When Artem Dovbyk, Ukrainian striker for AS Roma tapped in the decisive header in first‑half stoppage time, the Giallorossi clinched a 1‑0 win over ACF Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 4 May 2025. The strike arrived in the 45+5 minute, marking Dovbyk’s 12th league goal and ending a month‑long drought for the forward. Here’s the thing: the three points vaulted Roma into the coveted top‑four, reviving their hopes of a Champions League berth as the season’s final stretch looms.
Match Overview and What Was at Stake
Both clubs entered the encounter with Europe on their minds. Roma, fresh from a 1‑0 victory at Inter Milan on 27 April, were perched just outside the top four, needing a win to keep the pressure on Juventus and Napoli. Fiorentina, meanwhile, had won their previous two games and were still dreaming of a Europa League spot. The atmosphere inside the iconic Rome stadium was electric, with supporters chanting in unison while the stakes felt as high as a title decider.
How the Goal Came About
The build‑up was a textbook example of Roma’s quick‑pass philosophy. Lorenzo Pellegrini collected the ball in midfield and slipped a clever through‑ball to Angelino. The Brazilian winger slotted a low cross to Boris Shumarov, whose flick‑on found Dovbyk looping his head for a diving finish. The timing sparked controversy – Fiorentina’s staff argued the four minutes of added time were already exhausted, but the referee’s watch told a different story.
Goalkeeping Showdown
Both custodians deserved applause. David De Gea, the veteran Spaniard on loan from Manchester United, produced a series of reflex saves that kept Fiorentina in the game. He denied a close‑range effort from Shumarov in the 30th minute and tipped a curling shot from Pedro Porro onto the crossbar. On the other side, Mile Svilar looked sharp, pulling off a fingertip save from a Ronaldo‑style free‑kick and a one‑on‑one stop on a breakaway in the 72nd minute. “It was a night of nerves for both keepers,” said Roma’s goalkeeping coach Francesco Bertolini after the match.
Tactical Moves and Substitutions
Coach José Luis Mancini shook things up at halftime, introducing Nicolo Pizilli, a home‑grown academy graduate, for the captain who was a yellow card away from suspension. The move paid off as Pizilli helped maintain midfield solidity. Fiorentina answered by bringing on Fajali, the Juventus loanee, for a struggling Robin Gins, hoping fresh legs would spark a late surge.
Implications for the Champions League Race
With the win, Roma moved to 61 points, just three ahead of Juventus and level with Napoli on goal difference. Their unbeaten streak stretched to 19 matches across all competitions – a club record for the modern era. “We’ve shown we can compete with the best, and we’ll keep grinding,” Dovbyk said in a post‑match interview. The Giallorossi now need just a point from the final two fixtures to secure their Champions League slot, while Fiorentina drop to seventh, seeing their Europa ambitions wobble.
Background: Roma’s Recent Form
Roma’s resurgence began early in the year with a 2‑1 win over Sassuolo, followed by a string of tight victories: 1‑0 at Inter, 1‑0 over Verona, and hard‑fought draws against Lazio and Juventus. That consistency has been underpinned by a solid defensive core – center‑backs Gianluca Franchini and Gianluca Kowalewski have combined for 12 clean sheets this season. Off the pitch, the club’s financial overhaul, led by chairman Daniele Fossati, has allowed strategic signings like Dovbyk, who arrived for €5.2 million in January.
Looking Ahead
Roma’s next challenge is an away clash with Atalanta on 11 May, a game that could cement their European destiny. Fiorentina will travel to Torino three days later, needing a win to stay alive for a Europa spot. Both squads face a congested schedule, with the Coppa Italia semi‑finals looming just a week after the league finale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Roma’s win affect their Champions League chances?
The three points lift Roma to 61, putting them three ahead of Juventus and level with Napoli on goal difference. A single point from the final two matches would guarantee a top‑four finish, making the win a decisive step toward Champions League qualification.
What was controversial about the goal’s timing?
Fiorentina argued that the fourth minute of added time had already elapsed when Dovbyk scored. However, the referee’s official time‑keeping showed 45+5 minutes, so the goal stood. Such disputes are common in Italian football, especially in tight title races.
Who were the standout performers on the day?
Artem Dovbyk’s header won the match, while David De Gea kept Fiorentina in contention with several reflex saves. Mile Svilar also shone for Roma, making key interventions that preserved the clean sheet.
What does the result mean for Fiorentina’s European hopes?
The loss drops Fiorentina to seventh place with only three games left, meaning they must win their remaining fixtures and hope other results go their way to clinch a Europa League spot.
When is Roma’s next crucial match?
Roma travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta on 11 May 2025. A win or draw there would likely seal their place among Europe’s elite for the 2025‑26 season.
