In a crucial Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico, AS Roma secured a vital victory over Hellas Verona, keeping their hopes alive for European qualification. The match, which kicked off on April 19, 2025, saw Roma triumph with a score of 1-0, thanks to an early goal from Eldor Shomurodov, who was given the starting nod in place of Artem Dovbyk.
Claudio Ranieri's side, currently sitting in seventh place, needed the three points to stay in contention for a Champions League spot. The Giallorossi entered this match on the back of a 16-match unbeaten streak, having drawn their last two games against Juventus and Lazio. This victory not only extended their unbeaten run to 17 games but also equaled a club record set during the 2015-2016 season.
"Yes, it was a very tough match, just as we expected. We knew Verona are a very physical team, like a steamroller," Ranieri said post-match. His comments reflected the challenges posed by a Verona side that, while hovering just above the relegation zone, had shown resilience in recent weeks. They came into this match unbeaten in four games, including a surprising victory over Udinese and three consecutive draws.
Roma's lineup featured a mix of youth and experience, with Matías Soulé and Tommaso Baldanzi supporting Shomurodov in attack. The match started brightly for the home side, and it wasn't long before they took the lead. A brilliant switch of play from Bryan Cristante found Soulé, who made a clever run into the box and set up Shomurodov for a well-timed toe poke into the net.
Despite their early goal, Roma couldn't capitalize further, and the match turned into a test of endurance as Verona attempted to mount a comeback. Ranieri praised his team's effort, stating, "The lads dug in, just the way I like. We wanted the three points and we got them, so it’ll be a happy Easter for us and our fans." However, he recognized the physicality of Verona's game, which made it difficult for Roma to create more clear-cut chances.
Verona's coach had to deal with several absences, including Casper Tengstedt and Abdou Harroui, while Tomas Suslov and Cheikh Niasse were only fit for the bench. Despite this, they managed to hold their own against a Roma side that was eager to break into the top positions of the league.
Ranieri's tactical adjustments, including a shift away from a four-man defense, proved effective as Roma maintained control throughout the match. The home crowd was treated to a spirited performance, though the excitement waned as neither side could find the net again. The victory was crucial, placing Roma just two points off the Champions League spots, igniting hopes for a late-season push.
Looking ahead, Roma faces an uphill challenge next week against league leaders Inter Milan, a match that will be pivotal for their Champions League aspirations. Ranieri, however, remains realistic about the challenges ahead. "We’ve got some fantastic matches coming up: Inter, Fiorentina... It’s not exactly a walk in the park," he remarked, emphasizing the need for continued focus and determination.
As the season approaches its conclusion, Ranieri's future at the club remains uncertain. He has already indicated that he will not be staying on as coach, stating, "Another year with me would be a year wasted, and I don’t want Roma to waste time." His commitment to the team's progress is evident, even as he prepares to step aside for a new coach who can bring a fresh perspective.
With 34 points accumulated from 14 matches in the second half of the season, the squad's quality has been evident. Ranieri acknowledged the talent within the group but stressed the importance of hard work to achieve their goals. "We want to do well and we want our fans to be proud of how we finish the season. It started badly, but we want to end it as well as possible," he concluded.
As the dust settles on this match, Roma fans can take heart in their team's resilience and determination, looking forward to a critical showdown against Inter Milan next Saturday. The stakes are high, and with their recent form, the Giallorossi will be eager to prove they are serious contenders for a Champions League berth.
