Roma defeated Midtjylland 2-1 in the fifth round of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League, thanks to goals from Aleksandar Anavi and Stephan El Shaarawy. Manager Gasperini stated that his team did not perform at their best in this match and urged Roma to perform better in the next game.

Seven minutes into the game, Zeki Cerlik delivered a cross, and Añavi volleyed it into the net, giving Roma a 1-0 lead. In the 83rd minute of the second half, El Shaarawy received a pass from Leon Bailey and slotted the ball home, extending Roma's lead to 2-0.

In the 86th minute, Paulinho pulled one back for Midtjylland. Ultimately, Roma defeated Midtjylland 2-1 at home. After a record of 3 wins and 2 losses in their last 5 matches, Roma currently sits in 15th place in the standings with 9 points.

Roma coach Gasperini said after the match, "We missed opportunities to play better; we gave them too many chances. We need to recover our fitness now and must play at another level in the next game."

“Wesley Franka made too many mistakes, which is a real shame because he has a lot of energy, but these mistakes are not necessarily all his fault. The opponent is very strong on the flanks, and we are lacking in terms of technique and our attacking organization was not the best. We have made progress, but then stagnated, and now we must perform well in the next game.”

Gasperini also pointed out, "Girardi performed well in the game, although we conceded a few goals, but in fact we could have done better in many aspects."

In addition, Roma will host defending champions Napoli in the next round of Serie A.

Gasperini stated, "These two teams know each other very well. Napoli's biggest advantage is their squad; their strength is undeniable, they are the Italian champions. We know we must give it our all, and we will be facing one of the strongest teams in Italy."

“This is different from the previous matches against Inter Milan and AC Milan, but we must achieve better results. Playing against strong teams is how we know where we stand, let’s see what level we are at.”