Malen and Mancini named in Opta's Serie A 2025–26 Team of the Year

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.

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.

AS Roma reached the Champions League after a seven-year absence, securing fourth place. The achievement sparked celebration among Roma supporters but proved devastating for Damiano Er Faina, a prominent Lazio-affiliated influencer, whose reaction to the final day became widely shared online. A video captured his shift from momentary joy at a Malen penalty miss to despair when the Roma forward scored from the rebound. Er Faina posted a lengthy commentary on his reaction to the evening, saying: "What a terrible evening. Roma return to the Champions League after 7 years. One of the most arrogant coaches in history goes to the Champions League, Cesc Fabregas. AC Milan finish sixth after a shameful performance. I am consumed, emptied. The season has taken my soul. I have failed on everything or nearly. I will need 24 hours of reflection on my football arguments." The Lazio supporter also referenced a separate viral video in which Francesco Totti was asked whether he would prefer to see Roma or Lazio in Serie B, providing additional context to the day's events for the rival fanbases. Roma's qualification marks a significant milestone after their previous spell outside European football's premier competition.

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 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.

Mile Svilar spoke following Roma's securing of Champions League football, describing himself as running on adrenaline despite limited sleep. The goalkeeper expressed pride in the milestone achieved and emphasized that Roma must consistently compete at the highest European level. Svilar's comments reflect the club's ambition to establish itself as a regular Champions League participant. The goalkeeper's remarks underscore Roma's commitment to maintaining their competitive status in Europe's premier club competition.

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.

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.