Ranieri’s last game, familiar shape
The season ends with a curtain call: Claudio Ranieri’s final match in charge and a lineup built on continuity. All signs point to the same framework used against Milan, with small tweaks for freshness and balance. The headline choices are clear: Shomurodov leading the line, Saelemaekers operating off him again, and Soulè holding width on the right. In midfield, Pisilli is in line to take the spot of Paredes, who is expected to be held in reserve. Dovbyk returns to the squad after a short injury layoff, but the plan is to ease him in from the bench.
That approach fits the week’s training. Staff want a stable spine and legs around it. Pisilli brings energy and simple, forward passing. He may not have Paredes’ range, but he presses well and keeps the ball moving. That could matter against a Torino side that likes to crash the middle and duel for second balls.
Up top, Shomurodov offers runs behind and a tireless press. He stretches the back line, opening lanes for late runners and cutbacks. The idea is straightforward: use his movement to unbalance Torino, then feed off the space. If the match turns into a wrestling contest, Dovbyk gives Ranieri a different tool in the second half—strong in the air, sharp at attacking the near post, and able to play with his back to goal.
Saelemaekers as a second striker is a calculated call. He didn’t shine there against Milan, but he still covered ground, pressed passing lanes, and linked play in small pockets. His inside movements should free Soulè to isolate one-on-one down the right. Expect quick rotations: Saelemaekers drifting centrally, Soulè hugging the touchline, and the full-back overlapping to overload the flank.
Behind them, the back line and goalkeeper are likely unchanged. That stability matters in a match that can swing on details. Set pieces are another point of emphasis. With Saelemaekers and Soulè drawing fouls wide, delivery into a crowded box could be a steady source of chances, especially once Dovbyk is on.
Match stakes and the Torino test
Roma vs Torino rarely stays quiet for long. Torino will try to jam the middle, drag the game into duels, and live off transitions. That means discipline for Roma’s double pivot and clear triggers for the press. Get stretched, and Torino will thrive; stay compact, and the game tilts toward controlled possession and repeat entries into the final third.
Key battles to watch: Soulè against Torino’s left side—if Roma isolate him early, he can carry the team up the pitch. In central areas, Pisilli’s timing off the ball will be tested. Win first contacts, and he can step into passing lanes and spring counters. Lose them, and Roma will be defending their box more than they’d like.
- Continuity in shape: the flexible 4-2-3-1 that can slide into a 4-4-2 without the ball.
- Selection watch: Pisilli over Paredes, Saelemaekers as second striker, Dovbyk managed carefully off the bench.
- Bench impact: Paredes to steady the game if control slips; Dovbyk to change the tempo and offer a direct target.
- Risk management: no late gambles with fitness; minutes will be planned and pre-agreed.
For Ranieri, this is about a clean finish and a clear message. He has leaned on structure, trusted a few youngsters, and kept choices logical. The players know what the night means, and they’ll want to back that up with control: fewer turnovers, quicker rest defense after attacks, and smarter fouls when Torino breaks.
Don’t be surprised if the first 20 minutes feel cagey. Roma will try to establish territory and tempo, then look to punch through with diagonal switches to Soulè and quick combinations through Saelemaekers. Shomurodov’s runs will set the depth. If the game stalls or gets scrappy, the staff can flip the script with Dovbyk’s presence and Paredes’ passing to tilt the field late on.
It’s a season-ender with a farewell stitched in. The details will decide it: second balls in midfield, the quality of the last pass, and the timing of those second-half changes. If Roma manage those moments, they’ll give their coach the send-off he deserves.