Como, Milan & Juventus Make History; Roma Secures Champions League Return

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.

AS Roma secured a return to the UEFA Champions League after a seven-year absence following a 2–0 victory against Verona at the Bentegodi stadium. The result triggered celebrations at the airport and at Trigoria, the club's training ground, as supporters and staff marked the significant milestone. The triumph ends a lengthy period outside European football's elite competition for the Giallorossi. Details of the goalscorers remain unclear from the available information, but the victory represents a major achievement in the club's push to re-establish itself among Italy's top-flight contenders.