News Focus
- AS Roma thrashed ACF Fiorentina 4-0 at Stadio Olimpico to boost their top-four hopes
- Gian Piero Gasperini says his team cannot afford any slip-ups in the final three matches
- The Giallorossi now sit just one point behind Juventus in fourth place
- Donyell Malen made a huge impact with an assist and struck the woodwork twice
- Manu Kone returned to the starting lineup after recovering from a muscle injury
AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has sent a clear message to his squad: perfection is required in the final stretch of the Serie A campaign. This warning came after his side delivered a commanding 4-0 victory against ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico.
The hosts established complete control before the interval, netting three times in the opening 45 minutes. Gianluca Mancini opened the scoring with a header from a set-piece, before further strikes from Wesley and Mario Hermoso put the game beyond reach by half-time. Substitute Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth goal after the break, converting a pass from Donyell Malen, who also struck the frame of the goal on two separate occasions.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Gasperini expressed satisfaction with his team’s attacking variety but acknowledged the high stakes remaining. “We adjusted our offensive approach around the middle of the season, which has led to more goals, though we have also become more vulnerable at the back,” he explained. “Finding the net through four different scorers shows our quality. The fixtures ahead remain tight and challenging. We understand that zero errors are permissible if we want to achieve our objective, yet the squad currently displays excellent condition.”
This triumph leaves Roma breathing down the necks of their rivals in the battle for Champions League football. They trail fourth-placed Juventus by merely a single point and sit three adrift of AC Milan in third. Meanwhile, Como remain a threat in sixth position with 62 points, just two behind the capital club.
The Italian coach revealed he never lost faith in his team’s capacity to challenge for European qualification. “I recognised we could recover key personnel. With a full-strength group, we could build momentum and unlock greater potential,” he stated.
The January acquisition of Malen from Aston Villa has proven transformative, providing the attacking spark Roma desperately needed. However, questions surround the future of Paulo Dybala, whose contract enters its final phase.
Gasperini highlighted the injury crisis that plagued earlier months: “We lost Dybala and Matías Soulé for extended periods. Stephan El Shaarawy faced time out too. We suffered a striker shortage with Artem Dovbyk and Ferguson also unavailable. Despite these setbacks, every player demonstrated maximum commitment. Their mentality never wavered, and recently they appear even more resolute.”
French midfielder Manu Kone made his first start since mid-March after overcoming muscular problems. Gasperini noted that earlier in the campaign, Roma possessed Europe’s most solid defence, but absences disrupted that stability. “We are gradually recovering our full roster—the original unit plus Malen. This depth obviously facilitates better outcomes.”
When questioned about squad improvements for next term, particularly with the Friedkin family owners present, Gasperini remained cautious. “My concentration centres entirely on the current situation. Discussions regarding future plans will happen at the appropriate time.”
With only three fixtures remaining, Roma must win their matches while hoping competitors falter to secure a place among Europe’s elite next season.