In a crisp September evening, AS Roma edged past Hellas Verona 2‑0 during Serie A Round 5Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The opening goal arrived in the seventh minute from Artem Dovbyk, while Argentine winger Matías Soulé sealed the win late on. Referee Ermanno Feliciani oversaw a match that bolstered Roma’s chase for European spots.
Match Overview and Key Moments
The first half was dominated by Roma’s high‑press, a tactic that forced Verona into a series of errant passes inside their own half. Dovbyk’s strike came after a swift transition: a deep ball from Lorenzo Pellegrini found the Ukrainian forward on the edge of the box; his low‑driven finish left goalkeeper Mile Svilar scrambling.
Verona managed a handful of chances in the 30th and 39th minutes, but Roma’s defensive line—anchored by Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini—stood firm. The second half saw a tactical reshuffle: manager José Luis De Luca introduced fresh legs, yet the capital side maintained its shape.
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. After a period of sustained pressure, a corner swung in from the right. The ball flicked onto Soule’s head; his precise volley tucked under the crossbar, confirming the win. The stadium erupted; fans waved blue‑white scarves, celebrating a performance that felt like a statement of intent.
Tactical Breakdown
De Luca opted for a 4‑0‑1 system—a subtle twist on the classic 4‑3‑3—leaving the central midfield trio of Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley França compact yet fluid. Cristante acted as the deep‑lying playmaker, while Koné provided box‑to‑box cover. França’s late runs added a surprise element, allowing Punta‑forward Pellegrini to drift wide and create space for Dovbyk.
Defensively, Roma’s back four executed an off‑side trap with precision. Zeki Çelik’s pace on the right flank and Angeliño’s overlapping runs on the left kept Verona’s wingers honest. The synergy between Svilar and the defense was evident in several key saves, especially a reflex stop from a long‑range effort by Alessandro Murgia in the 54th minute.
Verona, coached by Marco Zaffaroni, tried a 3‑5‑2 formation to crowd the midfield, but the extra man often left gaps on the flanks that Roma exploited. Forward Gianluca Franchone struggled to find space, and the team’s lack of a genuine target man made them predictable against Roma’s aerial threat.
Implications for the Serie A Table
With the win, Roma climbed to second place, amassing 12 points from five matches (4‑0‑1). Only Juventus trails by a single point, while Inter sits in third but with a game in hand. The early points cushion provides Roma a buffer in the race for Champions League qualification.
Verona, on the other hand, remain down in 16th with just three points. Their win‑less streak stretches to five games, and the pressure on Zaffaroni’s bench is mounting. A loss at home magnifies the urgency for a points‑grab in the upcoming fixtures against bottom‑half opponents.
Historical Context: Roma vs. Verona
The rivalry, though not as heated as the Derby della Capitale, carries a clear statistical edge for the capital club. Prior to this encounter, Roma held a 12‑4‑4 record against Verona. The latest win extends that dominance, reinforcing a pattern that dates back to the early 2000s when Roma consistently turned away Verona’s promotion bids.
Last season’s meetings both ended 2‑1 to Roma, with the capital side scoring early and defending resolutely. The continuity of these outcomes suggests a psychological edge that Roma players seem to relish, especially at the iconic Stadio Olimpico, which has hosted over 70 percent of Roma’s victories against Verona.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures and Challenges
Roma’s next challenge is an away clash with AC Milan on October 7. Manager De Luca hinted that he will retain the core 4‑0‑1 shape but may rotate the bench to keep players fresh. “We need to keep this intensity,” he told reporters after the match; “the league is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Verona’s calendar offers a chance for redemption against newly promoted Lecce on October 5. Fans hope that a tactical shift—perhaps a more compact 4‑2‑3‑1—could stabilize the midfield and give their striker, Andrea Favilli, the service he needs.
Key Facts
- Final score: AS Roma 2 – 0 Hellas Verona
- Goal scorers: Artem Dovbyk (7'), Matías Soulé (79')
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Attendance: approximately 41,000 spectators
- Referee: Ermanno Feliciani
- Roma’s league position: 2nd with 12 points
- Verona’s league position: 16th with 3 points
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Roma’s victory affect their European qualification hopes?
The win lifts Roma to second place with 12 points, putting them just one point behind league leaders Juventus. Maintaining this momentum could secure a top‑four finish, guaranteeing a Champions League spot for the 2026‑27 season.
What are Verona’s biggest challenges after this defeat?
Verona remains winless with only three points, sitting in the relegation zone. Their defensive frailties and lack of a reliable goal‑scoring outlet are glaring, and they must tighten the back line while finding a striker who can convert chances.
Who were the standout performers for Roma?
Artem Dovbyk’s early strike set the tone, and Matías Soulé’s composure on the 79th minute earned him Man of the Match. Additionally, midfielder Bryan Cristante controlled the tempo, while goalkeeper Mile Svilar made two crucial saves.
When is Roma’s next Serie A fixture and who are they facing?
Roma travel to Milan on 7 October 2025 to face AC Milan. The match will be a key test of Roma’s consistency against a top‑six opponent.
What does the head‑to‑head record tell us about this rivalry?
Roma leads the all‑time series 12‑4‑4, a dominance that dates back to early 2000s fixtures. The pattern of early goals and solid defending at Stadio Olimpico has persisted, making Verona a tough opponent to upset.