Roma vs Fiorentina – News and Probable Lineups

In their drive for Champions League participation, Roma will host Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on Monday, wrapping up the 35th round of Serie A.

Despite a few recent setbacks, the Giallorossi remain in contention for a coveted top-four finish, while their counterparts from Tuscany are nearly assured of safety.

Match overview

While Inter de Milão has secured their place at Europe’s prestigious table – with Napoli and AC Milan set to join them – Roma is locked in a battle with Juventus and Como for the fourth position as the month progresses.

Although their upcoming matches appear manageable, a Derby della Capitale against Lazio introduces the pressure to avoid dropping points elsewhere.

In their previous encounter, the Giallorossi found some consolation for their recent Europa League elimination against Bologna, securing a 2-0 victory at Stadio Dall’Ara with a standout performance from Donyell Malen.

Since joining mid-January, the Dutch forward has made an impact with 11 goals in his first 14 Serie A games, playing a crucial role in keeping Roma’s campaign alive.

Tasked with ending the club’s seven-year drought for Champions League qualification, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has a strong track record of guiding Atalanta through similar scenarios.

Gasperini has recently emerged victorious in a power struggle with Claudio Ranieri, strengthening his hold on the managerial position after the veteran’s departure.

Before they take on Fiorentina, Roma possesses the best defensive record at home in Serie A, having conceded only 10 goals and remaining unbeaten in their last 10 top-flight matches at Stadio Olimpico.

Moreover, Roma has claimed victory in 48 of their last 51 league meetings in Italy’s ‘Eternal City’, giving them a historical edge.

Fiorentina’s latest victory in this matchup was in 2018; since then, they have only garnered two points from seven matches at the Olimpico.

Roma had the upper hand at Stadio Franchi in October, but the circumstances have notably changed since then.

After a rough start, the Viola’s primary aim has been to remain in Italy’s top division, and they are finally nearing their objective.

With an unbeaten streak of seven league matches, Paolo Vanoli’s team held Sassuolo to a 0-0 draw last weekend, putting them nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Out of their total of 37 points, 20 have come from their last 11 Serie A matches, during which they would be rated fourth in the league.

A win in Rome could secure their safety, and their recent form allows the Tuscan side to approach this match with confidence rather than trepidation.

Team News

With Bryan Zaragoza added to Roma’s injury list due to a knee concern, key midfielder Manu Kone is anticipated to return after almost two months on the sidelines.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is still recovering from a thigh injury but aims for the upcoming Rome derby; meanwhile, colleague midfielder Neil El Aynaoui must serve a suspension.

With Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson out of contention – and Paulo Dybala regaining match fitness after his recent absence – Malen is expected to lead the host’s attack.

Since his debut over three months ago, the Netherlands international has outscored any other player in Serie A and leads in shots on target as well.

On the other hand, Fiorentina’s striker Moise Kean continues to battle a lingering shin issue and will not be traveling to Rome, having received leave for personal reasons.

Kean’s replacement, Roberto Piccoli, was also unavailable for the recent match against Sassuolo, meaning Albert Gudmundsson may step in as the striker.

Despite Niccolo Fortini and Tariq Lamptey still being unavailable, both Robin Gosens and Fabiano Parisi are likely to return, with Marin Pongracic eligible to start in defense after serving a one-match suspension.

Roma probable starting XI:
Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Wesley; Soule, Pisilli; Malen

Fiorentina probable starting XI:
De Gea; Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Ndour, Beans, Mandragora; Harrison, Gudmundsson, Solomon

By extending Fiorentina’s wait for celebration for at least a few more days, Roma can add another home victory to their tally while remaining in the hunt for a top-four position.

Although the Viola has tightened their defense, their opponents boast a more formidable attack, spearheaded by Serie A’s standout player for 2026, Donyell Malen.