Roma host Fiorentina at the Estadio Olimpico on Monday evening in a meeting that comes with both clubs still in need of points to shape the final stretch of the Serie A season.
With the Round 35 fixture of clear importance to the momentum and direction of the league, the contest also brings together two sides whose recent results suggest a tight tactical battle rather than an open shootout.
Check out our Roma vs Fiorentina stats and stats
why does it matter
For Roma, this is a chance to build on a good streak and keep their late-season push in the right direction. A home game against a direct rival provides a useful indicator of where they are after a mixed but generally encouraging period.
Fiorentina comes with a different kind of pressure. Their recent league form has been steady rather than spectacular, and with the campaign entering its crucial phase, they need a result to bolster their progression and prevent the momentum from slipping away.
Image of the form
Roma’s league form has been generally positive, with three wins, a draw and a defeat in their last five. The 2-0 win in Bologna followed a 1-1 draw with Atalanta and a 3-0 home win over Pisa, showing a team capable of controlling games and finishing chances with pace.
That streak was interrupted by a heavy 5-2 defeat at Inter, but Roma responded well by beating Lecce 1-0. The pattern suggests resilience, with the team generally bouncing back quickly from setbacks and looking more settled at home.
Fiorentina’s recent league results have been more cautious, but also difficult to break down. They drew with Sassuolo and Lecce, while winning 1-0 at Lazio and Hellas Verona, before holding Inter to a 1-1 draw.
This sequence points to a competitive and organized side, although not always dominating the attack. Their European results against Crystal Palace also show a team balancing domestic and continental demands, which can have an impact on freshness and selection.
key plot
The main tactical story is likely to be Roma’s attacking structure against Fiorentina’s compact and disciplined shape. Roma have recently used a 3-4-2-1, with Donyell Malen and MatÃas Soulé supporting the forward line, and this set-up has given them enough width and movement to unsettle opponents.
Fiorentina’s 4-3-3 has been more conservative in recent games, with Albert Gudmundsson, Jack Harrison and Manor Solomon providing the main attacking outlets. The key question is whether they can keep Roma quiet long enough to create their own transition moments.
Team news
Roma have just one injury concern, with Bryan Zaragoza sidelined with knee inflammation. That leaves them with a largely stable group, and recent lineups suggest continuity rather than major disruption.
Their expected formation remains the 3-4-2-1, with Mile Svilar behind Evan Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, Wesley and Zeki Çelik are likely to form the midfield platform, while Donyell Malen, MatÃas Soulé and Niccolò Pisilli provide the attacking support.
Fiorentina are without Roberto Piccoli, which reduces their forward options and can encourage another front three built around Gudmundsson, Harrison and Solomon. David de Gea is expected to start in goal, with the backline likely to include Daniele Rugani, Dodô, Luca Ranieri and LuÃs Balbo.
Their midfield trio of Cher Ndour, Nicolò Fagioli and Rolando Mandragora have been a constant feature, and that continuity should help them stay compact. The shape looks set to remain a 4-3-3, with Fiorentina aiming to keep the game under control and deny Roma space between the lines.
Tactical battle
The decisive area may be the space behind Fiorentina’s midfield three, where Roma’s two forward attackers will look to receive and rotate. If Roma can move the ball quickly into these pockets, they should be able to force Fiorentina deeper than they would like.
At the other end, Fiorentina will try to stretch Roma’s back and create isolated moments for their wide forwards. If they can see off the hosts and keep the game tight, they have the structure to make this a frustrating night for the home side.
Recent Meetings
Roma have come through the recent head-to-head, winning 2-1 at home in October 2025 and 1-0 at home in May 2025, although Fiorentina’s 5-1 victory in October 2024 remains a reminder that this game can go a long way.
Journalist’s opinion
It looks like a game where Roma’s home advantage and stronger recent pace give them the upper hand, but only if they avoid the kind of defensive collapse that hurt them against Inter. Their recent results suggest a team with more attacking punch and a clearer possession structure.
Fiorentina are well placed to make the game uncomfortable, especially if they keep their form and slow Roma’s pace. Still, with the hosts looking more settled and the visitors with the added burden of European commitments, the balance of the competition appears to be tipping towards a narrow Roma success.
prediction
Roma will advance in a tight game, with their home form and sharper recent attacking play likely to make the difference.
