Gasperini holds pre-match press conference ahead of Hellas Verona clash

Midfielder Manu Koné has spoken about his life at Roma and his aspirations for the club in an interview with Serie A's official channels. The French-born midfielder, whose parents are Ivorian, discussed his journey from Paris and his early exposure to Italian football through his older brother's video game choices. Koné emphasized the unity within the Roma squad, stating: "We know where we are and especially where we are going with the same common objective, because we are a team. On the pitch we are 11 but there are also the others, the staff, the coaches, the physiotherapists, the trainers. I think that's what makes a team and that's what makes Roma." Koné described his adaptation to Italy as smooth, highlighting Rome's passionate football culture and historic atmosphere. He also reflected on the derby against Lazio as a particularly meaningful experience, calling it an incredible sensation. On the wider appeal of sport, he noted: "Sport can unite many cultures without speaking the same language. You can take a Frenchman, a Japanese, an Italian, an African and they will all understand each other without necessarily communicating." The midfielder stressed his desire to play in the Champions League, while also praising the emotional connection Roma's fans bring to matches. He remains in regular contact with his family, particularly his father, who provides detailed feedback after every game.

Roma midfielder Koné featured in a video discussing his daily life and football career. He expressed the club's determination to reach the Champions League, indicating that qualification remains a key objective for the season. Regarding a recent celebration involving a corner flag, Koné revealed he had prepared the gesture in advance, suggesting it was a planned moment rather than spontaneous. The midfielder's comments reflect Roma's competitive ambitions in Serie A as they push toward European qualification.

Midfielder Manu Koné discussed his future at Roma and his aspirations for the club in an interview for a Serie A social media format. The French midfielder highlighted the significance of qualifying for the Champions League, stating: "I know that it is important for the team and for Roma to qualify in the Champions League and to play in it. And I think that when we do it, or if we do it, or if we have the chance to do it, I know they will remember me because I can make history. I know it has been a long time since the last time." Koné also reflected on his adaptation to Italian football and life in Rome, saying the country is welcoming and that walking through the city feels "like leafing through a beautiful history book." Koné described winning the Derby della Capitale against Lazio as an indescribable sensation, noting that his celebration with the corner flag was something he has done since his time in Germany. He emphasized his commitment to Roma's collective goals and his desire to be remembered as a happy, passionate teammate. However, the interview comes amid reports that the midfielder could be among players considered for sale as Roma pursues their Champions League qualification objective.

Roma face Hellas Verona in a crucial fixture as the club pursues European qualification. Paulo Dybala is central to Roma's hopes, tasked with delivering the creativity and skill needed to overcome a historical poor record against the Scaligeri. Roma's seasonal ambitions and push for continental football depend significantly on Dybala's performance and contributions in the coming matches. The fixture represents an important opportunity to shift momentum in the campaign.

Roma will be without several key players for their final Serie A match of the season against Verona at the Bentegodi, two days away. Lorenzo Pellegrini continues to manage a flexor muscle injury and trained separately again, while Tsimikas has been ruled out due to influenza symptoms. These absences join existing gaps caused by Wesley's suspension and Ndicka's muscle injury, leaving head coach Gasperini with a depleted squad for what the club views as a crucial match. The fixture holds significant importance in Roma's season, though the exact context of its importance remains unclear. Gasperini is expected to announce his final squad list on the day before the match. In attack, the trio of Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Donyell Malen is almost certain to feature, forming the offensive core Roma will deploy despite the defensive and midfield constraints. The accumulation of injuries and unavailability creates a challenging situation for Roma's closing fixture, with Pellegrini's ongoing flexor issue the most persistent concern among the outfield players sidelined.

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).