Iorio backs Gasperini to usher in winning cycle at Roma

Former Roma manager Fabio Capello has assessed Roma's position in the race for the top four, with the club facing Verona in a decisive fixture. Roma and Milan enter the evening with their Champions League destiny in their own hands, and Capello believes Roma holds the advantage. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Roma is in very good form, has done important things recently, has shown consistency in play and team performance. They've also recovered all their players, for example Dybala: this means that Gasperini only has to get his choices right." Capello acknowledged the threat posed by Verona, a recently relegated side that has troubled top teams this season. "It's not straightforward to face a relegated team that will have ease of play and a feeling of revenge towards the championship. However, Roma on paper seems like the favourite to me," he explained. The former coach noted that Verona has proven problematic for Juventus, Como, and Inter, but maintains Roma's current form and full squad availability puts them in the strongest position heading into tonight's match.

Roma legend Aldair has spoken about the upcoming match against Verona, describing it as a crucial contest. During an interview with La Repubblica, Aldair also commented on Francesco Totti's long-standing desire to return to the club. Totti, who spent his entire playing career at Roma from 1992 to 2017 and scored 307 goals for the Giallorossi, has been in discussions about a potential return for the club's 2027 centenary celebrations. Aldair's remarks highlight the significance Roma places on the Verona fixture and the enduring connection between Totti and the club.

Mohamed Salah has parted ways with Liverpool after years together, with his final appearance at Anfield coming against Brentford. Liverpool released an emotional tribute video showing Salah greeted on the pitch by his daughters, accompanied by the song 'Hoppípolla' by Sigur Ros, followed by highlights of his key moments and goals in a red shirt. The tribute drew widespread affection from Egyptian, Italian, and English fans. With Salah's future now open, several paths lie ahead. The MLS and Saudi Arabia remain concrete options, following the template of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's late-career moves. However, a more romantic prospect has emerged: a return to Serie A. According to Football Insider, Roma and AC Milan have reportedly made initial moves. The idea had circulated months earlier when Salah's Liverpool departure was announced but had remained dormant, largely due to wage demands believed to be around €12 million annually and age considerations. A Champions League place would be necessary to make such a move viable. Salah's focus now turns to the World Cup with Egypt before determining his next chapter. The notion of him returning to where his career became truly great carries particular resonance given that he never won the Champions League during his time in Rome—a prize he might still pursue as a giallorossi player.

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.

Donyell Malen, Roma's January signing, has already scored 14 goals for the club. The Dutch forward has expressed gratitude to the people who helped him achieve his move to the Serie A side, describing Roma as a great club. Malen has made an immediate impact since joining the Giallorossi, becoming one of the standout performers in the squad. His early goal tally demonstrates the quality he brings to Roma's attack, addressing a key area of need for the team.

AS Roma have reopened contact with Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto, a Brazilian striker previously pursued in recent transfer windows. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views Alberto as a potential reinforcement in attack. Corinthians remain open to selling the player but are awaiting a concrete offer before entering formal negotiations. Roma are actively searching the market to strengthen their squad, with Gasperini expecting at least two attacking signings in the coming transfer window. Alberto could serve as an alternative to Donyell Malen if a deal progresses. The club continues to evaluate options while awaiting clarity on its next sporting director appointment. Other attacking targets appear less viable at present: Vaz is considered too young for immediate impact, while forward Dovbyk is expected to leave the club. The Italian club's pursuit of Alberto represents another chapter in a long-running interest, with the Corinthians player remaining on Roma's radar as they prepare for upcoming recruitment activity.

Paulo Dybala and AS Roma are moving closer to a contract renewal after negotiations that initially appeared headed toward a departure. This week is set to be decisive, with the Argentine forward's agent returning to Rome in the coming days to meet with Ryan Friedkin. Roma has tabled an offer worth 2 million euros plus performance-based bonuses tied to appearances and goals, with a contract extension through 2027. However, Dybala is hoping to secure terms slightly higher than what has been proposed, and Roma's qualification for the Champions League could prove instrumental in bridging that gap. Despite the difference in positions, there is optimism surrounding the renewal's chances of completion. The talks represent a dramatic shift from recent months when Dybala's exit from the club seemed nearly inevitable.

AS Roma face Hellas Verona on 23 May 2026 at 20:35 in the final match of the Serie A season. The Giallorossi remain in contention for Champions League qualification and enter the game level on points, needing a result to secure a European spot with 90 minutes remaining in the campaign. Verona, already relegated from Serie A, have shown they can compete against top sides after taking points from both Juventus and Inter this season and are expected to provide a stern test for Gasperini's side. Gasperini has injury concerns to manage ahead of the fixture. Midfielder Koné is available for selection but may not start, while Paulo Dybala is set to be reintroduced to the lineup. Verona will likely field Bowie in their starting XI. The match marks a crucial final day where Roma's European ambitions hang in the balance, with the team needing to deliver a strong performance against opponents with little left to play for in their final game before the drop.

Former Roma manager Fabio Capello has assessed Roma's position in the race for the top four, with the club facing Verona in a decisive fixture. Roma and Milan enter the evening with their Champions League destiny in their own hands, and Capello believes Roma holds the advantage. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Roma is in very good form, has done important things recently, has shown consistency in play and team performance. They've also recovered all their players, for example Dybala: this means that Gasperini only has to get his choices right." Capello acknowledged the threat posed by Verona, a recently relegated side that has troubled top teams this season. "It's not straightforward to face a relegated team that will have ease of play and a feeling of revenge towards the championship. However, Roma on paper seems like the favourite to me," he explained. The former coach noted that Verona has proven problematic for Juventus, Como, and Inter, but maintains Roma's current form and full squad availability puts them in the strongest position heading into tonight's match.