AS Roma December and January Slate: A Busy Time for the Serie A Side | OneFootball

As 2025 draws ever closer to its end, European football is entering a special stage of the season. The holidays have always been about unity, good times, positive vibes, and family, which are, coincidentally, all traits that the legendary Italian side AS Roma symbolizes. With one of the most passionate and devoted fan bases in Italian football, and beyond the country’s borders, the team from the capital has always been at the forefront of news headlines and interest. Despite the titles not coming anywhere near as frequently as some other big names in their league, mainly Juventus, Inter, Napoli, and Milan, Roma is one of those clubs that you have to support and root for. 

In the ongoing 2025/2026 season, they have been playing well and have a legitimate chance at winning trophies across multiple competitions. With favorable positions in the UEFA Europa League and Serie A, the end of the year can bring an even better situation for a strong push in January. That is exactly the main topic of our conversation here as we look at the December and January slate of games for Roma. We also talk odds, predictions, and the latest news for The Wolves of Rome so that your soccer betting experience is more accurate and productive. 

A Serie A Title Race in 2026?

As of the writing of this article, Roma is in the 4th spot in the always competitive top flight domestic league in Italy. Serie A has historically been one of the more competitive leagues in the Big Five, with plenty of teams able to defeat each other on any given night. While certain stretches were dominated by clubs for years, most notably Juventus, lately, it has been anything but certain as to who will win the Scudetto. Inter and Napoli have been the two best teams in the past few seasons, but this year, Roma is right up there with them, as only 3 points separate the top four teams. 

After 15 match days, Inter is first with 33 points coming from 11 wins and 4 losses. Their fiercest rivals, Milan, are second with 32 points from 9 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss. Then it is Napoli with 31 points, a result of 10 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses. Roma is fourth with 30 points, as they have so far won 10 and lost 5 matches. The goal difference is firmly in Inter’s hands with 20, followed by 11, 9, and 8 for Milan, Napoli, and Roma. 

The problem for the team from the capital has been the complete absence of draws. Losing 5 games and drawing 0 is not a good way to remain at the top of the standings. Also, they have the lowest scoring goals among the top 6 spots that lead to European competitions, with only 16 goals in 15 games. Juventus and Bologna, who are fifth and sixth, have scored 19 and 23 goals, respectively, with Bologna having a better goal difference of 10. 

Despite this, the team is in a great spot to make a decisive push at the start of 2026, as well as in the remaining games in 2025. The big game on December 20 sees them traveling to Turin to face Juventus. It is a tough away game, but a crucial one for the Romans if they mean to hold onto their spot to end the year. So, what about their chances? According to Stake.com predictions and analysis, Juventus is the favorite as the home team with 2.10 odds to win it. The draw odds are 3.30, while Roma only gets 3.85 to win all three points. 

Even if they draw or lose this one, a reprieve will come on December 29 with the final game of the year. Roma will host Genoa and be the absolute favorite to win the game, and thus see in 2026 in the fourth spot, or perhaps even second in the standings. There is also a scenario in which Roma sits atop Serie A on December 31, but Inter, Milan, and Napoli would have to help them by giving poor performances. In any case, one hard game away, followed by a must win easy one at home? It is more than doable, and the motivation will surely be there. 

When the league continues in January, it is a rough schedule with 5 games: at Atalanta on January 3, at Lecce on January 6, at home versus Sassuolo on January 10, at Torino on January 18, and at home versus Milan on January 25. In the meantime, the Coppa Italia Round of 16 versus Torino will also be played on January 13, pitting the two teams twice in two different competitions in the span of 5 days. 

The 2025/2026 Europa League Campaign

After 6 match days in Europe, Roma sees itself in a favorable 10th spot with 12 points. They have won 4 and lost 2 matches, again failing to draw either of the losses. The same issues persist across competitions as the team is yet to split the points with an opponent this season in either the domestic league or UEL. So far, they have scored 10 goals and allowed 5, which, again, is production that is not too bad but still only average. The good thing for the Wolves is that they have won their last three, after losing two in a row, a great recovery, and exactly what they needed before 2026. Their next two matchup come in the very busy January slate. Apart from 5 Serie A matches and 1 Coppa Italia match, Roma will also play 2 UEFA Europa League games. 

First, it is a home game against VfB Stuttgart on January 22. A week later, on January 29, they will be in Greece to face Panathinaikos. The Stuttgart game is the more important of the two, as the German side is the team right in front of Roma in the 9th spot in the standings. They have the same number of points, 12, and a better goal difference of 7. Winning at home against such a rival will be of the utmost importance for the remainder of the competition, as it can put them as far as the top 5. The second game is also the easier one. Panathinaikos is 15th, with 10 points and a goal difference of 2. It is always rough to play away against Greek teams in any sport, but Roma is the favorite and should be able to win. If they manage to capture all 6 points, the tally would read 18, which could be enough to climb to the very top, but Lyon, Midtjylland, and Aston Villa would need to lose a few points. 

Latest News and Transfer Rumors

This part of the season is usually ripe with news and rumors, especially considering the upcoming winter transfer window. Roma has been in certain headlines as of late, and there is enough news to keep things interesting. Most recently, the 1-0 win against Como kept them more than alive in their title hunt, even amid inconsistent form. The deciding goal came from Wesley, who converted a precise chance after Matias Soule’s assist, helping Roma stay just a few points behind league leaders. This result was particularly important after Roma had dropped points in their previous two matches, slipping from first place, which was so nice to enjoy for a while. Defensive solidity and timely finishing were key to this latest win, illustrating Gasperini’s side’s resilience, even if offensive output continues to fluctuate heavily. 

When potential transfers are concerned, most speculation is around the team’s ramping up with renewed focus on Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee as a January target. It suggests Roma is preparing a loan deal with an obligation to buy. The Dutch forward has reportedly been frustrated at Manchester United due to limited minutes and is keen on a move that guarantees regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Roma’s pursuit of Zirkzee reflects their clear need to boost their attacking options, especially given recent struggles to consistently score enough goals. Structuring the deal to delay major financial outlay until the summer could help Roma navigate current UEFA Financial Fair Play constraints while strengthening the squad. It would be the perfect winter signing should they be able to do it.

Alongside Zirkzee, Roma have been linked with other attacking reinforcements in recent transfer discussions. Rumours have circulated about a possible interest in Italian forward Giacomo Raspadori, who might return to Serie A following a mixed spell abroad. Both Roma and Lazio are reportedly monitoring his situation. While the credibility of such reports varies as typical speculation, they highlight Roma’s ongoing search for attacking depth beyond their current frontline options. Persistent links to these forwards show a broader strategic priority for Gasperini’s team that is clear to experts and fans alike: adding firepower to convert more scoring opportunities and better compete across all competitions.

In other news, off field financial considerations are shaping Roma’s market activity. Right now, the club is actively looking to reduce squad costs and create roster flexibility that would allow them to be in a better spot at one, if not all, of the trophies they are aiming for. Reports indicate that winger Leon Bailey has been offered to Benfica in an effort to free up roster space and financial resources for incoming targets like Zirkzee. Bailey’s time at Roma has been hampered by inconsistent form and physical issues, which have limited his impact on the pitch. Balancing the books is a key priority for the Giallorossi given ongoing UEFA Financial Fair Play pressures. This could mean more outgoing moves, including both loan exits and permanent sales of fringe players.

AS Roma FAQs, Facts, and Trivia

When was AS Roma founded?AS Roma was founded on July 22, 1927, following the merger of three Roman clubs: Roman FC, Alba Audace, and Fortitudo Pro Roma.

Why are AS Roma’s colors red and yellow?The club’s colors, popularly dubbed giallorossi (yellow and red), come from the official colors of the city of Rome. They symbolize imperial power and the city’s ancient heritage.

What does the AS Roma badge represent?The badge features the Capitoline Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, highlighting the club’s deep connection to the city’s history and its significance for the whole of Italy.

Where does AS Roma play its home matches?AS Roma plays at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, which it shares with city rivals SS Lazio. This is common in Italy, as Milan and Inter share their grounds, too.

Who is AS Roma’s biggest rival?Roma’s biggest rival is SS Lazio. Their matches are known as the Derby della Capitale, one of the most intense rivalries in world football, with two very passionate fan bases.

How many Serie A titles has AS Roma won?AS Roma has won three Serie A titles so far, in 1941-42, 1982-83, and 2000-01. They have been waiting for the trophy for a quarter of a century.

Who is AS Roma’s all time top scorer?Francesco Totti is Roma’s all time top scorer, with 307 goals in all competitions during his legendary career with the club. He played nowhere else in his career.

Why is Francesco Totti so important to AS Roma?Totti spent his entire professional career at AS Roma, becoming a symbol of loyalty, leadership, and Roman identity. It earned him the nickname “Il Capitano.” He had other nicknames as well, “Il Gladiatore” (The Gladiator), “L’Ottavo Re di Roma” (The Eighth King of Rome), “Er Bimbo de Oro” (The Golden Boy), and “Er Pupone” (The Big Baby/Kid).

Has AS Roma won any European trophies?Yes. AS Roma won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2021-22, marking the club’s first major European trophy. They were the runners up in the next year’s UEFA Europa League.

What is AS Roma known for stylistically?AS Roma is renowned for its passionate fan base, strong emphasis on developing homegrown talent, and a football culture that combines tactical discipline with creative attacking play.