BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
AS Roma responded emphatically to a week of internal upheaval by securing a composed 2-0 victory away to Bologna FC in Serie A on Saturday, keeping their push for a top-four finish firmly on track.
The result lifts Roma to within two points of fourth-placed Juventus FC, which faces a difficult trip to AC Milan on Sunday. With the race for Champions League qualification intensifying, Roma’s timely win ensures it remains a serious contender despite recent distractions off the pitch.
The buildup to the match had been dominated by controversy following the dismissal of senior adviser Claudio Ranieri, whose public dispute with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini exposed tensions within the club’s leadership. However, Roma showed little sign of disruption once the match began, delivering a focused and disciplined performance.
Dutch forward Donyell Malen continued his outstanding run of form, playing a decisive role in both goals. Roma made a fast start, breaking the deadlock inside seven minutes. Malen latched onto a precise through ball from Neil El Aynaoui, took a controlled touch, and calmly slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper into the bottom corner.
The early goal set the tone for Roma’s approach, allowing them to manage the tempo while remaining dangerous on the counterattack. Malen, who joined the club on loan from Aston Villa FC in January, has proven to be a transformative signing. His strike marked his 12th goal in just 16 appearances, underlining his importance to Roma’s late-season surge.
The visitors doubled their advantage just before halftime. This time Malen turned provider, delivering a well-placed cross into the penalty area that El Aynaoui met with a composed finish from close range. The goal capped a fluid attacking move and gave Roma a comfortable cushion heading into the second half.
Bologna struggled to respond after the break, with Roma maintaining defensive organization and limiting clear opportunities. The visitors saw out the match with relative ease, securing three points that could prove vital in the final stretch of the season.
Elsewhere, the battle at the bottom of the table took another decisive turn. Pisa SC edged closer to relegation following a 1-0 defeat at Parma Calcio 1913. The result leaves Pisa level on points with Hellas Verona FC at the foot of the standings and 10 points adrift of safety with time running out.
Parma secured the victory late in the match through substitute Nesta Elphege, who showed sharp instincts in the penalty area. Controlling a header with his back to goal, he turned quickly to fire home from close range eight minutes from time, sealing the win.
The result confirmed Parma’s survival in Serie A, sparking celebrations among home supporters at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. In contrast, Pisa’s situation has become increasingly precarious. The club now faces the strong possibility of relegation, which could be confirmed if US Lecce secures a victory against Verona.
With only a handful of matches remaining, the contrasting fortunes at both ends of the table highlight the intensity of the Serie A season. Roma’s resurgence keeps its European ambitions alive, while others face a battle for survival that is rapidly approaching its conclusion.
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