Now that the most chaotic season of the CdT era (2012 to present) has come to a close, it’s time to reflect. Fortunately for us, with dozens of matches, multiple season-ending surgeries, and three managerial changes behind us, there is no shortage of talking points from the recently concluded 2024-2025 season.

Despite all the chaos surrounding the club this season—from De Rossi’s untimely dismissal to Paulo Dybala’s near move to Saudi Arabia to the club’s unceremonious exit from the Europa League—the Giallorossi have just wrapped up their most successful domestic season under the Friedkin Group.

Of course, that was due in large part to Claudio Ranieri, who orchestrated one of the more dramatic turnarounds the club has ever seen, lifting Roma out of the relegation zone last fall and keeping them in the Champions League conversation until the very last minute.

Given the extent of the chaos, our season review roundtable discussion will be divided into three parts. Today, we will address the on-pitch events before turning our attention to the boardroom controversies later this weekend. Finally, we will conclude next week by connecting these topics and exploring what this season signifies for the future.

Sound good? Okay, away we go!

Let’s start with a bit of improvisation. The floor is yours. Say whatever you want about one of the wildest seasons in recent memory. Better than you expected? Worse? About the same? Will Roma ever be normal again?

JonAS: Once again, AS Roma didn’t disappoint. I mean, this season had kind of everything, right? The beloved Daniele as coach, a mini crisis, the strange Juric hire, two dismissals, Ranieri’s return, a derby win, feelings of despair and hope, and a (sort of) happy ending. “Rollercoaster” actually sums it up quite nicely.

I think finishing in the top four was the main objective at the start, but fifth place and a total of 69 points is actually quite good, considering the dismal stretch from August to November. So, yeah, this season was both bad and good. Typical Roma, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. What can I say? I like pain.

Bren: If nothing else, this season was a microcosm for what makes Roma unique. How many teams can unceremoniously dump a club icon in September only for a different club icon to come out of retirement and rescue them two months later? And not only that, they nearly went unbeaten in all of 2025!

When I look back on this season, I’ll think of three things: How they treated De Rossi (and the subsequent Lina fallout), Ranieri’s remarkable turnaround, and, of course, those hideous away kits.

Jimmy Miotto: About what I expected in terms of the end result. Nothing at all like I expected in terms of how Roma got to that result. The Giallorossi have had their most unique season in history: three managers, two sackings, moments where Romanisti were discussing relegation as a serious possibility, and moments where Romanisti were discussing Champions League qualification. Heading into this summer, Roma now has a feel-good story but no manager and far more questions than answers.

Will Roma ever be normal again? Was Roma ever normal to begin with?

ssciavillo: In terms of the end result, yes. How Roma arrived there, no. I never would have imagined De Rossi being sacked so quickly, Juric being as awful as he was, and Ranieri returning to nearly lead Roma to the most improbable top 4 finish in my time following the club. I mean finishing the league campaign with just one loss in its last 22?! That’s Scudetto caliber play. If only the season had started slightly better, and we’d be celebrating a Champions League birth.

Imagine Ghisolfi approached you and said you can only keep five players based solely on this season’s performance. Who would you keep and why?

JonAS: Svilar, Ndicka, Koné, Saelemaekers, Soulé. Considering age + talent, I think it’s pretty self-explanatory. Leaving out Angelino hurts, though…

Bren: Svilar and Ndicka are givens. They were the most consistent (and consistently good) players this season. I’ll add Matías Soulé because he’s the club’s best young attacker and should have a larger role going forward. I don’t think Koné will be with the club long-term, so give me Niccolo Pisilli for that role. I think, given time, he’ll be a reliable starter. For my fifth player, I’ll agree with the Alexis Saelemaekers selection. He’s just entering his prime and should only get better…but he’s not technically a Roma player.

In that light, my fifth and final choice would be Artem Dovbyk. His first season wasn’t perfect, but he was expensive, and he’s not going anywhere, so Roma better figure out how to get the best out of him.

Jimmy: If we’re purely discussing their performances this season, it’s Svilar, Ndicka, Koné, Saelemaekers, and Soulé. Svilar and Ndicka were ironmen who succeeded on a best-in-the-league level; Koné and Saelemaekers were incredible even if they had injury issues here and there; and Soulé had the most magical moments in a Roma kit as an attacker that I’ve seen outside of Paulo Dybala in quite some time.

ssciavillo: I pretty much agree with the majority of the names being thrown around here. The givens for me are Svilar, Ndicka, and Soulé. They’re three big talents just entering their prime years. And for the same reason, I’d throw Koné in there as well. It sets you up down the middle of the pitch (depending on how Soulé is deployed). But, I’m going to throw a curveball out for my last player. Gianluca Mancini. I’ve always had a soft spot for Mancini’s hard-nosed ways, but he’s really cleaned up his game and has turned into Roma’s captain on the pitch.

Even if he didn’t make your list of keepers, who was Roma’s MVP this season?

JonAS: Ironically, he’s a keeper too: Svilar. That boy saved us a ton of times this season, and he’s just getting started. I tried to steer away from the Alisson comparisons but damn, Mile is getting pretty close to his level. Just look at his collection of MOTM awards.

For how long has Roma tried to replace Alisson, and at what cost? Svilar was free and is now easily worth € 35-40m. Roma must do everything they can to keep him.

Bren: Naming a keeper MVP to me is like giving a closer the Cy Young Award. Sure, they had great seasons, but the position is so unique that I’ve always thought they should be measured against their actual positional peers. Considering that, I’ll go with Ndicka. I mean, he played every single minute this season and was consistently good throughout, surviving three different managers and emerging as one of the league’s best center-backs.

Jimmy: It’s Svilar, and in my mind it’s not particularly close. JonAS is right; Svilar is the best GK Roma has had since Alisson, and he’s arguably the best goalkeeper Roma’s had bar Alisson in the 21st century. Svilar will certainly have suitors this summer, and will likely have suitors for every mercato until he hits thirty. It’s Roma’s job to keep him here—or at least make sure he’s one of the most expensive goalkeepers ever.

ssciavillo: I, too, have to go with Svilar. He’s developed into one of the best keepers in the league and is certainly pushing those Alisson levels. Ndicka is a great shout, but Svilar’s 6.47 goals prevented Roma from winning numerous points in the table.

Which new signing impressed you the most?

JonAS: Heads up, another Belgian is coming! Saelemaekers. I didn’t expect him to adjust to life in Rome so easily. I was happy to see him in action during Roma’s match against Lecce in December, and he even scored a goal that evening. He had awe-inspiring numbers this season.

He reminds me of prime Taddei: not the most talented like Dybala or Soulé, and not a physical beast like Ndicka or Dovbyk, but he simply makes a team click, no matter what formation you use. Coaches love these types of players. They’re the oil in a machine. It’s essential that he stays, but I fear Milan might play hardball over his signature. Saelemaekers will turn 26 soon, so he’s still worth every penny in the long run.

Bren: Yeah, no arguments here. Saelemaekers made a fan out of me this season. Just to throw a different name into the mix, I’ll go with Soulé. He had an incredibly slow and worrisome start to the season, but he shone once he got his chance to play consistently. He’s one of the few players on the squad who is a genuine threat anytime they’re on the ball in the final third. He’s not the most athletic player we’ve ever seen, but he can curl that ball into the top corner from virtually anywhere.

He’s the center of this project, so I hope the club builds the attack around him this summer and beyond.

Jimmy: Again, this one isn’t particularly close. Alexis Saelemaekers has been the standout new signing for me. When he came in from Milan, I figured he’d be decent depth—maybe a spark off the bench. I’ll push back on JonAS’ Taddei comp, though, and suggest another gritty and intelligent player from the Roma of yesteryear as the more like-for-like player: Simone Perrotta.

Like Perrotta, Alexis isn’t flashy, but he does everything right. The Belgian presses hard, links play, pops up with goals (including one in the derby!), and always puts in a shift. You need guys like that to win games that don’t look pretty. If the only debate now is whether to make the move permanent, there shouldn’t be much of a debate at all.

ssciavillo: As great as Saelemaekers was this season, I’m going to give Soulé the slight edge. Soulé really hit his stride during Roma’s long unbeaten run and was a big part of that success. Saelemaekers was much better than I expected (and I want Roma to bring him in on a permanent deal), but he saw his playing time limited in the stretch run limited due to Soulé’s emergence. For this reason, I’ll give it to the young Argentine.

Which new signing never seemed to settle in quite right?

JonAS: Well, there are a couple of possibilities after such a mixed-up season: Le Fee, Hermoso, Saud, Rensch, Hummels. I’m going to go with Dovbyk, though. Among all the new signings, he definitely played the most and had the most chances. Yet, even after more than 40 games, he still seems, I don’t know, out of place. Is he even happy in Rome?

Don’t get me wrong, he’s had an okay season, I guess, but I really thought he would dominate Serie A’s defenses like Lukaku. At times, he seems lost, desperate, and absent-minded. I’m willing to give him another chance, though; look at Dzeko in his second season. He just needs more confidence and preferably a new coach who believes in him.

Bren: Other than appealing to the club’s potential foreign investors, I never understood the Saud purchase. Roma already has a young full-back rotting on the bench (Buba Sangare), so why add another? So I’d toss him in with Hermoso and Le Fee as symptoms of a larger problem Roma faced this summer–who was actually calling the transfer shots, Ghisolfi or Lina?

I had my issues with Dovbyk, but he still scored 12 league goals this season, so it’s difficult to say he was a failure. He was disappointing, for sure, but at least that transfer made sense at the time. But guys like Saud, Le Fee, and Hermoso stand out like sore thumbs.

Jimmy: The Saud purchase seems like a deal Roma made to keep their sponsors happy—nothing more. So, I can’t fault them too much for that decision. Instead, I’ll go with Buba Sangaré, who came in with a decent amount of hype but didn’t make the first team at all. He’s 17 years old, was marketed as having a lot of potential, and was the youngest debutant in Levante history. However, that potential basically just turned into spending an entire season in the Primavera. There’s still absolutely time for him to come good, but the hope should be that it happens sooner rather than later.

ssciavillo: I have to go with Saud here. That move was always a head-scratcher to me. And it makes even less sense now that a full season has passed.

Niccolo Pisilli had an inconsistent season, but based on what we observed, what did you like, and what concerns you?

JonAS: I must admit I haven’t seen many Roma games in person. However, from what I’ve observed, I like the kid. I would definitely keep him for another year. Paredes, Pellegrini, and Cristante are getting older, while Pisili is more dynamic and hungrier than all of them.

I fear that once he gets loaned out, we may never see him in a Roma jersey again, and he’ll just become one of those former Primavera wonder boys who didn’t make the cut. Or, you know, he could become the next Gattuso at Atalanta or Fiorentina.

Bren: It’s difficult to draw too many conclusions because he’s still a teenager. In that light, getting 1,200 minutes under his belt was a godsend, but he seemed a bit hesitant and unsure of himself at times. But that may be a product of age as much as anything else. Also, for a young player, hearing three different voices and sets of expectations and instructions was bound to be confusing.

Can he become what Davide Frattesi was supposed to be for Roma? He’s certainly ahead in his development. At the same age, Frattesi was making waves in Serie B for Empoli, so Pisilli already has an advantage over him in that aspect. But once Frattesi settled in the top flight, he was instantly productive, so we’ll see if Pisilli can build on those 1,200 minutes and carve out a larger role next season.

Jimmy: Pisilli definitely showed some promise this season. In my opinion, it’s his creativity and hunger that stand out, especially compared to some of our more questionable starting midfielders. Still, like Bren said, he’s still young and sometimes looks unsure, which isn’t surprising given all the coaching changes and mixed messages he’s had to deal with. My biggest concern about Pisilli isn’t that he can’t come good, it’s that if he goes out on loan and doesn’t come back, he might end up one of those Primavera talents who is a “one that got away” for Romanisti. That said, if he can build on these minutes and find consistency, there’s every chance he could become a real asset for Roma in the coming years.

ssciavillo: He definitely appears to have the potential to be a regular first-team player in Roma’s midfield rotation. I trust De Rossi’s judgment on what it takes for a midfielder to perform at Roma levels in that position, especially since he played that role at the highest level. Furthermore, he trusted Pisilli, a 19-year-old, to start against Juventus early in the season. That said, I hope whoever Roma brings in to manage the team will view Pisilli as an important piece of the puzzle and not just a filler on the roster. If that occurs, it could hinder his development and ultimately lead to the concerns mentioned by Jim and Jonas.

Roma walked a fine line throughout their unbeaten streak; however, was this cautious strategy a result of pragmatism or a reflection of insufficient attacking talent?

JonAS: Ranieri definitely played it safe on multiple occasions. Remember, he took over a fragile and unstable team back in November, and his start wasn’t very strong, with losses to Atalanta and Napoli. However, he slowly steadied the ship due to these narrow wins and an excellent defensive record.

We all know that Ranieri is not Guardiola or Klopp. He assesses the players at his disposal and makes the most of it, respectfully and humbly. Roma always comes first, and his job was straightforward: save the season and what was left of it. If he had taken a riskier approach, I believe we wouldn’t have finished fifth.

Bren: Oh, it was definitely a lack of talent. I know I said that we need to be patient with Dovbyk, given how much they invested in him, but he never seemed to mesh with the rest of the attack, leading to some awkward moments on the pitch. Combine that with the club’s lack of speed in wide areas and no genuine attacking midfielder, and it wasn’t surprising to see Roma struggle to score more than one goal for most of the spring.

However, let’s credit Ranieri for recognizing this and adjusting his tactics accordingly.

Jimmy: Honestly, I think it was a bit of both. The squad’s unbeaten run was impressive, but you could tell there was always a cautious edge to how they played. They were always too worried about giving something away, and those 1-0 wins were impressive but ultimately insufficient in the Giallorossi’s quest for CL football. Part of that comes down to pragmatism; Ranieri wasn’t shy about the need for results over everything else. But yeah, you could argue they weren’t exactly overflowing with attacking firepower, so sometimes the football felt a bit safe or predictable because they didn’t really have the weapons to do much more. Let’s hope that Soulé grows, Dybala stays healthy, and Dovbyk grows more comfortable in Serie A moving forward. That could be the only change needed to make the goals flow more freely.

ssciavillo: I agree with Jimmy that it was a bit of both. There was definitely some pragmatism in Ranieri’s approach, and there’s nothing wrong with that. After all, it led to a team that finished the season with the joint second fewest goals allowed in the league, with 35. Imagine if they hadn’t shipped 5 to Fiorentina under Juric; they wouldn’t have been far off Napoli’s 27. However, I believe that this was partly because Ranieri realized that Roma couldn’t just outgun most teams in the league, especially when Dybala went down. But whatever you credit it to, you can’t argue with the results. It was efficient and effective. I’ll take 1-0 wins all season long if it leads to an unbeaten 21/22 in any season.

Ranieri’s third tenure at the Olimpico was thrilling, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. Was there anything he could have done differently to achieve that goal?

JonAS: Nope. He beat most of the teams he needed to beat. His losses were expected against Napoli and Atalanta (twice). Only the 2-0 loss in Como was a bump in the road, but again, Como was the surprise package this season thanks to Fabregas and smart transfers, so we didn’t lose the Champions League at that moment. The draws against Juve and Lazio may have been disappointing because both teams were beatable at the time, but sometimes things just don’t go your way in big matches.

Say whatever you want, but Roma had already lost the CL by November. Fixing the mess left by Daniele and Juric was almost impossible, yet that old fox Ranieri nearly succeeded.

Bren: It’s difficult to pick this apart without sounding too nitpicky, but he made some curious decisions down the stretch regarding his utilization of players like Hummels, Saelemaekers, Pisilli, and Paredes. It seems like once he found a set rotation, he stuck with it, resulting in some static play at times. But I don’t want to go down the Pellegrini/Cristante rabbit hole. It’s not like Ranieri was spoiled for choice, but I wonder what would have happened if he were a tad more aggressive in a few of those draws.

Jimmy: Nah. Bren’s ideas have some merit, but I just don’t think that you can really dig in and overturn half a season of poor results and expect everyone else to just let you slide into a top-four finish. The reality is, the foundation wasn’t strong enough when Ranieri came back. There were too many injuries and the squad just didn’t have an identity yet. Claudio did what he could with what he had. Sometimes football isn’t about perfect tactics or lineups; it’s about the bigger context. Ranieri’s steady hand brought stability and hope, but the margin for error was razor-thin, and ultimately, a few key moments just didn’t go Roma’s way.

ssciavillo: I mean, you could always nitpick the loss against Como or the draws with Lazio or Juve. But in reality, the only reason we would be doing that is that Roma played so well down the stretch under Ranieri, and one point made all the difference. However, Jonas is right: CL qualification was lost back in November. What we could look back on are some of those losses and draws under DDR and Juric that could’ve made all the difference. If one of those draws with Monza or Cagliari had been a win, we’d be celebrating a top 4 finish if everything else had played out the same way. Ranieri did everything he could have.

Let’s continue that speculation: Would a healthy Paulo Dybala have made any difference down the stretch?

JonAS: Perhaps a moment of Dybala magic could have saved us against Lazio or Juve, yes. But we’ll never know for sure, will we? Would Roma have won the Europa League if not for Hummels’ dubious red card? Maybe. We can speculate as much as we want, but in the end, it won’t change a thing.

Bren: By asking this question, we’re asking: Would Dybala have made a difference against Atalanta, Inter, or Juventus? And I think the answer is yes. On setpieces alone, he would have made a tremendous difference. It will have to remain a what-if, but it’s hard to imagine Roma being worse off having Dybala on the pitch

Jimmy: Hm. I was impressed enough by Soulé in the second half of this season that I don’t think that there is a big enough gap between Soulé’s play during these matches and Dybala’s potential play in those matches after being worn down over the course of a long season. So while a healthy Dybala might’ve helped, I don’t think it would’ve been the game-changer some fans imagine. The issues ran deeper than just one player missing.

ssciavillo: Could he have made enough of a difference against Juve to get the win that would’ve put us over the top? Maybe. That being said, I agree with Jonas, it’s all speculative. After all, Roma was even good enough to beat Champions League finalist Inter without him, so I’m not going down that rabbit hole. We’ll drive ourselves mad wondering.

Alright, let’s end it with Ranieri. Undoubtedly, the most loved, but where does he rank among Roma’s many managers over the years?

JonAS: Definitely among the best. Unfortunately, he hasn’t won a prize, so for me, Liedholm, Capello, Spalletti, and others are still ranked higher. That said, Claudio deserves a place in the Roman Hall of Fame. His 2009-2010 comeback season was magical, and now, this season, he practically revived Roma from the dead and was just 20 minutes away from CL football.

Throughout, he has remained a gentleman both on and off the pitch. Truly a class act, and he will be sorely missed.

Bren: Considering that he never won a trophy with the club and never managed more than 18 months (or so) at a time, he’s not likely to be considered the best manager in club history. But, given what he just pulled off, he’s perhaps the most unique manager in club history.

Could anyone else have done what he just did when he did it? I don’t think so. Ranieri is one of a kind.

Jimmy: He’s the most beloved coach in Roma’s history, even if he isn’t the best or most successful coach in Roma’s history. What sets Ranieri apart is his deep connection with the club and the fans. Claudio’s honesty, humility, and ability to steady the ship when things looked bleak this season was exactly what the club needed, and I’m not sure there’s another manager who could’ve pulled it off. Success isn’t just about trophies (though Ranieri’s Leicester City win was arguably the most impressive trophy in European football history). Sometimes it’s about heart, character, and timing. Ranieri brought all of that in spades, and that kind of legacy can’t be measured by silverware alone. For many Romans, he is the best of Roma.

ssciavillo: In my 20 years supporting the club, I’d say he’s definitely the most likable and beloved. However, he won’t be regarded as one of the best due to a lack of trophies. If he had managed to win that 2010 Scudetto, then he’d be considered one of the best ever. We must remember that all of his stays have been brief. That being said, Romanisti will forever be grateful to him. It’s still crazy to me that his only league title anywhere was the Leicester miracle. He’s too talented of a manager for that.

That’s it for part one. Check back this weekend when we tackle the off the pitch controversies, transfers and more!

ROME (AP) — Gian Piero Gasperini was named Roma’s new coach on Friday, taking over for the retiring Claudio Ranieri following his own successful run at Atalanta.

“I need a significant challenge,” Gasperini said in an interview released by Roma. “I really believe all the conditions are in place to do good work.”

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He signed a three-year deal for the club owned by Texas-based businessman Dan Friedkin.

In nine seasons at Atalanta, Gasperini guided the Bergamo club to a Europa League triumph in 2024, six top-four finishes in Serie A, and a Champions League quarterfinal.

In Bergamo, Ivan Juric was named Atalanta’s new coach and given a two-season contract.

Juric lasted less than three months as Roma’s coach after replacing Daniele De Rossi in September and then coached Southampton, which was relegated from the Premier League. He’s a former Gasperini assistant.

The 73-year-old Ranieri was hired in November when Roma was struggling in 12th place, and his contract specified he would take on an advisor role after the season.

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Rainieri guided Roma to a fifth-place finish as the Giallorossi lost just once during the second half of the season, and was involved in selecting the 67-year-old Gasperini, who is known for his free-flowing attacking tactics. Roma will return to the Europa League.

Gasperini becomes Roma’s fourth coach in the 1 1/2 years since Jose Mourinho was fired, following De Rossi, Juric and Ranieri.

The only other time Gasperini coached a big Italian club came in 2011 when he lasted just five winless matches at Inter Milan.

Gasperini had one season remaining on his contract with Atalanta but announced on Saturday in an open letter published in Bergamo’s newspaper to fans that he was leaving.

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“Let’s not call it a goodbye,” Gasperini wrote in L’Eco di Bergamo. “I’m ending my term at Bergamo as coach of Atalanta. But everything else will remain unchanged.”

In the five seasons since American owner Friedkin took over the club, Roma’s only trophy has been the 2022 Conference League.

Roma has been trying unsuccessfully to build a new stadium for more than a decade.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press

Player Focus

Since his return to Inter in the 2021/22 season, Federico Dimarco has provided the most assists among defenders in Serie A (18, including 7 this season — a personal record for a single campaign). The 1997-born full-back has been involved in four goals in his last five league appearances (one goal and three assists).

Lautaro Martínez has been involved in three goals in his last six Serie A matches against Roma (two goals and one assist), after having not contributed to a single goal in his first six appearances against them.

Marcus Thuram, who has scored in two of his three Serie A matches against Roma, has recorded a 9.1% conversion rate in the 2025 league campaign — a significant drop from the 29% he had earlier in the season.

Thuram has netted 14 goals so far this season: no French player has ever scored more goals in a single Serie A campaign for Inter — he has currently equalled Youri Djorkaeff’s tally of 14 from the 1996/97 season.

Hakan Çalhanoglu has delivered the pass leading to the shot in eight of Inter’s last 10 shots in Serie A (across the matches against Cagliari and Bologna). The Turkish midfielder has been involved in four goals (one goal and three assists) against Roma in Serie A with Inter, although none in his last five appearances against the Giallorossi.

Francesco Acerbi has scored two Serie A goals against Roma, both at the Stadio Olimpico (the most recent coming in last season’s away fixture). The Inter defender has just reached 400 appearances in Serie A.

Marko Arnautovic has scored four goals from just nine shots in the current Serie A season, boasting a remarkable 44% conversion rate — the highest among players with at least as many shots across Europe’s top five leagues. The Inter striker is just one goal shy of matching his total from the entire 2023/24 Serie A season (five goals in 27 matches).

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – suspended for this fixture – spent three seasons at Roma from 2019 to 2022, making 87 Serie A appearances. Over the last 20 seasons (since 2004/05), he is one of only two Roma midfielders (alongside Miralem Pjanić) to score at least five goals and provide at least five assists in three different Serie A campaigns.

Nicola Zalewski has made 84 Serie A appearances (scoring twice) for Roma between 2021 and 2025.4

There’s a certain kind of thrill that only football delivers: pure, unpredictable, pulse-racing, and dramatic. Regarding AS Roma’s 2025/26 season, that adrenaline will flow fast. European football is a totally different perspective: fans, stadiums, derbies, the entire pub and football culture. And you can feel it even through the small screens!

For those who prefer their stakes high and their emotions raw, it’s all here. And while a no wager casino Australia might offer risk-free spins, there’s nothing “risk-free” about facing Juventus at the Olimpico or Inter at San Siro.

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The professionals at AuCasinosList will give all details about tips, outcomes, and chasing dreams in this close-up of Roma’s most anticipated matches.

Top Serie A Fixtures to Watch in 2025/26 Season

Serie A is scheduled with very anticipated encounters, with Napoli coming in as defending champions and traditional rivals like Juventus, Inter, and AC Milan aiming for the Scudetto. AS Roma’s performance in these key games will be important for their title hopes or top-four ambitions.

Derby della Capitale vs Lazio (The Rome Derby)

Scheduled for 21 September 2025, 18:30 CEST

The Derby della Capitale between AS Roma and Lazio is always at the top of every fan’s wishlist. This intra-city showdown, one of the fiercest derbies in Italy, is renowned for its intensity and electrifying atmosphere. The first Rome Derby arrives quite early in the upcoming season, scheduled for the fourth match day with Roma as the “away” side (even though both clubs share the Stadio Olimpico). There is no love lost between the capital’s giants; this derby is famed for its passion, choreography, and often chaos. Over the years, Roma have a slight edge in the derby (70 wins vs 51 for Lazio, with 64 draws), and Lazio notoriously struggle when they’re the “away side” at Olimpico (only four wins in the last 31 as the designated away team). Roma will hope to continue that trend.

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“An early-season derby can galvanise Roma’s campaign. According to a gambling expert from AuCasinosList, Lola Henderson, “It’s also a chance to strike a blow to a Lazio side. After finishing 7th last season, they lack European football and will throw everything into the league. Roma didn’t finish much higher, taking 5th place in the last season, so a derby victory here would boost their confidence with a higher place in the race for the Champions League too.”

Some interesting recent stats include:

The last Serie A meeting ended 1-1 in April 2025.

In January 2025, Roma beat Lazio 2-0 at home.

The derbies have been tight lately, with five of six league derbies and only two or fewer goals in total.

AS Roma vs Juventus: A Classic Rivalry

Scheduled for 21 December 2025

Just before Christmas, Roma hosts Juventus at the Olimpico in one of Serie A’s classic rivalries. This Matchday 16 encounter falls on a Sunday, a cosy winter weekend, and promises to be a holiday cracker. Juventus, Italy’s most decorated club with 36 league titles, is a perennial Scudetto contender and a benchmark for Roma’s ambitions.

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By this time, the Serie A table would already be well-shaped, and it’s expected for both clubs to be placed in the upper mix. Juventus is looking to reclaim the title from Napoli, and Roma is fighting to crack the top four.

A victory here could have a six-point swing effect. Roma will remember the last season when Juventus pipped them to fourth place by just one point, making it crucial to protect their home turf against Juve.

Some intersecting stats from football games between Roma and Juventus include:

The games played are traditionally cagey.

Recent encounters are low-scoring.

Roma haven’t beaten Juventus in Serie A since 2022.

Key men like Paulo Dybala, an ex-Juventus player now with Roma, will take the central stage.

“Given Juventus’ defensive pedigree and Roma’s pragmatic approach under Mourinho, the ‘under 2.5 goals’ bet often attracts action, but only an early goal could blow the entire tactic away,” Henderson explains.

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AS Roma vs SSC Napoli: The Champions Test

Scheduled for 30 November 2025

When the defending champions Napoli come to town in Week 13 of Serie A, it will be a litmus test of Roma’s title credentials, while the season will be at “full heat.” “Roma would surely be looking to make a statement against the champions, especially when playing at home,” Henderson claims.

For Roma, a win, or at least a draw, would place the team in the spotlight of gossip and higher in the table, announcing them as “genuine contenders” in the upcoming matches. Although Napoli beat Roma in both meetings during the last 2024/25 season, the scores were not tremendously crushing, meaning there is a real chance for a strike against the victorious line of Napoli.

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Analysing all angles, this fixture pits Roma’s solid defence against Napoli’s firepower. Napoli’s star striker (Romelu Lukaku) will test Roma’s centre backs. Conversely, Napoli must contain Roma’s creative talisman Dybala and target man Tammy Abraham. “Whatever the odds may be, one thing is for sure—the atmosphere at Olimpico will be electric, as Roma’s average crowds of about 62,000 attest.

Inter Milan vs AS Roma: A Trip to San Siro

Scheduled for 4 April 2026

A late-season blockbuster awaits in round 31. Inter were runners-up last season (just one point behind Napoli), and this match at the iconic San Siro could have huge implications for the Scudetto or Champions League qualifications. With only eight rounds left after this match, the stakes will be sky-high.

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For Roma, points in Milan are hard-earned but season-defining. If Roma are in the top-four hunt or an outsider title race, stealing a result at Inter could be the tipping point, while a loss could dent their momentum. Inter, with their star-studded team, will be the definite favourites at home, but Roma knows how to play strong defence. This match is a reunion with Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi, a former Lazio coach.

Roma’s last away win against Inter came a few seasons ago, and Inter has held the upper hand in recent meetings. Both league meetings last season were tight: Inter beat Roma 2-1 at San Siro, while a draw was seen at Rome. “Thus, we’re definitely in for a physical midfield battle and a treat to watch, with former Roma midfielder Nicolo Barella now an Inter linchpin, plus the inevitable tactical pragmatism from Mourinho,” Lola Henderson from AuCasinosList analyses. With so much on the line, one thing is sure: neither side will want to make a mistake at a great cost.

Europa League Group Stage: Marquee Matchups (Autumn 2025)

The Europe League group stage runs from late September to mid-December, and while the draw (to be held 29 August 2025) will determine exact opponents, Roma are guaranteed some big European nights.

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With several high-profile clubs in the 2025/26 competition, the Stadio Olimpico could host Aston Villa, Real Betis, Porto, or Lyon, all of whom qualified for this edition of the Europa League.

“These games are not only about progressing to enter the tournament but also about prestige in the international football community and, most importantly, about testing different strategies,” Henderson points out.

Match day 1 is set for 24-25 September 2025, just days after the first Serie A derby. This will additionally act as a challenging turnaround that will test squad depth. The group stage consists of 8 match days, concluding on 11 December.

Final Words

Should Roma progress in the Europa League, the knockout phase begins with playoffs in February 2026. The final is set for 20 May 2026 in Istanbul, just three days after the Serie A finale. Roma definitely dreams of going all the way. One thing is definite — AS Roma’s 2025/26 calendar is filled with epic showdowns; The Derby della Capitale, battles with all the Serie A big sharks, and the highlights of the Europa League nights.

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Each fixture has its own narrative and significance, be it local pride, points that could decide the Scudetto race, or progression on the European stage and international football. We’re definitely in for a “juicy” season.

Roma’s Summer Transfer Targets and How Smart Bettors Are Preparing for the New Season

AS Roma stands at a crossroads as the 2024/25 campaign draws closer. After a transitional year under club legend Daniele De Rossi, the Giallorossi are eager to rebuild and reassert themselves as a powerhouse in Serie A and European competition. The upcoming summer transfer window represents more than just a chance to refresh the squad — it’s a pivotal moment that could shape Roma’s fortunes for years.

For fans, the speculation around new signings is thrilling. But for savvy sports bettors, the transfer window offers something equally valuable: an opportunity to gain an early edge in next season’s betting markets.

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Roma’s Summer Priorities: A Blueprint for Success

Following a season of mixed performances, it’s clear that Roma needs reinforcement. Based on reliable Italian media reports and internal club leaks, these are the areas receiving the most focus:

1. Finding a New Striker

Roma’s attack was inconsistent last season. With Romelu Lukaku’s loan from Chelsea ending and Tammy Abraham recovering full-match fitness, De Rossi has instructed Tiago Pinto’s successor (the new Sporting Director) to prioritize signing a clinical finisher.

Potential names

Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta) — A Roman-born striker who grew up a Roma fan; powerful in the air, strong hold-up play, and increasingly efficient in front of goal.

Álvaro Morata (Atlético Madrid) — A proven veteran with Serie A experience, tactical intelligence, and short-term impact potential.

Jonathan David (Lille) — A younger, more dynamic forward, though his price tag might be a hurdle.

2. Midfield Creativity and Steel

De Rossi values a midfield that combines technical skill with a relentless work rate. Roma’s midfield struggled at times last season to control games against top opposition.

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Targets To Keep An Eye ON

Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta) — A top-class all-rounder capable of dictating the tempo and scoring from a distance.

Renato Sanches (PSG, loaned at Roma) — A decision must be made to make his stay permanent, although injury concerns linger.

Youssouf Fofana (Monaco) — A dynamic box-to-box option admired by several Serie A clubs.

3. Defensive Reinforcements

With Chris Smalling battling injuries and ageing, Roma needs a younger, mobile center-back to partner with Gianluca Mancini.

Possible targets

Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal) — Former Spezia defender comfortable in a three or four-man backline.

Maxence Lacroix (Wolfsburg) — Physically imposing and quick, well-suited for Serie A’s tactical demands.

How Transfers Influence Betting Markets

Transfers don’t just change line-ups — they directly affect betting odds.

Bookmakers adjust their futures markets based on transfer rumours, confirmed signings, and pre-season forms.

Example:

If Roma were to land a prolific scorer like Scamacca or a midfield maestro like Koopmeiners, their odds to finish in the Top 4 — or even challenge Juventus and Inter at the top — would immediately shorten.

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Smart bettors anticipate these moves before they are official, placing “future bets” at more favourable odds.

Tips for Betting Smart During the Transfer Window

If you’re considering betting on Roma’s 2024/25 season outcomes (league position, European success, goal scorers), here are expert tips:

Track Reliable Sources: For accurate transfer news, stick to respected Italian outlets like Gianluca Di Marzio, Sky Sport Italia, and Il Tempo.

Bet Early—But Carefully: Locking in early odds can deliver high value but carries a higher risk if transfers fall through.

Diversify Bets: Instead of just betting on Roma’s Serie A finish, consider Europa League markets or top scorer bets if a striker signs.

Use Trusted Platforms: Always wager through licensed, secure sportsbooks that offer solid customer support and fair odds.

That’s why many experienced bettors are turning to online resources like MinimumDepositCasinos.org’s Zulabet review.

Zulabet stands out for offering low minimum deposits, excellent Serie A betting markets, and fast payouts. This makes it an ideal platform for fans looking to combine their football knowledge with smart, responsible wagering.

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Why Early Research Pays Off for Roma Fans

Roma supporters are some of the most passionate — and knowledgeable — in all of football. But when it comes to betting, emotions must be balanced by smart research. Following the transfer window closely, analyzing player profiles, and understanding team dynamics can help you spot opportunities before bookmakers adjust the odds.

For instance:

If Roma signs a creative midfielder, Paulo Dybala’s goal tally will likely rise, opening smart over/under goal betting opportunities.

A new centre-back could stabilize the defence, suggesting Roma’s sheets bets carry hidden value early in the season.

If a major striker signs, you might grab outsider odds for Serie A top scorer markets before public hype inflates them.

Having access to a platform like Zulabet through MinimumDepositCasinos.org ensures you can act quickly, safely, and with low initial investment — an important factor when managing your bankroll responsibly over a full season.

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A Big Summer for Roma — and Smart Fans

The summer of 2025 promises to be one of the most consequential in recent Roma history. New signings will reshape the squad, while De Rossi’s second season offers hope of a true renaissance.

For fans and bettors alike, now is the time to stay alert, think strategically, and place bets smartly before the odds shift.

Combining your football knowledge with trusted platforms like Zulabet at MinimumDepositCasinos.org can make your passion for Roma an even more thrilling—and potentially rewarding—experience.

Daje Roma — and bet wisely!