Can Roma return to the Champions League? Ranieri’s men are ready to fight for their last hope

In Italy's Serie A, only two rounds remain until the season ends, and the title race remains intense. Reigning champion Inter continues its fight to defend the Scudetto, while Napoli — just one point behind — is still in contention.

At the same time, the race for the Champions League spots is also nearing its conclusion. Atalanta, after defeating Roma in the last round, has all but secured third place and a likely qualification.

A dramatic race for fourth place

Now, an intense competition is underway for the final Champions League ticket. Juventus and Lazio both have 64 points, while Roma is just behind with 63.

The Roman club has set its sights on returning to the Champions League and is still in the race. Head coach Claudio Ranieri has expressed full confidence in his players and believes they can achieve the goal in the last two rounds.

“We missed our chance against Atalanta and dropped out of the top four. But this isn’t the final verdict. They reached this level through nine years of work. We’re just starting our project and laying the foundation. We can’t afford any mistakes now. We want to play in the Champions League and we’ll do everything to make it happen,” said the veteran coach.

Ranieri’s impact is evident

Experts agree that when Ranieri took over Roma midseason, the team’s return to the Champions League seemed far-fetched. Under former coaches Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric, the club was underperforming and stuck in the lower half of the table.

But the 73-year-old’s return changed the outlook completely. Without big transfers, using only internal resources, he brought Roma back into the fight for top places.

Shomurodov becomes a key figure

One of the players who thrived under Ranieri is Uzbekistan international Eldor Shomurodov. At one point, he was close to leaving the club twice during the season, but in the crucial stretch he became one of Roma’s most important players.

His goals and assists earned the team valuable points. Eldor’s success has drawn attention not only from Roma fans but from Italian football analysts as well.

Tough tests ahead

Roma faces critical and difficult matches in the final two rounds. On May 18, they will host Milan — a team also aiming for European qualification and hungry for victories.

The season concludes on May 25 with an away match against Torino — a game that will not only mark the end of the campaign but also Claudio Ranieri’s final game as Roma’s head coach.

Zamin.uz conclusion

Roma’s fight to return to the Champions League is not over. Under Claudio Ranieri, the team is showing professionalism, discipline, and real determination. The emergence of players like Eldor Shomurodov shows the “Wolves” are still capable of reaching the European elite.

Zamin.uz will continue to closely follow every move of Roma and promptly deliver key updates to fans. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!