Roma ended a seven-year exile from the Champions League with a gritty 2-0 victory over already-relegated Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday. The win, secured under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini in his first season at the helm, guaranteed a top-four finish in Serie A and a return to Europe’s elite competition—a milestone that coincides with the club’s centenary year.
The match was far from a coronation. Verona, with nothing but pride to play for, produced a resolute performance that threatened to spoil the Roman party. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar emerged as the early hero, making a series of crucial saves to deny the hosts. His interventions proved vital, as Roma struggled to impose themselves in the opening period. Gasperini’s side looked nervy, aware that a slip could allow chasing rivals to overtake them in the race for fourth.
The deadlock was broken in the second half through a moment of chaos. A penalty was awarded to Roma, but Donyell Malen’s weak effort was saved by Lorenzo Montipò. Fortunately for the Dutchman, the rebound fell kindly, and he bundled the ball over the line after a clever flick from Paulo Dybala. The Argentine’s assist was typical of his performance—incisive, intelligent, and utterly decisive.
Dybala operated on a different plane throughout the contest. His vision and touch turned a stuttering Roma attack into a constant threat. He drew the foul that led to the penalty, and his movement forced Verona’s Diego Valentini into a pair of yellow cards, resulting in an expulsion that tilted the match irrevocably. As one observer put it, every time Dybala touched the ball, the floodlights seemed to brighten. His rating of 7.5 barely captured his influence—he was the catalyst for a historic night.
The final act belonged to Stephan El Shaarawy. The forward, who spent nine years at the club across two spells, came off the bench to score a trademark curling effort into the far corner. It was his last touch for Roma, and the emotional goal sealed both the points and his legacy. The ‘Pharaoh’ will depart with the adoration of the Giallorossi faithful, having provided a fairytale ending to his long service.
Roma’s overall display had flaws. The defense, aside from Svilar, looked vulnerable. Victor Nelsson and Edmudsson held firm for Verona, but Roma’s own backline saw Daniele Ghilardi get beaten too easily before being substituted, while Mario Hermoso struggled with the pace of Verona’s William Bowie. The midfield engine of Bryan Cristante provided stability, while Devyne Rensch offered constant thrust down the left flank.
Verona’s effort deserved recognition. Despite their relegation, they played with intensity and organization. Montipò’s penalty save was a highlight, and Bowie’s relentless pressing caused problems all evening. Coach Sammarco can take heart from a display that showed character, even if it yielded no points.
The win secures Champions League football for Roma after a seven-season absence—a painful drought that saw the club miss out repeatedly, often in dramatic fashion. For Gasperini, it validates his appointment and high-pressing philosophy, while offering a platform to attract top talent in the transfer window. The financial windfall and prestige of the competition will be crucial as Roma aims to reclaim its place among Italy’s elite.
The occasion was made even more poignant by the centenary context. Qualifying for the Champions League at this moment provides a powerful symbol of renewal. The club can now plan for a season of celebration with the guarantee of European nights at the Stadio Olimpico.
As the final whistle blew, the away end erupted. Roma’s players, led by a tearful El Shaarawy, saluted the supporters who had traveled north. The seven-year wait was over. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.