Gasperini announces squad for Verona clash; Koné returns, Pellegrini and Tsimikas ruled out

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for the final Serie A match against Hellas Verona, with midfielder Koné confirmed fit and available for selection. The fixture carries significance for Roma's season, though specific context regarding standings or objectives remains unclear from the report.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held Roma's final press conference of the season ahead of the trip to Verona for matchday 38. Gasperini confirmed that midfielder Koné has recovered from injury and is available for selection. The coach also expressed hope for increased involvement from the Friedkin Group ownership in future decisions at the club. Gasperini made a lighthearted comment regarding goalkeeper Mile Svilar during the briefing. The match against Verona concludes Roma's Serie A campaign, with squad fitness and personnel matters taking centre stage in Gasperini's remarks.

René de Kort, one of Donyell Malen's earliest coaches at VV Succes, has shared memories of the Roma winger's exceptional early development. De Kort recalled that Malen stood out from a very young age, demonstrating qualities that set him apart from his peers even in youth football. De Kort explained Malen's impact on his teams: "When he started playing matches his team never stopped winning. And he did the same in other categories: he'd get the ball, start dribbling past all the players on the pitch and score. Opponents tall, short, bigger – it didn't matter: he hid the ball from everyone." The coach highlighted the importance of Malen's grandfather Joop, noting that he was his closest companion and regularly played football with him during his formative years. Raymond Leever, president of VV Succes, also paid tribute to Malen, stating that the Roma forward "occupies a special place within the club" and represents inspiration that dreams can become reality even from a small amateur club. Leever noted that Malen recently supported the club with a generous donation to fund a new LED lighting project for their pitches, demonstrating his continued connection to his roots.

Salvatore Foti, former assistant to José Mourinho during his time at Roma, reflected on his experiences with the club in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. Foti, now a free agent after his spell at Sampdoria, expressed deep affection for his years at Roma, describing his appointment as Mourinho's vice as a moment when he felt "happy as a child on Christmas morning." He recalled the 2022 Europa Conference League final in Tirana with vivid detail, revealing that Mourinho's pre-match team talk lasted only thirty to forty seconds, with the manager simply stating: "I don't need to tell you anything, we just have to take the cup and bring it to Rome. There was something magical created." Foti acknowledged that the subsequent elimination from the Europa League in Budapest the following year still pains him, saying he couldn't watch Europa League matches with peace of mind and experienced nightmares for weeks afterward. Regarding Gian Piero Gasperini's appointment as current head coach, Foti endorsed the choice, saying "Of course he is. The facts prove it. He is one of the best in Italy and I am happy for many of our boys." He mentioned maintaining contact with current Roma players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini, describing Pellegrini as a special person. Foti also addressed Mourinho's dismissal in January 2024, noting that the sacking of the manager and his entire staff was difficult for everyone involved.

AS Roma face their final Serie A match of the season against Hellas Verona with several key players unavailable. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the trip to the Bentegodi stadium due to a flexor muscle injury still being managed, while Tsimikas is sidelined by flu. Gianluca Mancini is carrying an ankle problem but is expected to feature. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini may consider tactical changes following Roma's improved performance in the recent derby, potentially preferring El Aynaoui over Koné in midfield. Meanwhile, the club continues to explore attacking reinforcements, with interest reportedly extending beyond primary targets to include alternative options. The midfield situation has also drawn attention, with discussions ongoing regarding potential personnel shifts. Mancini addressed the importance of European competition, stating: "I know that it is important for the squad and for Roma to qualify for and play in the Champions League. And I think that when I do or if we do, or if we have the opportunity to do so, I know that people will remember me because I can enter into history. I know that a lot of time has passed since the last time." The final match carries significance in Roma's push for continental football next season.

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.

AS Roma face their final Serie A match of the season against Hellas Verona with several key players unavailable. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the trip to the Bentegodi stadium due to a flexor muscle injury still being managed, while Tsimikas is sidelined by flu. Gianluca Mancini is carrying an ankle problem but is expected to feature. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini may consider tactical changes following Roma's improved performance in the recent derby, potentially preferring El Aynaoui over Koné in midfield. Meanwhile, the club continues to explore attacking reinforcements, with interest reportedly extending beyond primary targets to include alternative options. The midfield situation has also drawn attention, with discussions ongoing regarding potential personnel shifts. Mancini addressed the importance of European competition, stating: "I know that it is important for the squad and for Roma to qualify for and play in the Champions League. And I think that when I do or if we do, or if we have the opportunity to do so, I know that people will remember me because I can enter into history. I know that a lot of time has passed since the last time." The final match carries significance in Roma's push for continental football next season.

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.

Roma travel to Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi to face relegated Hellas Verona in a crucial Serie A fixture that could secure their first Champions League qualification since 2017–18. Gian Piero Gasperini's side sit fourth, two points clear of Como and Juventus, following a morale-boosting 2–0 Derby della Capitale win over Lazio last weekend. Roma have won four consecutive league matches, three by multi-goal margins, and scored in six of their last seven games, positioning themselves strongly for the run-in. Verona's season has been disastrous, finishing with the second-lowest point tally in the three-points-per-win era (21 points). Despite showing late-season resilience with draws against Inter and Juventus, the home side has failed to score in five consecutive matches at the Bentegodi and have not found the net at home since early March. Roma's last two Serie A visits to the ground resulted in defeats, and the visitors suffered a seven-game winless away run before recent wins over Bologna and Parma. Roma will be without starting center-back Evan Ndicka and wingback Wesley Franca (suspended following a red card in last weekend's derby). Kostas Tsimikas is expected to replace Franca on the left flank. Verona will miss midfielder Roberto Gagliardini due to suspension and possibly Daniel Mosquera through injury. Roma are expected to secure victory given their current form and Verona's attacking struggles.

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.

Roma travel to Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi to face relegated Hellas Verona in a crucial Serie A fixture that could secure their first Champions League qualification since 2017–18. Gian Piero Gasperini's side sit fourth, two points clear of Como and Juventus, following a morale-boosting 2–0 Derby della Capitale win over Lazio last weekend. Roma have won four consecutive league matches, three by multi-goal margins, and scored in six of their last seven games, positioning themselves strongly for the run-in. Verona's season has been disastrous, finishing with the second-lowest point tally in the three-points-per-win era (21 points). Despite showing late-season resilience with draws against Inter and Juventus, the home side has failed to score in five consecutive matches at the Bentegodi and have not found the net at home since early March. Roma's last two Serie A visits to the ground resulted in defeats, and the visitors suffered a seven-game winless away run before recent wins over Bologna and Parma. Roma will be without starting center-back Evan Ndicka and wingback Wesley Franca (suspended following a red card in last weekend's derby). Kostas Tsimikas is expected to replace Franca on the left flank. Verona will miss midfielder Roberto Gagliardini due to suspension and possibly Daniel Mosquera through injury. Roma are expected to secure victory given their current form and Verona's attacking struggles.

Devyne Rensch is poised to play a prominent role in Roma's upcoming match at Verona's Bentegodi stadium. The Dutch fullback will step into the side with Wesley unavailable due to suspension, giving Rensch an opportunity to make a decisive impact as Roma pursue Champions League qualification. The match represents an important fixture in the club's push for European football, with Rensch's performance potentially proving crucial to the outcome.