Survival, uncertainty and a battle for Champions League qualification: the strange of season of AS Roma | OneFootball

The end of the Serie A season is just a couple of weeks away and AS Roma looks like it’s secured a position in the top half of the table. The Giallorossi have persevered despite an abysmal start to the season that saw Claudio Ranieri take the reins following the dismissal of Ivan Juric after just 12 matches at the club.

As the team have progressed this season, its Serie A odds have improved, but the club still faces uncertainty over who will manage them next season. Ranieri will move into a senior executive position at the club and several players’ contracts expire in June 2025. Below is a look at Roma’s recent performance and remaining fixtures, some of the players who could be leaving in summer, who Roma could be targeting and how qualification for European competition could affect its finances.

Playing with the Champions League on their minds

The Giallorossi have two games left, first against AC Milan and then against Torino. Just a point separates them and Lazio and Juventus in the Serie A, so automatic Champions League qualification is up for grabs. Despite their position, both Juventus and Lazio have struggled in their last five matches, having managed two wins each whereas Roma have won three.

AC Milan themselves are hoping to snatch a Champions League place at the last minute, too, and are in good form. They’ve won four of their last five matches. Torino, who are further down the table, and have only picked up four points from the potential 15. Roma will be looking to capitalise on their poor form and march a step closer towards the Champions League.

A boost to the finances

AS Roma likes to spend, but it doesn’t have the financial might of the Serie A giants. Entry into the Champions League would give the club a significant financial boost of 60 million euros, according to Yahoo Sports quoting from Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

That would be just the start of the financial spoils, however. The club can collect extra revenue from the bonuses from performances in the eight matches in the group and from home matches at its stadium. The prestige of presence in the league can also attract sponsorship to the club.

Last days in a Giallorossi shirt?

Of course, qualification for European competition doesn’t just affect club finances: it can also influence whether players stay or, instead, go their separate ways. But who might be putting on an AS Roma shirt for the last time this season?

Lorenzo Pellegrini

The Roma captain’s contract expires in June 2026, but experts believe if he doesn’t try to extend it, Roma will be placing him up for sale in the summer. He may even be wearing an Inter Milan or Napoli shirt next season. There’s talk both clubs are interested in him.

Mats Humels

Humels has been fundamental in strengthening the team’s defence. However, Roma may replace him the centreback with a younger defender who can bring more energy to the team.

Stephan El Shaarawy

El Shaarawy has also put in awesome performance this season. His creativity on the wing has been a thorn in the side of opponents, who haven’t known how to deal with it. His contract ends in June 2025 and his future with the club is uncertain.

Potential new faces at the club

There’s speculation about who Roma will target when the transfer window opens. Experts believe there could be fierce competition between Napoli and the Rome club for Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca. Napoli is likely to have an easier time handing over the €30 million requested and secure the forward. Champions League qualification would help Roma find enough money for the investment.

Igor Paxaio

Feyenoord’s Igor Paxaio, who also plays on the left wing, is another forward Roma are believed to have their eye on. The Brazilian has made 32 league starts for the Dutch club this season and found the net 15 times.

Stefano Pioli

AS Roma has the difficult task of replacing Claudio Ranieri. One name that has come up is Stefano Pioli, head coach at Saudi Pro League Al-Nassr, but his three-year contract at the club could make this difficult.

Pioli is one of many names linked to the club as potential head coach. Cesc Fabregas is rumoured to be picking up the baton but only in the short term. Genoa coach and former Arsenal man Patrick Viera has appeared as a more long-term prospect, as has Ajax boss Francesco Farioli, former Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri and Turkey national team coach Vicenzo Montella.

Thanks to Claudio Ranieri, AS Roma’s Serie A fortunes have improved immensely. They’re even looking at potential Champions League qualification. Ranieri’s shoes will be hard to fill, but if the club find the right man for the job and bring in the right players when the summer transfer window opens, the Giallorossi could have a very prosperous 2025/26 season.