Julio Sergio praises Svilar as top player; Gasperini's Champions League qualification would be 'a masterpiece'

Leading voices on Roman radio stations have shared their assessments of Roma's title ambitions and tactical approach as the season concludes. Piero Torri stated: "The matches are won on the pitch. Fear of not making it is inevitable. Roma is also an experienced squad and they know how to face these situations. Gasperini knows better than anyone else." Matteo De Santis reported that discussions over Paulo Dybala's contract renewal are ongoing, with the expectation he will remain at the club, and that a director of sport appointment could come within the weekend. Tactical debate centred on Roma's formation for an upcoming fixture against Verona. Pino Vaccaro advocated deploying Dybala and Matías Soulé in support of Donyell Malen, arguing the pace of those three attacking players could exploit Verona's slower defenders. Nando Orsi emphasised the importance of controlling the match early to avoid anxiety caused by results elsewhere. Roberto Pruzzo, a Roma legend, backed an attacking trident setup and highlighted the influence of fullbacks in recent matches, noting: "There is too much difference between one squad and the other, but Verona will want to close out in a respectable manner." Squad depth and mental resilience emerged as recurring themes among the analysts discussing Roma's final stretch.

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo and commentator Carina discussed Roma's form and prospects in a radio segment. Pruzzo acknowledged a significant gap between Roma and Verona but suggested the visitors will aim for a respectable finish. Carina reflected on the Champions League ambitions, noting that belief in that target was limited. The comments appear to reference Roma's league position and the challenge facing head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in the remainder of the season. Specific match details and exact quotes from the radio discussion remain unclear from the available text.

Diego Perotti, the former Roma winger, has reflected on his four years with the club in a recent interview, describing his time in the capital as deeply meaningful despite injuries and lack of silverware. Perotti highlighted two moments as particularly memorable: playing and scoring in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool at Anfield Road, and scoring in the final match of Francesco Totti's career in a Roma-Genoa fixture. He emphasized the special relationship between Roma fans and players who give their all, noting that supporters recognize genuine commitment regardless of results. Perotti explained that Roma represents a complex but rewarding environment. He stated: "Certainly Roma is a complicated, particular place, but I believe that the Roma fan knows how to recognize when a player gives everything. Despite having injuries in recent years, the fans have seen in me the desire, responsibility, and love for the shirt. Even in negative situations or when things weren't going well, I always gave my best even when I wasn't 100%." The Argentine also discussed his decision to remain living in Rome after his playing career, citing the quality of life, family stability for his two children, and the city's proximity to beautiful coastal and cultural destinations. He has made real estate investments both in Argentina and Rome as part of his long-term planning.

AS Roma are preparing for a decisive Serie A trip to Hellas Verona on Sunday evening, with the match at the Bentegodi essential for their Champions League qualification hopes. Head coach Gasperini has received mixed injury news: midfielders Koné and Venturino are expected to recover in time for the contest, but captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to miss the final match of the season. The club currently sit fourth in the league following a derby victory. Gasperini is understood to want attacking reinforcements in the transfer market as Roma aim to secure a top-four finish. The sporting director role continues to attract attention, with Matteo Tognozzi emerging as a leading candidate. Tognozzi is described as a young but experienced director with multilingual skills who previously identified Matías Soulé as a talent. In the squad, goalkeeper Mile Svilar and forward Donyell Malen have been vocal in motivating teammates for the crucial final stretch, with Svilar telling his teammates "One more is missing, let's go!" following the derby win. Meanwhile, reports indicate there have been offers for defenders Ndicka and Ziolkowski on the transfer market, as other squad members including defenders Saud and Kumbulla discuss their futures. The appointment of Margiotta from Verona is being considered for Roma's youth sector.

Roma claimed a 2-0 victory over Lazio in the Derby della Capitale, with defender Gianluca Mancini scoring both goals. Mancini opened the scoring with a header in the first half, then added a second in the second half to spark celebrations in the Curva Sud. The win positions Roma ahead of Juventus in the standings and carries implications for the Champions League race. Mile Svilar made several important saves to preserve the clean sheet, including a crucial intervention to prevent an immediate Lazio equalizer. The Roma defence showed character throughout, with Hermoso and Celik delivering strong performances. Mancini's display was particularly notable—described as vintage derby football—as he overcame an uncertain start against Noslin's pace to dominate the encounter. Following Ndicka's muscular injury midway through the first half, Rensch entered and delivered the intensity required for the fixture. Hermoso threatened to extend Roma's advantage near the end of the first half with a low shot. The second half unfolded more comfortably for Roma as Lazio's attacking threat subsided. Paulo Dybala featured in the match, contributing to Roma's control of the contest.

Roma and Lazio announced their official starting XI ahead of the Derby della Capitale on 17 May. Gasperini selected a 3-4-2-1 formation with Svilar in goal, a back three of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso, and an attacking setup featuring Dybala and Malen in advanced roles alongside Cristante. Lazio, managed by Sarri, deployed a 4-3-3 with Furlanetto in goal and an attacking trident of Cancellieri, Dia, and Noslin. Roma faced a critical match with the obligation to win; anything less than victory could severely damage their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Lazio, operating under emergency circumstances and without objectives to pursue, intended to play with pride and attempt to derail Gasperini's side. The match represented a high-stakes encounter in the capital, with Roma's European aspirations hanging in the balance. Both benches included depth options, with Roma having Soulé, El Shaarawy, and Dovbyk available, while Lazio could call upon Pedro, Isaksen, and other alternatives from their squad.