Roma are refusing to throw in the towel in their pursuit of a top-four finish, and the Giallorossi's recent surge has injected fresh life into their Champions League ambitions. After a thrilling 3-2 victory over Parma at the Stadio Tardini, combined with Milan's stunning 3-2 home defeat to Atalanta, Claudio Ranieri's side have pulled level on points with the Rossoneri in the Serie A standings. However, due to their head-to-head record, Roma currently sit in fifth place, keeping the pressure firmly on.

Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has a clear strategy in mind: secure six points from the next two matches and hope for another slip-up from Allegri's crisis-ridden Juventus. The prospect of Champions League football not only boosts the club's prestige but also simplifies summer planning, from contract renewals to strategic transfer moves. With sporting director Massara set to depart, the club is slowly beginning to lay the groundwork for the future.

One key piece of that puzzle appears to be Mario Hermoso. According to reports from Il Messaggero, Roma are set to activate a clause in the Spanish defender's contract that will extend his stay until 2027. Initially, Hermoso wasn't part of Gasperini's plans, but his impressive performances since the summer training camp have changed the manager's mind. The 29-year-old is enjoying his most prolific season in front of goal, matching his tally from 2022-23 with four goals and two assists so far—a valuable contribution from the back as Roma push for Europe's elite competition.