Paulo Dybala set for Roma return against Bologna after injury absence
Paulo Dybala is expected to be named in the Roma squad for their crucial Serie A match against Bologna this weekend, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Argentine forward, who has been sidelined with a muscular issue, is reportedly ready to return to action, though manager Vincenzo Italiano is likely to deploy him from the substitutes' bench initially.
The fixture, scheduled for April 26, 2026, comes at a pivotal moment for Roma following a shake-up in the club's leadership, with the recent departure of sporting director Claudio Ranieri. The Giallorossi are locked in a tense battle for a top-four finish and a place in next season's UEFA Champions League, making every point vital in the season's final stretch. A positive result at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara is essential for Italiano's side.
In Dybala's anticipated absence from the starting eleven, Italiano is poised to rely on other attacking options. The report indicates that new signing Morgan Rogers, known as Rowe in the Italian press, is set for his first start, joining the established duo of Matias Castro and Riccardo Orsolini in the frontline. This suggests a tactical shift as Roma seeks to maintain its offensive threat without risking an immediate full workload for their star playmaker.
For Bologna, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, the focus will be on exploiting any potential instability in a Roma side adjusting to off-field changes. Gasperini is expected to field Stephan El Shaarawy in his attack, a player familiar with the pressures of such high-stakes encounters. Dybala's potential introduction from the bench, however, could provide a decisive late-game spark for the visitors.
The 32-year-old Dybala remains a cornerstone of Roma's project when fit, contributing significant goals and creative play since his arrival on a free transfer in 2022. His return, even in a limited capacity, boosts squad morale and provides Italiano with a potent weapon. His availability adds a compelling subplot to a match with significant implications for the European qualification race, as both clubs aim to solidify their standing in the Serie A table.
