From Turin to Verona: From illusion to opportunity — this time Roma control their own fate

AS Roma faces a decisive final day of the 2025–26 Serie A season on Sunday 24 May as four clubs battle for the two remaining Champions League places. Roma and AC Milan sit on 70 points, while Como and Juventus are level at 68 points—a gap of just two points across the quartet. All four matches kick off simultaneously at 20:45 to prevent any advantage from knowing other results: Milan host Cagliari, Roma travel to Verona, Como face Cremonese, and Juventus play Torino. The mathematical permutations are complex, with goal difference and head-to-head records potentially deciding European qualification. Roma's trip to Verona is one of four interconnected contests where every goal could swing the fortunes of multiple teams and determine which sides earn continental football next season. The evening promises rapid shifts in the standings as results feed through across the league table. With just 90 minutes remaining, one season—described as either fallimentare (disastrous) or triumphant depending on the final whistle—will be decided. Fans are expected to follow multiple matches simultaneously, tracking live updates and virtual table changes throughout the night as the contest unfolds.

AS Roma face Hellas Verona in a crucial match where the Giallorossi control their own destiny in the race for Champions League qualification. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has settled on his attacking lineup, fielding the dream front three of Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala, and Donyell Malen. The tactical setup aims to secure victory without relying on results elsewhere. Gasperini retains some flexibility in midfield, with the possibility of starting Koné from the outset as the coach seeks to settle the match early. In defence, former Roma player Ghilardi returns to the Bentegodi as a replacement for the absent Ndicka, marking his first appearance at his former home ground in a year. On the right flank, Rensch is expected to start ahead of Wesley, tasked with repeating an impressive performance from the Parma fixture. The squad selection reflects Gasperini's intent to field his strongest available players to maximize Roma's chances of claiming the three points needed to secure Champions League football. The formation is set as a 3-4-2-1, with Mile Svilar in goal and Gianluca Mancini anchoring the defensive line.

AS Roma has already reached 70 points in Serie A under head coach Gasperini, marking the club's best league performance since the Friedkin Group took control in August 2020. This tally has not been achieved since the 2019–20 season. Roma have also scored 57 goals while conceding only 31, yielding a positive goal difference of +26—matching the 2019–20 campaign. The defensive record is particularly strong; Roma have not conceded so few goals since 2017–18, the last season they qualified for the Champions League. With one match remaining, qualification for European football hinges on securing a top-four finish. The fourth-place threshold has historically required around 70 points, though this season it is likely to rise slightly given the number of competing clubs still in contention. Last season under former manager Ranieri, Roma fell just one point short of fourth place. Gasperini has emphasized the importance of Champions League football for the club's future direction, urging his team to deliver one final effort to seal qualification. The performance metrics indicate a significant improvement compared to recent seasons, with the gap between Roma's current trajectory and historical benchmarks narrowing considerably.