Ranieri: ‘Proud of Roma’s suffering’ against Fiorentina, Dovbyk potential still unexpressed

ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Claudio Ranieri insisted that Artem Dovbyk’s potential hasn’t been fully expressed despite his 12 Serie A goals in his first season in Italy, which, his coach noted, has brought a lot of crucial points for his team.

The former Girona striker scored the winner during his side’s 1-0 victory against Fiorentina, extending the Giallorossi’s unbeaten streak to 19 league games.

The former Leicester manager also suggested that Dovbyk’s heartfelt celebration is a further signal that his adaptation process is continuing and reaping fruit.

Ranieri: Roma players must help Dovbyk express full potential

“Dovbyk is doing well – if we analyse how many points his goals have been worth, it’s a lot,” Ranieri told DAZN after the match.

“He’s a player who always gives his best. His teammates need to understand his potential, because I’m convinced it hasn’t been fully expressed yet.

“He’s a very shy guy, doesn’t communicate much, and still doesn’t speak Italian very well.

“For about ten days now, I’ve seen him smile more, and that’s important. Did you see how much he celebrated? Do you remember how he never celebrated before?”.

Roma were forced to defend for long stretches against Fiorentina and can thank Mile Svilar for helping them emerge victorious, with the goalkeeper’s saves ultimately proving decisive.

However, Ranieri emphasised that he feels ‘proud’ of his team’s ability to secure victories, even after a game that was ‘full of suffering’.

“I don’t know where we can go from here,” the coach continued.

“I always ask the maximum from the players. I tell them that this summer, when we’re at the beach on vacation, we should have no regrets, no recriminations. We must be happy with what we will have managed to achieve.

“But I want to say that today we played against a very strong team.

“They’re technically very good, good, good. We wanted to press them high, but we couldn’t because they moved the ball well.

“So, we played a great game, full of suffering, and that’s what makes me proudest. Because when I ask for a performance, Roma always delivers.”