On April 19, 2025, AS Roma secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico, putting them just two points away from a coveted Champions League spot. The match, part of the 33rd matchday of Serie A, was highlighted by an early goal from Eldor Shomurodov, who capitalized on a brilliant setup from Matías Soulé just four minutes into the game.
The Giallorossi started strong, with Shomurodov's goal coming from a well-placed pass by Cristante that found Soulé on the right flank. Soulé, demonstrating impressive skill, managed to evade Verona's Valentini and executed a delicate lift over the advancing goalkeeper Montipò, allowing Shomurodov to tap in the opener. This early lead set the tone for the match, as Roma controlled the game without significant threats from their opponents.
Roma's coach, Claudio Ranieri, made a few adjustments to his lineup, opting for Shomurodov in place of the benched Dovbyk, and it proved to be a tactical success. The home team maintained a solid presence on the field, with a notable 73.8% possession in the last 15 minutes of play, demonstrating their dominance as they aimed to secure the three points.
Despite their efforts, Hellas Verona struggled to penetrate Roma's defense effectively. The visiting side, under the guidance of coach Zanetti, attempted to increase their attacking output in the second half, but their efforts were thwarted by a well-organized Roma backline. Bernede, who received a yellow card in the first half, had a few attempts but failed to make a significant impact on the scoreline.
As the match progressed, the atmosphere in the stadium remained tense, with fans rallying behind their team. Soulé, who was instrumental in the goal, received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 81st minute for Rensch, highlighting his contribution to the match. Shomurodov also received applause as he left the pitch shortly after, replaced by El Shaarawy.
Ranieri's side was determined to maintain their lead, and they managed to keep Verona at bay, with the final whistle confirming a 1-0 victory. This win not only boosted Roma's points total to 57, surpassing their city rivals Lazio, but also extended their unbeaten home streak against Verona, which now stands at 27 matches in Serie A.
In the aftermath of the match, Ranieri expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of the victory in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. "If we reach the Champions League, it will be because others falter, and we continue to perform well," he said, acknowledging the competitive nature of the league.
Meanwhile, Verona's streak of four consecutive useful results came to an end, leaving them in a precarious position as they fight to avoid relegation. Zanetti's team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming matches, knowing that every point is critical in the closing weeks of the season.
The match was officiated by referee Luca Pairetto, who maintained control throughout the contest, issuing yellow cards to Bernede and Valentini for their fouls. As the season draws to a close, the stakes are high for both teams, with Roma eyeing a return to European competition and Verona striving for survival in the top flight.
As the Serie A season continues, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as teams battle for their respective goals. With Roma now just two points shy of a Champions League position, the pressure is on as they look to capitalize on their momentum in the coming weeks.
