll put everything on the pitch to achieve it. The whole city is stirring, everyone is activated, and you feel in the air that the week is different." Cristante highlighted the importance of maintaining balance during such a high-pressure match. "If you put too much heart in it, you lose the clarity needed to win, and vice versa. You need a good mix of everything to pull it off," he explained. The captain praised forward Donyell Malen, calling him "devastating in the box" with excellent speed and composure in front of goal. Cristante also commended head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical approach, noting that the squad has remained committed to the manager's ideas even during difficult moments and has learned his systems progressively. Regarding Champions League qualification, Cristante stated: "The Champions is our objective. We've had a great season and it would be ugly to throw it away at the end like this. It doesn't depend only on us, but we'll do everything to return to the Champions. We deserve it and it would be important. We hope to give ourselves this gift at the end of the year." The derby kicks off on 17 May at noon.

Gianluca Mancini will receive the Career Prize at the 41st edition of the Trofeo Maestrelli on May 25 in Montecatini. The Roma defender is enjoying a standout season, highlighted by a crucial double in the derby against Lazio on the previous Sunday. The award recognizes his performances and continued growth as a player. Mancini is one of several honorees at the prestigious Italian football awards ceremony. Italy's national team coach Silvio Baldini and Fiorentina manager Paolo Vanoli will also receive Career Prizes. Additional recipients include managers from other Serie A and lower-division clubs: Alvini (Frosinone), Calabro (Carrarese), and Bucchi (Arezzo). Venice's promotion back to Serie A will be marked by awards to operational director Rogg and sporting director Antonelli. Other honorees include Grosseto president Lamioni and Ferrieri Caputi, named Europe's best female referee.

AS Roma faces significant disciplinary consequences following the heated Derby della Capitale in Serie A's 37th round. The Sports Judge handed Wesley a one-match suspension for an incident in the second half, ruling him out of Roma's final fixture at Hellas Verona. The Brazilian winger was also fined €10,000 after striking an opponent in the face without causing injury. Nicolò Rovella received identical punishment—one-game ban and €10,000 fine—for his involvement in the same confrontation. The disciplinary blow extends beyond Wesley's absence. Two Roma players entered the warned list following the derby: Mario Hermoso received his ninth yellow card of the season, while Stephan El Shaarawy collected his fourth. Both now join Gianluca Mancini on Roma's caution list, meaning any further booking at Verona would trigger automatic suspension. This creates a significant strategic challenge for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma prepares for what is described as a crucial final match of the campaign. The disciplinary situation also carries implications for potential sanctions carrying into the next season. The Sports Judge Gerardo Mastrandrea issued the official decisions following the intense encounter.

Roma legend Aldair has unveiled his all-time best eleven for the club during an appearance on Radio Radio, notably leaving himself out of the defensive lineup. The Brazilian icon chose Gianluca Mancini, the current Roma centre-back, as his partner in defence alongside Argentine Walter Samuel. Mancini emerges as the only active Roma player in Aldair's selection, underscoring his standing among the club's greatest defenders across generations. Aldair's team features Alisson in goal and Cafu at right-back, maintaining a strong Brazilian presence in the backline. Vincent Candela occupies the left flank. In midfield, he selected Falcao, Daniele De Rossi, and Cerezo, with De Rossi preferred over celebrated figures such as Giuseppe Giannini and Agostino Di Bartolomei. The attack is composed of Bruno Conti on the right, Gabriel Batistuta as centre-forward, and Francesco Totti completing the line. The selection reflects Aldair's respect for both Roma's storied history and current quality, with Mancini's inclusion representing continuity between the club's legendary past and present squad composition.