Roma are ready to get the 2025-26 season underway, but how will it go for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side?
It’s a season of unknowns if ever there was one in Serie A, with more than half of the teams in the league having different coaches than the ones they finished last season with.
Roma are among that group after getting Gasperini in from Atalanta for their new era, hoping to build on the 5th place finish achieved under the watchful eyes of Claudio Ranieri last season.
Last season was a rollercoaster, though. When we were predicting how it would go this time last year, no one would have guessed Daniele De Rossi would be sacked within a month.
Will anything unexpected happen this season? Or will it be smoother sailing?
Here, eight members of our group of Roma fans in Yorkshire have our say on what we’re expecting from Roma in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Europa League in 2025-26.
Nigel: Well let’s start with the appointment of Gasp, I for one was a little unhappy about it as he hasn’t always been vocally kind to us and why leave a Champions League side for Europa League football but so far he seems to have the players on side and been able to strengthen the team as we as offload some deadwood (sorry Tammy but…). League is more important to us now as we’ve struggled for top 4 for some time but seriously there’s probably only two teams who seem better equipped then we are. Saying that anything less than 3rd/4th would be a massive disappointment, Coppa Italia again a semi final is a minimum and a possible final is not out of reach, as for the Europa League if we’re to believe current European ratings we are the 10th best team in Europe so a major European trophy is not out of the question… but that’s too easy for the Giallorossi after all we do things the ROMA way.
Mark: Serie A: Around 7th. Coppa Italia: Go out in second round. Europa League: Quarter Finals?
I love Gasp though I think the Roma crazies need to give him time… He didn’t start that great at Atalanta but by the end they were pushing well above their weight. The addition of Claudio should also help to calm things and I do think fans need to get off the back of our American owners…
I worry about how my man Dybala will fit in as he’s always injured albeit with heaps of talent. I also wish Ferguson all the best and hope he knocks them in. It’s significant that Kone should stay and bad apples like Sancho either get their attitude or stay away. Oh and I love Pelle and Mancini just because!
Harry: League finish: 1st – A weird hunch, I may be going mental but I am happy with our squad and think other challengers are in a bit of disarray.
Coppa Italia – RO16 – Focusing on the double what can I say!
Europa League – Semi final – Think we’ll fall short to an English side in the latter stages away from home.
Craig: Serie A – 3rd. I think if he is given the game time that Evan Ferguson will score the number of goals that Roma have been lacking in recent seasons. I also think they have the right manager this season to take them that little bit further that has been needed.
Coppa Italia – QF
Europa League – SF. I think Roma should/will concentrate on the league and Champions League spots rather than the cups if they are in those positions at the business end of the season.
Samuel: Here we are again, asking if this will be the season Roma finally finish in the top four again. Given the changes at most of the competitors, I think there’s a good platform to get it done. Inter and Atalanta have weaker coaches than last season, Juventus have one they aren’t fully convinced about… I could even make an argument that we’re the best equipped side to challenge Napoli for the title, but I’ll be reserved and predict a fourth-place finish. I would have liked a bit more strengthening in defence but do think the midfield is shaping up nicely.
Looking at the Coppa Italia draw, we have the prospect of a potential clash with Inter in the quarter-final, so I’ll say that will be our last hurdle. There might be a different outlook on them by that time, though, so if we do get past them, it’ll be all to play for.
And while I’ve been more cautious on the domestic front I think we have to be among the frontrunners to win the Europa League this time. Gasperini has done it before with Atalanta recently and we should be among the stronger squads in the competition. It feels like after the nightmare of 2023 we still have to put the Europa League demons to bed, so what better way to get back in the Champions League than by qualifying by both methods? It almost sounds too simple…
Carol: Serie A – 5th
Coppa Italia – semi finals
Europa League – quarter finals
Eddie: I’m always optimistic this time of year. This’ll be the year everything comes together. It never does but the hope gets you. I’m reasonably optimistic about the season. I think it’ll take time for Gasp to get his ideas embedded, or find the right mix of players who can action his ideas.
Overall I don’t see us cracking the top 3 this season (though I’d love to be proved wrong). But that’s also fine with me if we see some progress and look to be building an identity.
A lot will depend on the other teams. Milan have made some decent signings and have Allegri from accounts so statistically will be a contender.
Inter have a good squad and an amazing attack. Chivu has question marks but should be up there on talent alone.
Napoli will be up there with Conte even if he’ll be distracted with Europe.
Juve can’t be as bad as last season but I can hope. Still seems like the back room is all over the place.
Atalanta is a massive unknown. Given Juric’s performance with us and Southampton you have to hope he continues the trend but you just never know with La Dea.
Bologna have lost talent but they and Fiorentina might put together a run.
Coppa will likely be the usual disappointment depending how much Gasp prioritises.
He has shown he knows how to bully other European teams and the squad have some experience there so a decent Europa run could be on the cards depending how much Gasp has managed to shape the team and who we draw. We have decent seeding which should help bar some arctic circle shenanigans.
Even if I’m not overly optimistic this season for a top finish there are some things I’m optimistic about / looking forward to seeing.
Seeing Roma play with some pace and identity. I’m so over the lackadaisical plodding build up. I want to see us bully/dominate more often.
- Soule taking the next jump in his development. If Gasp really does rate him and utilises him as he should this could be a massive source of excitement for Giallorossi fans.
- Bar Dovbyk being replaced by a big name Ferguson will likely get a lot of game time. He’s got the skills to suit the system and given Gasp’s record with strikers and Evan’s recent confidence this should be another breakout season for the young forward.
- We’ve been searching for a right back for years and Wesley could be the missing piece. His preseason has been a little shaky but has the skills and fit to be.
- Seeing Roma play with some pace and identity. I’m so over the lackadaisical plodding build up. I want to see us bully/dominate more often.
Thomas: We’re winning the lot.
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