Roma celebrate Champions League return with social media posts; Pellegrini takes aim at third-place finish

Gianluca Mancini spoke to media after Roma secured Champions League qualification following their victory against Verona. The defender expressed overwhelming emotion at the achievement, saying: "There is huge euphoria, it is a group victory. We said it to ourselves inside, even when people wrote us off." Mancini highlighted the turnaround in Roma's final five matches, which proved decisive in finishing third with 73 points and earning a place in Europe's elite competition. Roma endured a difficult spell earlier in the season but recovered strongly under their manager's direction. Mancini emphasized the collective effort and the unity within the squad, noting that senior players including Pellegrini, Cristante, Dybala, El Shaarawy, and Celik had remained committed despite previous disappointments. He reflected on past European campaigns—Europa League semifinals and finals—that had fallen short, making this Champions League qualification particularly significant. The club's label as a mid-table team has now been shed following consistent performances and a strong finish to the season. Mancini described his emotional state: "My heart is racing. It would make me cry, but I won't. I played 11 matches under suspension but every match was important and I had to be careful. When the tempo rises and the level increases, I couldn't and didn't want to miss." He credited the manager's tactical approach and the group's reaction to setbacks as key factors in their success, particularly highlighting Roma's dramatic 2-goal comeback against Parma as a turning point that signaled the season's direction.

Gianluca Mancini spoke emotionally after Roma's final Serie A fixture of the season against Verona on matchday 38. The defender expressed pride in the team's collective performance, stating that the victory belonged to the entire group. Mancini's emotional response highlighted the significance of the result and his personal investment in Roma's campaign. The match represented the concluding round of the Serie A season, with details of the specific outcome remaining unclear from the available information.

AS Roma defeated Hellas Verona 2-0 away at the Bentegodi in the final match of the Serie A season to secure Champions League qualification. Paulo Dybala and El Shaarawy scored in the victory, with Dybala setting up El Shaarawy's goal. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini celebrated the result, which clinches a return to European football's premier club competition for the Giallorossi. The win represents a successful end to the campaign under Gasperini's leadership.

Paulo Dybala spoke ahead of Roma's final Serie A match against Verona, reflecting on the club's season. The Argentine forward emphasized that competing in European football should be an expectation for a club of Roma's stature, encouraging fans to savour the current moment. Dybala's comments underline Roma's ambitions to establish themselves as consistent Champions League contenders. The remarks came as Roma concluded their league campaign, with European qualification secured.

Paulo Dybala spoke after Roma's Champions League-clinching victory over Verona, reflecting on the club's return to Europe's premier competition. The Argentine forward acknowledged that Roma have now earned their place in the Champions League for the upcoming season, describing it as something the club and its supporters should expect as standard. Dybala noted that in recent years other Serie A clubs may have deserved Champions League qualification more than Roma, but insisted the team has fully earned their spot this time. He emphasized the importance of this achievement for a club of Roma's stature, particularly following disappointments such as the Europa League final loss. The winger expressed satisfaction at the moment, saying the squad will now enjoy competing in what he called "the night of magical stars" — a reference to the Champions League's significance. The comments come as Roma confirmed their continental qualification and prepare for the new season under their coaching staff. Details regarding contract renewals and other squad matters remain unclear, though Dybala's focus centres on Roma's return to elite European football and the responsibilities that come with representing a club of Roma's historical standing.

Gianluca Mancini spoke to media after Roma secured Champions League qualification following their victory against Verona. The defender expressed overwhelming emotion at the achievement, saying: "There is huge euphoria, it is a group victory. We said it to ourselves inside, even when people wrote us off." Mancini highlighted the turnaround in Roma's final five matches, which proved decisive in finishing third with 73 points and earning a place in Europe's elite competition. Roma endured a difficult spell earlier in the season but recovered strongly under their manager's direction. Mancini emphasized the collective effort and the unity within the squad, noting that senior players including Pellegrini, Cristante, Dybala, El Shaarawy, and Celik had remained committed despite previous disappointments. He reflected on past European campaigns—Europa League semifinals and finals—that had fallen short, making this Champions League qualification particularly significant. The club's label as a mid-table team has now been shed following consistent performances and a strong finish to the season. Mancini described his emotional state: "My heart is racing. It would make me cry, but I won't. I played 11 matches under suspension but every match was important and I had to be careful. When the tempo rises and the level increases, I couldn't and didn't want to miss." He credited the manager's tactical approach and the group's reaction to setbacks as key factors in their success, particularly highlighting Roma's dramatic 2-goal comeback against Parma as a turning point that signaled the season's direction.

A lighthearted moment at Roma's training ground has captured the attention of the club's fanbase after second-choice goalkeeper Gollini shared a photo on social media showing a religious-style image of defender Mario Hermoso displayed on his locker. The image, accompanied by the caption "Protect me everywhere," has gone viral among Roma supporters, reflecting the high spirits in the squad and Hermoso's growing status within the group. Hermoso has become a focal point of the Roma dressing room in recent months, with his distinctive new hairstyle sparking considerable discussion among fans. The Spanish defender's prominence highlights the positive atmosphere under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the team prepares for a crucial match at Verona. The squad's enthusiasm underscores what has been described as a first season that has exceeded expectations for Gasperini's Roma. The timing of Gollini's post comes just days before the decisive Verona fixture, which represents a crucial final step in what Roma's management and supporters hope will be a successful campaign. The light-hearted display of team spirit suggests confidence and unity within the group as they approach this important period of the season.

Tension boiled over at the final whistle of Parma's match against Roma after the visitors secured a comeback 2–1 victory. Evan Ndicka was visibly angry on the pitch and had to be held back and escorted away by four teammates—Gollini, Tsimikas, Malen, and Cristante—while Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini were also among the most heated Roma players involved in the post-match melee. The confrontation intensified between the benches and drew intervention from Gasperini and his assistant Gritti, who quickly pulled Mancini away from the conflict to prevent disciplinary action. Mancini's removal was particularly critical because he was the only Roma player carrying a yellow-card caution ahead of the upcoming derby against Lazio. The tension appears to have been fueled by aggressive play from Parma's players throughout the match, with notably tough and sometimes excessive challenges. Details remain unclear about the specific grievances between individual players, though conflict emerged between Mancini and Parma's right-back Valeri, described as a Lazio supporter. Roma had initially gone ahead through Donyell Malen but surrendered the lead before fighting back to secure the points in added time.

Donyell Malen scored at 100:02 to give Roma a dramatic late-match victory, clinching three vital points after a stunning second-half comeback. The Dutch winger's goal came only after a VAR review that overturned an initial decision against Roma, leading to heated protests on the pitch. Malen's strike broke the club record for the latest goal scored by Roma in Serie A over the past 20 seasons, surpassing Tammy Abraham's effort at 98:05 against Spezia in February 2022. This victory keeps Roma's hopes alive for securing a Champions League finish. The team scored twice in injury time—with Rensch also finding the net—marking the first occasion in the season that Roma has scored two goals beyond the 90-minute mark in a single match. The comeback underlines Roma's character in adversity, though the controversial circumstances surrounding Malen's goal and the VAR intervention will likely draw discussion. Gasperini responded to criticism surrounding the incident, stating: "Ha ragione, tutta Italia ha visto. Immagini evidenti" (He's right, all of Italy saw it. Clear images). After the match, Dybala, Malen, and Gollini posted on social media describing it as a lively Sunday with friends, highlighting the emotional intensity of the fixture.

Roma are preparing for an away fixture against Verona following their recent derby victory. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is finalizing his team selection for the match. Matías Soulé is expected to feature in the lineup, while a competition exists between Niccolò Pisilli and El Aynaoui for a midfield position. The exact composition of the starting eleven remains subject to Gasperini's final decision. Details on the full team setup and tactical approach remain unclear from the available information.

Roma face Hellas Verona in a make-or-break match for Champions League qualification, with head coach Gasperini fielding a squad affected by several absences. Wesley is suspended, Ndicka is injured, and Koné—though fit—will start on the bench, with El Aynaoui taking his place in midfield. Rensch will replace the unavailable right-back, and Ghilardi features in defence. Up front, the Argentine pairing of Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé will operate behind Donyell Malen. Three points at Verona would secure fourth place and Champions League football for Roma, an achievement the club has not reached in seven years. The fixture represents a pivotal moment for the team's immediate future. Multiple Italian newspapers—Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere dello Sport, Corriere della Sera, and Il Tempo—have outlined near-identical expected lineups, with Mile Svilar in goal, a defensive line of Ghilardi, Gianluca Mancini, and Hermoso, and a midfield anchored by Bryan Cristante and El Aynaoui alongside full-backs Celik and Rensch. The consensus across Italian media reflects widespread agreement on Gasperini's tactical approach for this decisive encounter.

Roma are three points away from securing Champions League qualification. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing to deploy an attacking three-man frontline, with El Aynaoui operating in midfield as the team makes a final push for continental football. The setup reflects Gasperini's determination to chase down the Champions League spot in the closing stages of the season. Details on opponents and the specific tactical approach remain unclear from the available information.