Roma will look to avenge its Europa League elimination and secure three vital points in Bologna on Saturday.
With just five matches remaining in the 2025-26 Serie A season, time is running short for the Giallorossi to improve their table position and secure European qualification for the 2026-27 centennial season. While all Romanisti would’ve loved to see Roma playing in Europe’s elite competition during such a historic season in the club’s history, Champions League qualification looks very unlikely after the Giallorossi fell to five points behind Juve following last weekend’s results.
That said, Como’s recent poor run of form has allowed Roma to pull level with the upstarts from Italy’s lake region—something that could be crucial when all is said and done. With Lazio in the Coppa Italia final, Europa League qualification could come only through a fifth-place finish. So Roma will be keen to surpass Como at season’s end. A win on Saturday against the Rossoblu could be a big step toward making that a reality.
Gasperini on Roma’s Objectives
In his pre-match presser Gian Piero Gasperini was asked about the club’s stated objectives and whether management had set the Champions League as a goal.
“No, there’s not [a minimum target set by the club], but we’re still thinking about it. We’re still looking above us. When it’s no longer possible to aim that high, we’ll settle for other things.”
“It would be good if we could [put together a run of form]. If we keep winning, we’re probably still in time. But obviously with every week that passes, the margin for error diminishes. You can’t make any more mistakes.
“As for the other question [talking to the owners about next season], no, because we’re still busy with this season and we must remain busy until the 24th of May. We’ll think about the future when the club deems it right.”
Dybala’s Return to the Squad
To achieve the results necessary to reach its maximum points over the remainder of the campaign, Gasperini will need all hands on deck. In that regard, he’ll get a big boost from Paulo Dybala, who has finally returned to the fray after missing nearly three months. Dybala’s absence has left Roma shorthanded in the attacking midfield, especially when coupled with the prolonged absence of fellow Argentine Matías Soulé.
Gasperini spoke on Dybala’s return and what his role could be at the Renato Dell’Ara on Saturday.
“It seems unlikely that he’ll be in the starting eleven. Paulo started working again this week after more than 80 days out of action, nearly 90 days, in fact. So, no, I’m ruling out him starting the game. When a player comes back after many months out it’s hard for them to slot into the starting team. Let’s hope – I certainly hope – that he can come on over the course of the match. However, we’re playing away and it’s more a question of being in the swing of things and confidence – his confidence in his ability to perform. It’s not a question of fitness, but rather of kicking the ball, shooting and tackling. That’s to be expected when a player has