Villar celebrates Roma's Champions League qualification

Paulo Dybala has posted a message on social media celebrating Roma's qualification for the Champions League this season. The Argentine forward reflected on an intense campaign marked by difficult moments and significant joy, expressing pride in the squad and the work done collectively to achieve Champions League football. He stated: "An intense season, full of emotions, difficult moments and great joys. Proud of the group, the work done together and of having achieved an important objective like Champions League qualification. As I said yesterday, Roma should never make news for being in the Champions League… but in the meantime let's enjoy this moment, because we deserve it. Thank you to the fans for always being there, in every moment. Your support makes a real difference. Forza Roma." Dybala's contract with Roma is set to expire on 30 June, though reports suggest a renewal with the club is close. His message comes amid celebrations across the Roma squad following the confirmation of European football's top competition for next season. The achievement represents a significant turnaround for the Giallorossi and marks an important milestone for the club's ambitions.

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.

Niccolò Pisilli was honored with the Premio Arancio at an Italian sports press union event, where he spoke about Roma's return to the Champions League and his development as a midfielder. The Roma centrocampist, celebrating the club's qualification secured the previous day, received the award from Marco Tardelli, the 1982 World Cup winner. Pisilli praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's impact on the squad, saying: "It was very important. He brought his ideas, his personality. We were good at following him, and especially in the second half of the season, I believe we managed to implement his ideas best. We understood the concepts better and also played good football for many matches. His history speaks for itself. He has improved so many players, so many young people. I always followed him in every training session and, training session after training session, I grew and managed to carve out my own space." Pisilli credited Roma's consistency throughout the season for securing Champions League football, noting the team remained in contention despite occasional setbacks. Tardelli jokingly remarked on the midfielder's maturity and composure, saying he saw similarities to his younger self. Pisilli also emphasized the honor of representing Italy, expressing hope for future World Cup participation. He identified Roma's 2–1 loss to Parma as a particularly difficult moment, yet highlighted the squad's resilience in bouncing back and ultimately achieving their goal.

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 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.

Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy starred in Roma's 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona, securing the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. Dybala provided the assist for El Shaarawy's final goal in Roma colors, allowing his teammate to mark his last appearance with the club on a high note. El Shaarawy, who joined Roma in January 2016, concluded his time at the Giallorossi with the decisive second goal. After the match, El Shaarawy was awarded the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award following a commanding display that included two assists. However, in an emotional gesture, Dybala refused to let his teammate keep the individual accolade. El Shaarawy called out to Dybala, saying "It's yours, it's yours," but Dybala declined, tears in his eyes, insisting El Shaarawy keep the award as a final memento of his time with Roma. The exchange underscored the mutual respect and friendship between the two players, with the pair embracing after the touching moment. Roma's Champions League qualification marks a significant achievement after a seven-year absence from European football's premier club competition.