Roma Returns to Champions League After Seven Years With Victory Over Verona

Italy's U17 national team advanced to the final of the European Under-17 Championship by defeating Spain 1–1 (4–2 after penalties) on June 4. Coach Franceschini's squad took the lead through a Croci penalty in the 42nd minute, but Spain equalized through Urrestarazu in the 77th minute, forcing a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Lupo proved decisive in the shootout, saving two spot-kicks after also denying a penalty during regular play, while Rocca converted the winning penalty. Niccolò Pisilli, a current AS Roma midfielder, featured in the squad and expressed his enthusiasm about the achievement. Pisilli commented: "Una grande emozione andare in Champions. Ho sempre seguito Gasperini" (It is a great emotion to qualify for the Champions League. I have always followed Gasperini). His reference to Roma's new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reflects the midfielder's awareness of his club's recent appointment. Italy will face Belgium in the final on Sunday, June 7 at 19:00. Belgium reached the final by eliminating France. The tournament success offers an encouraging counterpoint to the senior national team's recent disappointments.

Stephan El Shaarawy scored the decisive second goal in Roma's final match against Verona, securing the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. The Egyptian winger's strike came in his last appearance in giallorossi colors, concluding a decade-long association with the club that began in January 2016. El Shaarawy's goal sparked an emotional celebration as he ran toward the away supporters at the Bentegodi stadium. Remarkably, El Shaarawy had predicted this outcome before the match. According to Sky Sport journalist Angelo Mangiante, the number 92 revealed at the end of Friday's training session that he hoped to close his Roma story with a decisive goal. He told Mangiante: "Mi piacerebbe tanto chiudere questa storia con un gol decisivo" (I would really like to close this story with a decisive goal). His premonition proved accurate, as his finish sealed Roma's return to European football's premier club competition after a seven-year absence. El Shaarawy's departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Roma. The winger's final contribution epitomized his importance to the club during his 10-year tenure, delivering a crucial moment when it mattered most for the Giallorossi's continental aspirations.

AS Roma secured Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years by defeating Hellas Verona 2–0 on the final day of the Serie A season. The match was tense throughout, with Verona—already relegated—playing with intensity despite their status. Mile Svilar made a crucial early save, and Paulo Dybala dominated the second half, setting up the opening goal for Donyell Malen after initially missing a penalty. Dybala also created the second goal for Stephan El Shaarawy in injury time, marking El Shaarawy's final appearance for the club before his contract expires. Roma finished third in the Serie A table, an outcome few considered possible weeks earlier. The qualification represents a significant achievement under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who took over during a troubled season marked by injuries and incomplete transfers. AC Milan and Juventus, both pre-season favorites, failed to qualify, with Milan losing at home to Cagliari and Juventus drawing with Torino. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, also qualified ahead of the traditional powers. Gasperini's turnaround has delivered what the Friedkin Group ownership had not previously achieved: Champions League football. The qualification transforms Roma's commercial position, recruitment capacity, and ambitions moving forward, restoring the club among Italy's elite after years of frustration.