As the sun rises over Rome this Easter Saturday, A.S. Roma faces a pivotal moment in their Serie A season. After a tense sequence of matches, the Giallorossi are prepared to host Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico, aiming for a crucial win to revive their climb up the standings and pursue Champions League qualification.
While this match may not carry the same high stakes as a European knockout round or last week’s Derby della Capitale, for a Roma team that has faced managerial changes this season while precariously holding onto their continental hopes, it offers a rare opportunity for relief.
Roma approaches this game coming off a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw in the derby, where Matías Soulé’s equalizer allowed coach Claudio Ranieri to maintain his unbeaten streak against Lazio—a legacy formed during times of turmoil in Trigoria. Although the draw did not significantly alter their position in the league, it signified resilience, which Roma will need as the season nears its end.
In contrast, Verona is engaged in a different struggle—the challenge of maintaining fan interest for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season. Their relegation to Serie B seems unlikely, and with no prospects for European football, they find themselves in a middle ground within the top flight.
It’s important to point out that this Verona squad has previously defeated Roma earlier this season, pulling off a shocking 3-2 victory which preceded the club’s second managerial dismissal of the season. Although that loss feels distant now, another upset remains a possibility.
Shomu Takes the Spotlight
Without a doubt, Eldor Shomurodov has emerged as a significant player in Roma’s attack. The Uzbek forward has consistently made appearances both as a substitute and a starting player to alleviate Artem Dovbyk’s role, and with Dovbyk sidelined due to injury, Eldor is poised to start once again.
What’s at stake for Shomurodov this match? Surprisingly, not his contract—he recently signed an extension, albeit at a reduced salary, keeping him with Roma until 2027. Instead, this is a chance for Shomurodov to solidify his place in the squad and showcase his value ahead of the anticipated managerial change.
Can Pisilli Increase His Playing Time?
While Eldor Shomurodov’s prospects at Roma look promising, Niccolò Pisilli’s situation shows a different narrative. His long-term potential remains high, but currently, he has had limited game time, with only 21 minutes played over the last six fixtures. After a promising start to the season, his form has dipped, though coach Ranieri remains optimistic about his return:
“He’s done well since I joined. Lately, his condition has dipped a lot and that’s normal. He’s picking up again now, so he has the same chance as the others. It’s got nothing to do with his contract, and he consistently gives his all in training. But a coach can tell when a player is performing well or not. With some time, we will see the Pisilli we’re familiar with.”
For now, it seems a wait for the right opportunity is necessary—or perhaps the upcoming match against Verona will be just that chance. Pisilli’s technical skills and versatility remain crucial long-term assets for Roma. The team could certainly benefit from rotation as they approach a challenging May, and Pisilli can significantly influence the game whether positioned as a box-to-box midfielder, a deeper playmaker, or even more advanced.
Whether Ranieri opts to start Pisilli for the first time since February or brings him on in the second half, one thing is evident: if Pisilli can develop his talent as seen with players like Mile Svilar and Matías Soulé this season, he could very well be an integral part of Roma’s future and highlight the notion that young talents aren’t just elements of the squad but pivotal in shaping its trajectory.
Match Details
Date: April 19th
Kickoff: 20:45 CET/2:45 EDT
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Roma
Referee: Luca Pairetto
