Roma Crushes Fiorentina 4-0 to Reignite Champions League Hopes

Key facts

• Roma defeated Fiorentina 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on May 4, 2026.
• Goals: Mancini (13'), Wesley (17'), Hermoso (34'), Pisilli (58').
• Donyell Malen provided two assists and hit the woodwork twice.
• Roma now has 64 points, one behind Juventus (65) and three behind Milan (67).
• Fiorentina remains +9 above the relegation zone despite the loss.
• Inter has already been crowned Serie A champions.
• Four teams are competing for two Champions League spots within five points.

Roma's Blitz in First Half Hour

AS Roma delivered a devastating first-half performance to beat Fiorentina 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive. The match was effectively decided within the opening 34 minutes as Roma scored three times. Gianluca Mancini opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a header from a corner kick. Four minutes later, Wesley doubled the lead with a powerful strike from outside the box. Mario Hermoso made it 3-0 in the 34th minute, finishing off an assist from a revitalized Koné. Fiorentina's defense struggled to contain Roma's attacking movements, particularly Donyell Malen, who caused havoc with his dribbling and passing. The Dutch winger, on loan from Aston Villa, set up the fourth goal for Niccolò Pisilli in the 58th minute with a trademark trivela cross.

Malen's Masterclass Leaves Fiorentina Defense in Shambles

Donyell Malen was the architect of Roma's victory, though he did not score himself. He provided two assists and hit the crossbar twice, once with a deflected shot that led to Mancini's opener from the resulting corner. His movement and creativity left Fiorentina defenders Marin Pongracic, Pietro Comuzzo, and Luca Ranieri bewildered. According to match reports, Malen's performance was so dominant that it was difficult to single out any one Fiorentina defender as most culpable. The former Aston Villa forward repeatedly attacked space, dropped between the lines, and delivered dangerous crosses, including the trivela that set up Pisilli's goal. Fiorentina's only bright spark came from 19-year-old debutant Riccardo Braschi, who hit the post in the second half. But by then, the match was already beyond reach.

Champions League Race Tightens with Three Games Left

Roma's win lifts them to 64 points, overtaking Como (62) and moving within one point of fourth-placed Juventus (65). They are now three points behind third-placed Milan (67). With three matches remaining, four teams are separated by just five points, all vying for two Champions League berths. Napoli, in second place with 70 points, is considered safe barring a dramatic collapse. Inter has already secured the Scudetto, leaving the remaining European spots as the main drama. Roma's resurgence under Gasperini has been remarkable, and they now control their own destiny. Fiorentina, despite the heavy defeat, remain virtually safe from relegation, sitting nine points above the drop zone. However, the loss exposes defensive frailties that could trouble them in the final stretch.

Cremonese's Relegation Fears Deepen After Lazio Loss

In other Serie A action, Cremonese's survival hopes suffered a major blow as they lost 1-2 at home to Lazio. Bonazzoli gave the hosts the lead in the 29th minute, but Lazio turned the game around in the second half. Isaksen equalized in the 53rd minute after an assist from Noslin, and Noslin scored a stunning winner in stoppage time (92nd minute). The defeat leaves Cremonese in third-last place, four points behind Lecce, who occupy the last safe spot. With only three games left, the gap may prove insurmountable. Lazio, meanwhile, moved back into eighth place alone, keeping their European hopes alive. Cremonese's goalkeeper Motta, who had been a hero in the Coppa Italia, made a costly error on Bonazzoli's goal, letting in a shot from distance that he should have saved. The team's frustration was evident as they missed several chances to extend their lead before Lazio's comeback.

What Lies Ahead for Roma and Fiorentina

Roma's victory sets up a thrilling finish to the season. They face three crucial matches against mid-table and relegation-threatened sides, but the pressure will be immense. Gasperini's tactical acumen and Malen's form will be key as they chase a top-four finish. Fiorentina, while safe from relegation, must address their defensive issues. The performance against Roma highlighted a lack of organization and individual errors that could be exploited by stronger opponents next season. Coach Raffaele Palladino will need to rebuild confidence before the campaign ends. The Serie A title race is over, but the battle for Champions League places and survival promises a dramatic conclusion.

The bottom line

• Roma's 4-0 win over Fiorentina keeps them in contention for a Champions League spot, now just one point behind Juventus.
• Donyell Malen was the standout performer, providing two assists and hitting the woodwork twice, despite not scoring.
• Fiorentina's defense collapsed under pressure, with multiple players at fault for the goals.
• Cremonese's 2-1 loss to Lazio leaves them four points from safety with three games remaining.
• The Champions League race involves four teams within five points: Milan (67), Juventus (65), Roma (64), and Como (62).
• Inter has already won the Serie A title, shifting focus to European qualification and relegation battles.