Roma go to Bologna on Saturday with Paulo Dybala back in training and Gian Piero Gasperini already ruling out a start for the Argentine after more than 80 days out of action. The visit to the Renato Dell'Ara comes with five matches left in Roma’s 2025-26 Serie A season and the margin for error shrinking by the week.
Gasperini said he is still looking upward after Roma slipped five points behind Juve last weekend, even if Champions League qualification now looks very unlikely. “No, there’s not [a minimum target set by the club], but we’re still thinking about it. We’re still looking above us. When it’s no longer possible to aim that high, we’ll settle for other things,” he said.
That is the weight of Saturday for Roma: a chance to stay in the chase while there is still a chase to make. Gasperini put it plainly. “It would be good if we could [put together a run of form]. If we keep winning, we’re probably still in time. But obviously with every week that passes, the margin for error diminishes. You can’t make any more mistakes.”
The backdrop is a familiar one in this bologna vs roma matchup. Roma are level with Como after Como’s recent poor run of form, and Europa League qualification could come only through a fifth-place finish because Lazio are in the Coppa Italia final. For a club that is trying to improve its position with an eye on the 2026-27 centennial season, every point now has a direct effect on what next season looks like.
Dybala’s return matters because Roma have been short in attacking midfield during his absence, especially with Matías Soulé also out. Gasperini said the 31-year-old is unlikely to be in the starting eleven but could appear off the bench. “It seems unlikely that he’ll be in the starting eleven. Paulo started working again this week after more than 80 days out of action, nearly 90 days, in fact. So, no, I’m ruling out him starting the game,” he said. “Let’s hope - I certainly hope – that he can come on over the course of the match.”
The other reason his return carries extra value is Donyell Malen, Roma’s star January signing, whom Dybala has shared the pitch with only once. Gasperini said the pair could shape the end of the season, adding: “They’ll certainly have an impact on the end of Roma’s season. Having him available again is clearly an added value. He and Malen have only played together once.”
Roma cannot afford to treat this as a waiting game. Gasperini said the team must remain busy until the 24th of May, and that deadline gives Saturday’s trip a harder edge than a routine league match. Dybala’s return may not begin with a start, but if he comes on and changes the flow, it could be the first sign that Roma still have enough left to make the final weeks count.
