7M - Serie A Preview: Roma vs Fiorentina - Prediction, Team News, Lineups

As the Serie A season enters its crucial final stretch, Roma prepare to host Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening, with kickoff scheduled for 7.45pm on May 4, 2026. This Matchday 35 encounter carries significant implications for both sides, though for very different reasons.

Recent Form and Competitive Stakes

Roma remain firmly in the hunt for a coveted Champions League berth, currently locked in a tight battle with Juventus and Como for fourth place. While Inter Milan have already secured their spot in Europe's elite competition, and Napoli alongside AC Milan appear poised to follow, the Giallorossi cannot afford complacency. Their remaining fixtures include the high-pressure Derby della Capitale against Lazio, making every point in between absolutely vital.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, have shifted their focus toward securing Serie A survival after a challenging start to the season. The Viola arrive in Rome on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run in league play, most recently holding Sassuolo to a goalless draw. This resilient stretch has lifted them nine points clear of the relegation zone, with 20 of their 37 total points harvested from the last 11 matchdays—a period during which they would rank fourth across the entire division.

Head-to-Head Context

Fiorentina's last triumph at the Stadio Olimpico dates back to 2018, and they have managed to collect just two points from seven subsequent visits. Roma also claimed victory when these sides met at the Stadio Franchi earlier this season in October, though the Viola have since undergone considerable improvement in both structure and morale.

Team News and Availability

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces a mixed selection picture. Bryan Zaragoza has joined the injury list with a knee complaint, but a significant boost arrives with Manu Kone's anticipated return after nearly two months sidelined. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable due to a thigh strain, though he is targeting the upcoming Rome derby for his comeback. Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui must serve a one-match suspension.

In attack, with Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson ruled out and Paulo Dybala still working toward full match sharpness following his recent layoff, Malen is expected to spearhead the forward line once more. The Netherlands international leads Serie A in both goals scored and shots on target since his debut just over three months ago.

For Fiorentina, leading striker Moise Kean remains sidelined with a persistent shin issue and has been granted leave for personal family matters, ruling him out of the trip to Rome. His backup, Roberto Piccoli, was also unavailable for the Sassuolo stalemate, suggesting Albert Gudmundsson will continue in a central attacking role. Defensively, Niccolo Fortini and Tariq Lamptey remain on the treatment table, but Robin Gosens and Fabiano Parisi are both nearing returns. Marin Pongracic is eligible to start after completing a one-match ban.

Tactical Outlook and Schedule Pressure

With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, Roma enter this fixture under considerable pressure to maintain their unbeaten home sequence and avoid dropping points ahead of the Lazio derby. Gasperini's side has demonstrated both defensive solidity at home and growing attacking fluency through Malen's clinical finishing.

Fiorentina, while more secure in their league position, cannot afford to become complacent. Their recent defensive organization has been commendable, but they face a Roma attack that has found consistent rhythm in front of their home supporters. The visitors will look to leverage their unbeaten momentum and counter-attacking threats through Gudmundsson and Harrison.

Prediction: Roma 1-0 Fiorentina

Considering Roma's superior home defensive metrics, Malen's prolific form, and the heightened motivation surrounding their top-four pursuit, the Giallorossi are well-positioned to extend Fiorentina's wait for a victory in Rome. While the Viola have shown resilience and improved structure, the hosts' attacking edge and historical dominance at the Olimpico should prove decisive.