Overview
While Inter Milan have secured a place in the UEFA Champions League - with Napoli and AC Milan moving very close to the goal - AS Roma have to enter a tense race with Juventus and Como for fourth place in Serie A.
Although the remaining schedule is relatively favorable, Roma still faces a big challenge called the derby with Lazio, forcing them to maximize points in the remaining matches.
In the most recent round, the Giallorossi partly redeemed their defeat against Bologna in the UEFA Europa League by winning 2-0 at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, with a strong impression from Donyell Malen.
Since joining in January, the Dutch striker has scored 11 goals in just 14 matches in Serie A, becoming a key factor helping Roma maintain the top 4 race.
Assigned to end 7 years of waiting for a Champions League spot for the capital team, Gian Piero Gasperini showed experience in leading teams to overcome pressure. He also just consolidated his position after winning the internal battle with Claudio Ranieri.
Before welcoming Fiorentina, Roma possesses the best home defense in the league, conceding only 10 goals at Stadio Olimpico, and is also on a 10-match unbeaten streak here in Serie A.
History is also on the side of the maroon shirt team when they have only lost 3 out of 51 encounters with Fiorentina at home.
On the opposite side, Fiorentina had their most recent victory at the Olimpico since 2018 and only won 2 points in 7 away games afterwards. However, the current situation has changed a lot compared to the difficult period before.
After a difficult season start, the goal of relegation for the Tuscany team is gradually becoming feasible. Paolo Vanoli's team has extended their unbeaten streak to 7 matches after a 0-0 draw with Sassuolo, thereby creating a 9-point gap with the relegation group.
Notably, Fiorentina has won 20/37 points in the last 11 matches - a record equivalent to fourth place if calculated separately in this period. A victory in Rome could help them officially stay in the league, and recent positive form brings significant confidence before the challenging away trip.
Personnel situation
AS Roma continues to face force upheavals when Bryan Zaragoza joins the injury list due to a knee problem. However, good news comes from the expected return of key midfielder Manu Kone after nearly two months of rest.
Lorenzo Pellegrini has not fully recovered from his thigh muscle injury but is aiming for the possibility of participating in the derby with Lazio. Meanwhile, Neil El Aynaoui will be absent due to suspension.
On Fiorentina's side, Moise Kean has not yet been able to return due to a prolonged tibia injury, and is also allowed to be absent for personal reasons. Roberto Piccoli's backup plan is also not ready, making Albert Gudmundsson likely to continue to start in the attack.
Expected lineup:
Roma: Svilar, Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso, Celik, Cristante, Kone, Wesley, Soule, Pisilli, Malen.
Fiorentina: De Gea, Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens, Ndour, Fagioli, Mandragora, Harrison, Gudmundsson, Solomon.
The match between Roma and Fiorentina takes place at 1:45 a.m. on May 5 (Vietnam time).
