Ranieri’s miracle with Roma shows no signs of stopping. From a team that had all but given up on qualifying for European competition next season, the experienced manager has built a side that could now represent Italy in the Champions League. In a direct clash with fellow contenders Fiorentina, the Romans — as has become routine — won 1–0. It was their sixth consecutive victory by a single goal and they remain the best-performing team in Europe’s top five leagues in 2025. This marked their 43rd point from 17 straight Serie A matches without a loss. Including last year, the unbeaten run in the league now stands at 19 matches.1-0 – #Roma have won 1-0 nine times in the current Serie A, more than any other team in the Big five European Leagues 2024/25: eight of these under Claudio Ranieri. Streak. #RomaFiorentina pic.twitter.com/xNRNwaqeI0— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 4, 2025 They still have tough games remaining — against Atalanta in Bergamo, Milan at home, and Torino away — but Roma’s fate isn’t entirely in their own hands. That’s why tonight, a draw between Bologna and Juventus would be the ideal outcome for them. Looking at the scoreboard, once again the hero for Roma was Artem Dovbyk, who scored the only goal of the match in first-half stoppage time. It came from a corner and a clever assist by Shomurodov. Fiorentina’s players furiously protested to referee Daniele Chiffi, arguing that play should’ve been stopped when the corner ball rolled through their box. And indeed, when the Ukrainian scored his 12th Serie A goal, the fifth minute of added time had just begun, even though only four were announced. However, that wasn’t the deciding factor.Artem Dovbyk rises above the defenders, unleashing a powerful header. The ball flies into the net, securing a crucial goal for AS Roma. A moment of sheer brilliance in the air! ⚡🌪️Video Courtesy : Serie A #SerieA #ASRoma #ArtemDovbyk pic.twitter.com/bL7WwkzWpI— STARZPLAY | ستارزبلاي (@STARZPlayArabia) May 4, 2025 Far more blame, if any, can be directed toward Rafael Palladino and his players, who were repeatedly denied by Mile Svilar. The brilliant goalkeeper once again locked down his goal, driving Fiorentina’s attackers mad and sending his own teammates into a frenzy. Tonight’s match was his 15th clean sheet of the Serie A season. He made spectacular saves, particularly on shots from Kean (twice) and Mandragora about 25 minutes before the end. He was constantly involved in the game and alert to his defenders’ positioning. Fiorentina had no answer for Svilar, despite controlling possession and dictating the tempo, especially in the second half. With this defeat, Viola’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League have been reduced to almost zero, and they may even miss out on European competition altogether. Roma once again proved that Paulo Dybala’s injury isn’t the huge setback many expected. Football, it turns out, remains a team sport more than an individual one — at least under Claudio Ranieri.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 35Friday Torino – Venezia 1-1 (0-1)/Vlasic 77 pen – Perez 37/Saturday Cagliari – Udinese 1-2 (1-1)/Zortea 35 – Zarraga 27, Kristensen 67/Parma – Como 0-1 (0-0)/Strefezza 79/Lecce – Napoli 0-1 (0-1)/Raspadori 24/Inter – Verona 1-0 (1-0)/Asllani 9 pen/Sunday Empoli – Lazio 0-1 (0-1)/Dia 1/Monza – Atalanta (0-2)/De Ketelaere 12, 23/Roma – Fiorentina 1-0 (1-0)/Dovbyk 45+5/21.45: (2.50) Bologna (3.10) Juventus (3.25)Monday 21.45: (4.70) Genoa (3.50) Milan (1.80)***odds are subject to change***
