Gasperini Deserves Credit for Roma's Champions League Qualification

Donyell Malen and Gianluca Mancini have been included in Opta's statistical Team of the Year for Serie A 2025–26, recognised for their standout performances throughout the season. The Dutch forward finished with 14 goals in 18 appearances since joining Roma and proved decisive from his arrival at the club. Mancini was integral to Roma's defensive effort, helping the team secure the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding fewer goals than any side except Como. Roma completed the 2025–26 season in third place, behind Inter and Napoli, representing a significant turnaround after what had seemed like an impossible target weeks earlier. Alongside Malen and Mancini, goalkeeper Mile Svilar was honoured as Serie A's best goalkeeper by the league. The three selections underline Roma's competitive strength in their campaign and their climb towards the top of the table. Mancini's defensive prowess and Malen's attacking output have been statistically validated through Opta's advanced metrics, cementing their central roles in Roma's improved fortunes this season.

Ezio Simonelli, president of the Italian League (Lega Serie A), has commented on the recently concluded 2024–25 season, offering praise for Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years. In an interview on Radio Rai, Simonelli acknowledged that scheduling improvements can always be made, particularly regarding derby fixtures at the end of the season. He noted that holding the Derby della Capitale simultaneously with a tennis event created complications, though he maintained the match was managed according to league expectations. Simonelli expressed satisfaction with the overall quality of the season. "The championship that concluded seemed very competitive and beautiful to watch," he said. He offered congratulations to Como for advancing from Serie C to the Champions League in four years, and to Roma for returning to European football's premier competition after a seven-year absence. He also commended Lecce for securing a fourth consecutive Serie A campaign. The league president highlighted the complexity of calendar scheduling, which involves over 400 variables, and confirmed the next season's calendar will be announced on 6 June in Parma. Simonelli addressed concerns about safety and fan restrictions, discussing the possibility of identifying higher-risk supporters rather than imposing blanket bans on entire fan groups. He also mentioned ongoing discussions about the Supercoppa Italiana venue and timing, noting that an Arabian location will not be available this year due to the Asian Games.

Stephan El Shaarawy scored the decisive second goal in Roma's final match against Verona, securing the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. The Egyptian winger's strike came in his last appearance in giallorossi colors, concluding a decade-long association with the club that began in January 2016. El Shaarawy's goal sparked an emotional celebration as he ran toward the away supporters at the Bentegodi stadium. Remarkably, El Shaarawy had predicted this outcome before the match. According to Sky Sport journalist Angelo Mangiante, the number 92 revealed at the end of Friday's training session that he hoped to close his Roma story with a decisive goal. He told Mangiante: "Mi piacerebbe tanto chiudere questa storia con un gol decisivo" (I would really like to close this story with a decisive goal). His premonition proved accurate, as his finish sealed Roma's return to European football's premier club competition after a seven-year absence. El Shaarawy's departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Roma. The winger's final contribution epitomized his importance to the club during his 10-year tenure, delivering a crucial moment when it mattered most for the Giallorossi's continental aspirations.

Donyell Malen and Gianluca Mancini have been included in Opta's statistical Team of the Year for Serie A 2025–26, recognised for their standout performances throughout the season. The Dutch forward finished with 14 goals in 18 appearances since joining Roma and proved decisive from his arrival at the club. Mancini was integral to Roma's defensive effort, helping the team secure the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding fewer goals than any side except Como. Roma completed the 2025–26 season in third place, behind Inter and Napoli, representing a significant turnaround after what had seemed like an impossible target weeks earlier. Alongside Malen and Mancini, goalkeeper Mile Svilar was honoured as Serie A's best goalkeeper by the league. The three selections underline Roma's competitive strength in their campaign and their climb towards the top of the table. Mancini's defensive prowess and Malen's attacking output have been statistically validated through Opta's advanced metrics, cementing their central roles in Roma's improved fortunes this season.

Roma's week has been assessed through a ratings feature, with supporters earning top marks for their continued backing of the team. Donyell Malen features prominently as a key performer, while head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is credited with architecting Roma's approach toward Champions League competition. The assessment reflects positively on the club's trajectory, highlighting the contributions of fans, players, and management as Roma pursues European objectives. Specific match details and individual performances across the week remain unclear from the available information.

AS Roma secured Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years by defeating Hellas Verona 2–0 on the final day of the Serie A season. The match was tense throughout, with Verona—already relegated—playing with intensity despite their status. Mile Svilar made a crucial early save, and Paulo Dybala dominated the second half, setting up the opening goal for Donyell Malen after initially missing a penalty. Dybala also created the second goal for Stephan El Shaarawy in injury time, marking El Shaarawy's final appearance for the club before his contract expires. Roma finished third in the Serie A table, an outcome few considered possible weeks earlier. The qualification represents a significant achievement under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who took over during a troubled season marked by injuries and incomplete transfers. AC Milan and Juventus, both pre-season favorites, failed to qualify, with Milan losing at home to Cagliari and Juventus drawing with Torino. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, also qualified ahead of the traditional powers. Gasperini's turnaround has delivered what the Friedkin Group ownership had not previously achieved: Champions League football. The qualification transforms Roma's commercial position, recruitment capacity, and ambitions moving forward, restoring the club among Italy's elite after years of frustration.

Roma are tracking Moise Kean as a potential summer signing. The club's pursuit of the forward depends heavily on whether Roma secure Champions League qualification on the final day of the season. Details of how Kean might fit into Roma's attack, potentially alongside Artem Dovbyk, remain unclear from available information. The move would likely only be pursued if Roma achieve their European target, suggesting financial and squad planning are contingent on league performance.

Roma are exploring a move for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean ahead of the summer transfer window, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini keen to strengthen the attacking options. The club are reportedly prepared to offer €20 million for the 26-year-old Italian forward, significantly below Fiorentina's €45 million asking price. To bridge the gap, Roma are considering including midfielder Artem Dovbyk as a makeweight in the deal. The pursuit comes as Roma prepare for life without Paulo Dybala, whose expected departure has prompted the need for additional firepower in attack. With Donyell Malen recently arriving from Aston Villa following a successful loan spell, Gasperini is building depth in the forward line. Roma's transfer ambitions are bolstered by their strong positioning in Serie A; a victory over relegated Hellas Verona on the final weekend would secure Champions League qualification for the first time in several years, heightening the demand for squad reinforcements. Kean has experienced a significant drop in output this season, netting eight times in 26 Serie A appearances compared to 19 goals in 32 league games last season. Fiorentina's failure to secure European qualification may also encourage the striker to seek a move, making a summer exit feasible.

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.