Roma Faces Critical Match Against Hellas Verona This Easter Saturday

ROME, Italy — As Easter Saturday dawns over the Eternal City, AS Roma find themselves at a pivotal moment in their Serie A journey. On April 19, 2025, at 20:45 CET, the Giallorossi will host Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico, seeking a vital victory to reignite their chances for Champions League qualification.

This match may not hold the same weight as a European knockout clash or last week’s Derby della Capitale, but for a team navigating a tumultuous season marked by managerial upheaval, it represents a much-needed breather. Roma comes off a disappointing 1-1 draw against Lazio, a match that saw Matías Soulé’s equalizer help retain coach Claudio Ranieri’s unbeaten record against their city rivals, a legacy spanning years of challenges in Trigoria.

Currently sitting in seventh place with 54 points, Roma trails fifth-place Juventus by five points. The team’s season record includes 15 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal tally of 47 scored against 32 conceded. Forward Artem Dovbyk leads the squad with 11 goals, showcasing his offensive prowess.

Conversely, Verona occupies 14th place with 32 points and is grappling with their own struggles. With 9 wins, 5 draws, and 18 losses, they have scored just 30 goals while allowing 59. Their top scorer, Casper Tengstedt, has only netted six times this season, reflecting the team’s difficulties.

In their previous matchup this season, Verona shocked Roma with a 3-2 victory, a result that marked the start of a challenging stretch for the Giallorossi. Ranieri is fully aware of Verona’s potential threats, particularly their counterattacking capabilities. “Verona poses a significant challenge because they compact their defense and strike quickly,” he commented, underscoring the need for vigilance from his players.

Injury concerns loom, as both Dovbyk and Stephan El Shaarawy have trained separately leading up to the match, but Ranieri confirmed their fitness for play. Meanwhile, Eldor Shomurodov is poised to step in for the recovering Dovbyk, providing a crucial chance for the Uzbek forward to solidify his spot in the squad.

Shomurodov, who recently secured a contract extension with Roma until 2027, has emerged as a significant presence in the forward lineup. As he anticipates his starting role, Shomurodov aims to showcase his value, potentially adapting to a two-striker system that would play to his strengths. “He’s not a 20-goal striker for a club like Roma, but he can be a crucial connector in the attack,” a source familiar with team dynamics remarked.

Looking ahead, Ranieri is likely to field the same starting eleven that challenged Lazio, adjusting only for the changes necessitated by injuries. The expected formation includes Mile Svilar in goal, a defensive trio of Gianluca Mancini, Mats Hummels, and Kevin N'Dicka, a midfield quartet with Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Paredes, Kone, and Angelino, and an attacking duo of Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini supporting Shomurodov.

On the other hand, Verona’s coach Marco Zanetti will be without Tengstedt due to injury but retains the option of players like Sarr and Suslov. Referee Luca Pairetto will oversee the match, with VAR support from Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni. Pairetto has officiated 11 matches this season, issuing 4 penalties and handing out 48 yellow cards along with 7 red cards.

Fans can catch the action on DAZN at 20:45, with multiple platforms providing coverage. The stakes are high for Roma—not only to maintain their pursuit of a Champions League berth but also to restore momentum after inconsistent results. “We aim for the three points, but we know it will be tough,” Ranieri acknowledged, highlighting the challenge ahead.

With over 61,000 fans expected to fill the Stadio Olimpico, the atmosphere is likely to be electric. Ranieri emphasized the importance of delivering a performance worthy of the passionate supporters. This match is more than just another Serie A fixture; it’s an opportunity for Roma to demonstrate resilience and determination in their quest for European competition.

In conclusion, as the Giallorossi prepare to face off against a tenacious Verona side, they must rise to the challenge. With high stakes and increased pressure, Roma has the chance to reaffirm their ambitions for the season and continue their fight for a coveted place in the Champions League.