BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Gian Piero Gasperini explains why Paulo Dybala gets his first Roma start since January 25, admitting they must ‘win and hope’ Juventus or Milan slip up for a top four finish.
It kicks off at the Stadio Tardini at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.
Paulo Dybala gets his first start since January 25, which is also the only previous time Roma played this trident with Matias Soulé and Donyell Malen together, during a 1-1 draw with Milan.
Neil El Aynaoui returns from suspension, leaving only Lorenzo Pellegrino, Bryan Zaragoza, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson on the absentee list.
Gasperini launches new Roma attack
“This is the right moment for Dybala, he has recovered and already had a few substitute appearances, so he starts today,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
The Giallorossi got themselves back in the race for Champions League football after thrashing Fiorentina 4-0 last week, taking advantage of Milan, Juventus and Como all dropping points.
The pressure is on them today, though, as Juventus won 1-0 away to Lecce last night and Como did the same at Verona this afternoon.
“Parma undoubtedly are very good at defending deep, they are well-organised and earned some good results playing in this style, but can also be dangerous when they attack.
“This is a fundamental match for us, but we are in good shape going in.”
Gasperini was asked if Roma were chasing down Juventus or Milan in the final strait, seeing as the Rossoneri are stuttering badly.
“We need to focus on ourselves, because there is no margin for error, all we can do is win and hope. We need Juve to get one game wrong, or Milan two.”
The last few weeks have been largely about the situation off the field at Roma, with the departure of Claudio Ranieri, and reports director of sport Ricky Massara will follow suit.
