Roma return to Europe’s top competition for the first time in seven years after beating Verona at the Bentegodi with decisive contributions from Malen and Dybala
Roma are back in the UEFA Champions League.
Seven years after their last appearance in Europe’s premier competition, the Giallorossi secured a top-four finish with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona on the final day of the Serie A season.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side struggled for long stretches against an inspired Verona team, but quality eventually made the difference as Donyell Malen and Stephan El Shaarawy delivered the goals that sealed qualification.
Despite already being relegated, Verona played with pride and intensity in front of their home supporters at the Bentegodi.
The hosts created the best chance of the first half through Bowie, who broke through one-on-one with Mile Svilar only to be denied by a sensational save from the Roma goalkeeper. At the other end, Lorenzo Montipò also produced an excellent stop to keep out a dangerous Paulo Dybala free kick.
The match changed dramatically early in the second half.
Verona defender Valentini received a second yellow card for bringing down Dybala near the edge of the box, reducing the hosts to ten men and giving Roma control of the game.
Moments later, Roma were awarded a penalty after a handball from Bowie inside the area. Montipò initially saved Malen’s spot kick, but the Dutch forward reacted quickest to the rebound and converted the rebound to give the Giallorossi the breakthrough in the 56th minute.
Even with ten men, Verona refused to surrender and continued to push for an equalizer, creating tension inside the stadium as Roma missed chances to finish the game.
Montipò once again denied Dybala with another excellent save, but Roma eventually sealed the result deep into stoppage time.
Dybala led a counterattack before producing a clever backheel assist for El Shaarawy, who calmly finished to score what could be his final goal in a Roma shirt.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Roma players and supporters as the club officially secured a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
Match Report
Verona 0-2 Roma
Scorers: Malen 56’ (Roma), El Shaarawy 90+3’ (Roma)
Verona (3-5-1-1)
Montipò; Nelsson, Edmundsson, Valentini; Belghali (86′ Vermesan), Akpa Akpro, Lovric (58′ Al-Musrati), Harroui (70′ Sarr), Frese (70′ Bradaric); Suslov (58′ Bella-Kotchap); Bowie.
Coach: Paolo Sammarco
Roma (3-4-2-1)
Svilar; Ghilardi (46′ Ziolkowski, 72′ Koné), Mancini, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli (46′ El Aynaoui), Rensch; Soulé (72′ El Shaarawy), Dybala; Malen (84′ Vaz).
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
Referee: Sozza
Yellow Cards: Valentini, Lovric, Ziolkowski
Red Cards: Valentini 50’
