Gasperini Eyes Long-Term Roma Future but Stresses Focus on Serie A Clash with Fiorentina

Gian Piero Gasperini has suggested that he and Roma’s ownership are aligned on long-term plans, though he emphasized the need for his team to concentrate on their Serie A campaign.

Roma will host Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday, with an opportunity to overtake Como and climb to fifth in the table after Cesc Fàbregas’ side drew 0-0 with Napoli on Saturday. The Giallorossi trail Como by just one point and sit four behind fourth-placed Juventus, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Hellas Verona on Sunday.

Recent weeks have seen off-field turbulence for Roma, including the abrupt exit of longtime advisor Claudio Ranieri amid reported tensions with Gasperini.

"Right now, there are two tracks. One is the season, which is still alive and well," Gasperini said. "We play a very important match against Fiorentina, a team on a positive run—I believe seven unbeaten results—who have lifted themselves from a tough position in the standings. Our focus is entirely on this game, because with four matches left, we’re still in contention. We must also monitor other results, but we know the table, and our attention must stay on this final stretch."

He praised the team’s performances, adding, "The squad has been exceptional from the start, and we aim to maintain this in the last four games, all of which are crucial, including the derby against Lazio."

Addressing recent developments, Gasperini acknowledged the club’s challenges: "There’s been a significant shift lately, and credit must go to the club, which faced an unexpected setback and had to adjust its course. But I don’t believe other teams have already secured everything. Even those who start slower can still recover."

On long-term planning, he stated, "The owners will need time and clarity to make decisions, but they have the capability to do so effectively. When the moment comes to discuss the future, we will. It seems we’re nearing that point, but everything must be clear and transparent."

Fiorentina, currently 15th, extended their unbeaten streak to seven games after a 0-0 draw with Sassuolo. Paolo Vanoli’s side are aiming to finish strongly after moving clear of relegation danger.

**Players to Watch** *Roma – Donyell Malen* Malen has scored 11 goals in 14 Serie A appearances, trailing only Gabriel Batistuta (14) for most goals in a player’s first 15 matches in the three-points-per-win era (since 1994-95). Since his January 18 debut, the Dutch forward leads Serie A in goals and shots on target (22).

*Fiorentina – Nicolò Fagioli* Fagioli has contributed to five goals (two goals, three assists) this season, just shy of his 2022-23 tally (six with Juventus). Among midfielders, only Inter’s Nicolò Barella (67) has created more chances than Fagioli’s 60.

**Match Prediction – Roma Win** Roma have 60 Serie A wins over Fiorentina (D62 L51), with only Torino (72) yielding more victories for the Giallorossi. Fiorentina, meanwhile, have 50+ wins against five Serie A clubs, including Roma (51).

Roma are unbeaten in 19 home league matches in the second half of the season (W13 D6), keeping 10 clean sheets. Fiorentina’s last away win against Roma came in April 2018, and after a four-game unbeaten streak (W2 D2), they have lost their last two meetings.

**Opta Win Probability** Roma – 57.2% Draw – 22.3% Fiorentina – 20.5%