The result, combined with AC Milan's 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari at the same time, lifted AS Roma into third place in the final standings — one of four clubs who could have claimed the position entering the evening. Inter Milan and Napoli had already sealed the top two places.
The opening 45 minutes at the Stadio Bentegodi were nervous. Verona, reduced to ten men just before the interval after Nicolas Valentini received a second yellow card, gave Roma the platform they needed. Malen scored in the 56th minute, converting at the second attempt after his penalty had been saved. El Shaarawy added the second late on to put the result beyond doubt.
Gian Piero Gasperini, speaking after the final whistle, reflected on a decision he had described as the hardest of his career when he left Atalanta after winning the Europa League in 2024 to take over a struggling Roma side.
"Last year I left the Champions League and it was not easy, because it is the most prestigious competition. I did it because I was convinced I could do good work at Roma. I did not know it would be this difficult, but it has gone very well, also thanks to the people who helped me."
He was clear-eyed about what comes next.
"The Champions League is beautiful, but it is very competitive, so we must be very careful. We want to build squads that are increasingly strong and competitive. The objective is always to grow."
Roma also beat Como in the race for third on the night. Cesc Fábregas's side finish fourth and also qualify for the Champions League after Milan's collapse at San Siro.
Approximately 500 Roma supporters gathered at Fiumicino airport to welcome the squad home after the final whistle in Verona. Gasperini had guided the club from a mid-table European League campaign to Champions League football in one season.
Seven years is a long time to wait. The reception at the airport suggested the city understood exactly what had been achieved.