AS Roma 2-0 Hellas Verona: Dovbyk, Soulé seal early Serie A win

When AS Roma opened the scoring against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico on September 28, 2025, fans knew they were witnessing something more than a routine league match. The Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk struck in the seventh minute, setting the tone for a performance that would help the capital club solidify its early‑season push in the 2025‑26 Serie A season. By the time the final whistle blew, Matías Soulé had added a late insurance goal, sealing a 2‑0 victory that pushed Roma to 12 points after five games.

Background to the Season

Roma entered the campaign with a mix of optimism and caution. After finishing fifth last season, the Giallorossi hired a new technical director in July and bolstered their squad with a few strategic signings, including Dovbyk in January. Their opening fixtures saw them collect three wins, one draw and a single loss, a record that put them just a point shy of the table leaders. Verona, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm, sitting on three points after five games with no wins to their name. The clash at the Olimpico was billed as a litmus test for both sides: could Roma translate early momentum into consistency, and could Verona finally snap their winless streak?

Match Summary

The atmosphere inside the Stadio Olimpico was electric, with over 39,000 supporters chanting in unison. Coach José Mourinho (who was confirmed as head coach in early August) stuck with a 4‑3‑3 formation, appointing Lorenzo Pellegrini as captain. Mile Svilar guarded the net, while the back line of Evan Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini and Zeki Çelik kept Verona at bay.

It didn’t take long for the home side to press. In the seventh minute, a swift one‑two between Pellegrini and Dovbyk created space on the left. Dovbyk’s low drive found the bottom corner, leaving Svilar stranded. The goal sparked an early surge; Verona pressed higher but failed to create clear chances.

Roma’s dominance lingered, but the second half saw Verona grow more adventurous. Their midfielder Samuele Ricci (wearing number 8) forced a corner that was cleared only to be collected by Matías Soulé. In the 79th minute, after a clever dummy, Soulé threaded a pass to the edge of the box and curled a finish into the top right corner. The stadium erupted, and the Giallorossi sealed the match.

Tactical Analysis

Two things stood out: Roma’s high‑press and their fluid transition. Mourinho instructed the midfield trio—Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Angeliño—to flood the midfield at the fifth minute, compressing space and forcing Verona into long balls. The press yielded a turnover that Dovbyk capitalized on.

Defensively, Roma stuck to a low line, but the full‑backs pushed high, providing width without leaving gaps. Zeki Çelik’s overlapping runs forced Verona’s right‑back to stay deep, limiting their ability to attack down the flank.

Verona’s manager, Marco Baroni, tried to switch to a 3‑5‑2 in the 60th minute, hoping to overload the midfield. The change briefly disrupted Roma’s rhythm, but the visitors lacked a clinical finisher—an issue that has haunted them all season.

Reactions and Quotes

After the match, Mourinho praised his side’s discipline: “We wanted to start strong, and the players delivered. Artem’s early goal gave us confidence, and Matías showed great maturity with his strike.”

Pellegrini, speaking to the club’s official media, added: “We know the season is long. Tonight we gave the fans what they expect—energy, intent and goals.”

Verona’s captain, Antonino Ragusa, admitted the defeat was painful: “We had chances, but Roma’s organization was superior. We’ll regroup and try to find a way back to winning ways.”

Implications for the Serie A Race

Roma’s 12 points now place them third, just two points behind the leaders, Inter Milan, who sit on 14. The win also boosts their goal difference to +8, a crucial tie‑breaker should the top four battle tighten later.

For Verona, the loss leaves them at the bottom with a goal difference of –9. Their next fixture against Lazio could be a make‑or‑break moment; a point would at least halt the slide.

Looking Ahead

The Giallorossi travel to Turin next week for a daunting clash with Juventus. If they can replicate the pressing intensity shown against Verona, they could claim three points against a side that has slipped under the radar this season.

Meanwhile, Verona will host newly promoted Empoli. The odds are in their favor, but they’ll need a more clinical striker—something they’ve lacked since the season opened.

Key Facts

Final score: AS Roma 2, Hellas Verona 0
Goals: Artem Dovbyk (7'), Matías Soulé (79')
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Roma’s points after 5 games: 12 (4‑0‑1)
Verona’s points after 5 games: 3 (0‑3‑2)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Roma’s win affect its chances of finishing in the top four?

The victory lifts Roma to third place with 12 points, just two behind leaders Inter Milan. With a positive goal difference and momentum, Roma is now firmly in the race for a Champions League spot, provided they maintain consistency over the next ten fixtures.

Why was Evan Ferguson left on the bench despite expectations?

Coach Mourinho opted for a more experienced attacking trio to preserve the team's early‑season rhythm. Ferguson, still recovering from a minor hamstring strain, was kept as an impact substitute, a decision critics say could limit his development if not rotated.

What were the decisive moments that led to Roma’s goals?

The first goal came from a quick press‑break after a failed Verona clearance, allowing Dovbyk to finish a one‑two with Pellegrini. The second stemmed from a well‑timed dummy by Soulé, who then delivered a precise pass to himself before curling the ball into the net.

Which players stood out for Verona despite the loss?

Midfielder Samuele Ricci showed spark with a couple of dangerous drives into the box, and striker Andrea Pinamonti finally breached the defense with a header that forced a crucial save from Svilar. Their efforts, however, were not enough to break Roma’s defensive solidity.

When is Roma’s next challenge and what does it mean for the squad?

Roma travels to Turin on October 5 to face Juventus. A win would cement their top‑three status and provide a psychological edge over a traditional powerhouse that has stumbled early this season.