Graziani compares Gasperini to Radice as innovative coaches

Roma figures have shared views on the club's medium-term ambitions and current squad decisions. One commentator suggested that with 2–3 consecutive seasons in the Champions League, Roma could realistically target Serie A glory. Another figure expressed caution about risking a player in upcoming fixtures, citing squad depth concerns. The remarks reflect broader debate among Roma observers about the realistic timeline for title contention and prudent squad management. Roma finished outside the top four last season and must rebuild credibility in European competition before mounting a serious league challenge.

Head coach Gasperini has selected Roma's full attacking arsenal for the final match of the season against Hellas Verona, deploying a three-pronged forward setup featuring Donyell Malen as the central striker with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala in supporting roles. This attacking combination represents what the club considers its best available talent for chasing Champions League qualification. Soulé may be playing his last match in Roma colours given interest from Aston Villa, though the Argentine winger is keen to end his spell with a goal—he has not scored since the second match of the season's return phase against Sassuolo. Malen and Dybala have developed strong understanding; two of Dybala's four assists in 2026 have led to Malen goals, including strikes against Torino and Parma. Since joining in January, Malen has scored 13 Serie A goals and lifted Roma's scoring average from 1.2 per match in the first 20 rounds to 1.94 thereafter—a level matching Gasperini's best seasons at Atalanta. Malen's contract has been secured via automatic purchase option for €25 million with a four-year deal, allowing him to depart for international duty with the Netherlands as a confirmed Roma player. The Dutch forward is chasing a personal milestone: with 13 goals from January onward, he aims to become at least the second-highest scoring Dutchman in a single Italian season, behind Marco Van Basten (25) and level with Ruud Gullit (15).

Roma's defensive unit has shown signs of recovery after a difficult period earlier in the season. With 90 minutes remaining in the campaign, Roma occupies fourth place in the Serie A table, which would secure European qualification. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's backline has undergone both decline and resurgence during the season. The defensive improvement comes at a crucial moment as Roma targets a top-four finish to secure continental football for next season. Details remain unclear regarding specific match performances and statistical comparisons.