Roma wins in Monza and is close to the Champions League qualification spots

In a thrilling 27th round of Serie A action, AS Roma secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Monza, significantly bolstering their chances for a spot in next season's Champions League.

Under the guidance of Daniele De Rossi, who stepped in for the Portuguese José Mourinho in January, Roma demonstrated tactical acumen and attacking prowess, particularly as the first half neared its conclusion. Goals from captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Belgian powerhouse Romelu Lukaku within a four-minute span set the tone for Roma's dominance.

The momentum carried into the second half, with Argentinian talents Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes further widening the gap, although Monza's Andrea Carboni managed to pull one back late in the game. Notably, among the Portuguese talents on the field, only Dany Mota of Monza made the starting lineup, with his stint ending in the 66th minute. Meanwhile, Pedro Pereira and Rui Patrício remained on the bench for their respective teams.

This victory marked Roma's third in a row, elevating them to a provisional fifth place in the Serie A standings with 47 points. This position places them squarely in the midst of a fierce battle for the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot, a contest that promises to intensify as the season progresses. Not far ahead, Bologna sits in fourth with a slender one-point lead, setting the stage for a crucial encounter with Atalanta, who are themselves in contention and set to face Sporting in the Europa League round of 16.

Elsewhere, Fiorentina's quest for European qualification faced a setback with a goalless draw against Torino, leaving them in seventh place. The match at the Olympic Stadium in Turin saw the home team play with ten men for the entire second half following Samuele Ricci's late first-half sending off, yet they managed to secure a point.

The day's action kicked off with a 1-1 draw between Udinese and Salernitana, showcasing the competitive nature of Serie A from top to bottom. Udinese, fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone, saw Portuguese defender João Ferreira in the starting lineup, contributing to a match that highlighted the league's unpredictability and excitement.

These matches reflect the intense competition throughout Serie A, from the battle for European spots to the fight for survival. With each team bringing its own story and ambition to the fore, the league continues to captivate fans worldwide, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.