GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Following the news that Gianluca Petrachi has been appointed as Roma's new sporting director, it's time to take a look at what he did in his previous role.
When Petrachi was appointed as Torino's sporting director in 2010, the club were in Serie B, but under his guidance, they worked their way back up to the top flight, and are now regulars in the top half. They even reached the Round of 16 of the Europa League in 2014-15. One of Petrachi's key roles will be bringing new players to the club, after Roma were left with a dearth of quality by Monchi. Here, Giallorossi Yorkshire looks back at Petrachi's five best signings during his decade in Turin. 5. Danilo D'Ambrosio (2010) One of Petrachi's first moves at Torino was the acquisition of Danilo D'Ambrosio from third-tier side Juve Stabia. The full-back, 22 years old at the time, helped his new side work their way back up to the top flight, before sealing a move to Inter in January 2014 - with Petrachi taking young midfielder Marco Benassi to Torino in return. While D'Ambrosio is hardly the best player on Inter's roster, he is still a valuable member of their squad, and Petrachi's negotiation to get Benassi in return was itself a shrewd piece of business, as he was sold on to Fiorentina three years later for more than double the fee. 4. Ciro Immobile (2013) These days, Immobile is leading the line for Roma's rivals Lazio, but it was after Petrachi took him to Torino in 2013 that he really began to show his potential. A Juventus youth product, Immobile had been prolific in Serie B for Pescara in 2011-12, but other than that, had never scored more than five goals in a season. Petrachi took a gamble on him, and it paid off, as he claimed the Capocannoniere award in his sole season with the club before sealing a move to Borussia Dortmund a year later - his 22-goal campaign earning Torino a quick profit. 3. Matteo Darmian (2011) Another full-back who was given his real breakthrough at Torino, Darmian had come through the youth ranks at AC Milan before learning his trade on loan at Padova in Serie B. After playing a part-time role for Palermo in the top flight in 2010-11, Torino gave him his opportunity to become a regular starter back in the second tier. He immediately helped them gain promotion, and grew to prominence enough to make his Italy debut while at the club. In total, he made more than 150 appearances before sealing a move to Premier League giants Manchester United four years later. 2. Kamil Glik (2011) Glik, like Darmian, made his way to Torino via Palermo - where he had been signed by future Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini. However, the Pole's time on Sicily was uneventful, and he was shipped out on loan to Bari. He made just over a dozen appearances, and it was enough for Petrachi to convince Torino to make him part of their promotion project. After getting them back up to Serie A, Glik continued to establish himself as one of the league's most consistent defenders, earning the role of captain in his third season with the club, before making a move to Monaco in 2016, where he became a league champion at the first time of asking. 1. Andrea Belotti (2015) The figurehead of Torino's rise to the top half of Serie A, Belotti was plucked from Palermo in 2013. His only prior Serie A campaign had brought just six goals, but Petrachi saw his value, and paid €7.5m to take him north. Belotti was an instant hit, doubling his tally from the previous season with a dozen goals. In 2016-17, he went even better, scoring 26 goals in a season in which he was eclipsed only by Dries Mertens and Roma's own Edin Dzeko. The big clubs were circling, but Petrachi drove a hard bargain, warding off the likes of Chelsea by slapping a €100m release clause into his contract. Perhaps that was the biggest success of Petrachi's tenure at Torino - not just signing Belotti, but keeping him there. It's a stance which surely wouldn't be lost on the Roma fans still frustrated at the cheap and regular sales of some of the team's prize assets. Whether Petrachi will be able to replicate that work at Roma is another question. One only needs to look at the huge differences between the expectations of his predecessor Monchi and what was actually achieved, to take such appointments with a pinch of doubt. But Petrachi has one thing that Monchi never did, which may equip him better for success - experience in Serie A. Roma will be hoping that Petrachi proves himself to have more know-how than the Spaniard, so that he is able to complete more deals like those written about above.
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"We will surely be the first to be called."
The words of Igor Zaniolo, father of Roma prodigy Nicolo, gave a clear indication: they expect the midfielder's contract extension to be considered a priority by the new-look club management. Ever since Zaniolo began to emerge as a key player for Roma, there has been talk of an improved contract for the youngster. While some of the higher earners in the squad, like Edin Dzeko and Javier Pastore, were under-performing, Zaniolo was becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet, despite being on a lower salary than any other player to make an appearance for Roma last season. Particularly in the period between his first ever Serie A goal, against Sassuolo in December, and the brace he scored against Porto in the first leg of the Champions League Last 16 tie in February, Zaniolo was contributing more than any of his teammates. It wasn't long before the transfer rumours started to link the teenager with a move away. Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea were all suggested as potential destinations, but the strongest links of all tipped Zaniolo to move to Juventus - the club he supported as a child. Would he make the same controversial move as the likes of Mirko Vucinic and Miralem Pjanic by trading the capital for Turin? Immediately, it became clear that Roma needed to put measures in place to stop such a move happening. Fans had grown tired of young talents being sold on too early, going on to flourish elsewhere, particularly at rivals. As a matter of urgency, Zaniolo's contract had to be improved. From March onwards, though, everything change. Roma were dumped out of the Champions League, which saw coach Eusebio Di Francesco and, crucially, sporting director Monchi leave their positions. Zaniolo, to some extent, also began to leave his position - being moved out to the right wing, instead of being played as a central midfielder, the role Igor reiterated in his interview with Centro Suono Sport that he feels is the young Italian's strongest. A number of circumstances came together to mean that Zaniolo's renewal was put off. Now, though, with a new sporting director set to be appointed (probably Gianluca Petrachi, although nothing is official yet), the midfielder's hopes of landing a more lucrative deal can be resumed. Should he really be the first job for the incoming director though? Surely there are more pressing matters to attend to. Zaniolo's form towards the end of the season dropped off - perhaps due to being played in a different role, or due to fatigue. In the first two months of 2019, he contributed four goals and two assists in all competitions. Between March and the end of the season, he only managed to provide one goal. Claudio Ranieri had a major positive impact in stabilising the club, but perhaps Zaniolo was the one man left behind by the interim coach. His discipline also waned, perhaps because of his frustration. He was booked in his last four games of the season - and, incidentally, has seen yellow in each of the two games he has played for Italy at the U21 Euros so far. Skepticism over Zaniolo's true ability began to arise. With that in mind, the attention should turn to a player who, unlike Zaniolo, kept up his form right to the end of the season. Stephan El Shaarawy was Roma's best player in 2018-19, by a comfortable distance. But whereas Zaniolo's deal expires in 2023, El Shaarawy has just one year left on his contract - meaning he could soon leave for nothing. That is a scenario that Roma simply cannot afford to allow. El Shaarawy is growing into one of the most responsible players in the squad, someone who can potentially become a leader. Indeed, he did get to wear the captain's armband on one occasion last year. In addition, he is Roma's most guaranteed source of goals. With doubts over the futures of strikers Dzeko and Patrik Schick, El Shaarawy is the one man who has proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer for the team. Whoever leads the line next season, that support is essential. Due to his contract situation, though, the winger has been linked with a move away, with Atalanta and Fiorentina just two of the sides interested. It would be a huge mistake for Roma to let him leave, when he has just shown what he can do over a sustained period of time. Therefore, it is not Zaniolo, but El Shaarawy who should be receiving the first call from the next sporting director. His absence from the team would hurt Roma more than Zaniolo's. In an ideal world, both would remain in yellow and red next season, but the club's financial situation may not allow that to be the case. That financial situation also means it may not be feasible to throw more money at Zaniolo in the hope of keeping him. He needs to prove himself more before feeling entitled to a greater salary - especially given that Roma have other, potentially better, options in his position, like Lorenzo Pellegrini. The new sporting director must also give more attention to molding the squad to Fonseca's needs. It's important that the new coach's transition into Italian football is made as smooth as possible, and if he needs new players to achieve that, then those signings must take precedence over the renewal of Zaniolo. His entourage may feel that he deserves better, but the reality is that Zaniolo has a lot of work to do yet before he can really warrant getting the bigger money. He needs to keep learning, keep improving, and most of all, he needs to keep a sense of perspective. With Roma having learnt their potential opponents for the Europa League second qualifying round, Giallorossi Yorkshire takes a look at what the competition will mean to the club next season.
Roma will play the winners of Debrecen v Kukesi (pending the result of Milan's FFP investigation), with the first leg taking place at the end of July. It will be Paulo Fonseca's first chance to show what style of play he will be trying to implement at Roma, however little time he will have had to work with the squad beforehand. The new coach has his first chance to impress - but there are people who still believe Roma would be better off not being in the competition. Perhaps those arduous Thursday nights will be a distraction, adding unnecessary miles to Roma's travelling. Players could get injured in the extra matches, affecting how Roma perform in Serie A. But that logic is flawed. Roma must take the Europa League seriously next season. Look at the last time Roma had to play in the qualifying rounds for this competition, back in 2011-12. Luis Enrique's first games as head coach saw the Giallorossi lose 1-0 in Slovakia to Slovan Bratislava, before only drawing 1-1 in the return leg. Roma's European campaign was over before it had begun. That early elimination, rather than helping Roma do better in the league, set the precedent for a disappointing season. They finished seventh in Serie A, not even high enough to reach the qualifying rounds of the next edition of the Europa League. There were costly losses to sides like Genoa (who came 17th), Cagliari (15th) and even Lecce, who were relegated. In addition, they lost both games to Lazio, something even more painful for the supporters. Enrique was dismissed, and it was back to square one. Roma cannot afford another season like that. The reason wasn't because Enrique was a bad coach. He went on to win back-to-back La Liga titles, the Champions League and three successive Copa Del Rey trophies at Barcelona. Maybe his failure at Roma was a question of momentum, which could have been different had the season not started on such a bad note. Fonseca will be hoping to avoid a similar fate in his first season at Roma, and the Europa League is a competition he should prioritise. Of course he would've liked to have been in the Champions League instead, just like everyone associated with the club. But Roma must face their reality, and they can use it to their advantage. After the shocking departure of Francesco Totti, and everything that has come in the aftermath, what better way to get the fans back on side than with a good European run? There is no reason why Roma, with a couple of smart additions, can't venture far into the competition. Roma's UEFA coefficient is higher than all but two of the teams that have qualified directly to the group stage. Even though that figure is mainly based on past performances, it shows the level Roma are at in comparison to their competition - and suggests that, should they make the group stages, they will have a favourable draw. Entering at this early stage of the tournament, Roma will need to get through 20 matches if they are to reach the final. It won't be easy, but they still have a better chance of winning the Europa League than Serie A. And with no trophies having arrived under the American ownership after nearly a decade, it's essential that they find some way to quench the fans' thirst for success. Roma cannot afford to be complacent, but the Europa League can be used as a springboard for further glory. This was not how to treat a legend.
Whether you agree with everything that Francesco Totti said at his explosive farewell press conference yesterday or not, the one thing that is clear is that he has been shown a distinct lack of respect. Both in his final years as a player - when he was still making an impact, even if it was usually from the bench - and in his two years as a director. Totti has been tossed aside, neglected, forgotten about - just like his former teammate Daniele De Rossi was this past season. After a 30-year connection with the club, turning down lucrative offers from more successful sides, he deserved to have at least a fraction of that loyalty repaid by being taken seriously. Yes, some of what Totti said wasn't the full picture. For example, his claim that the directors only told him he'd be retiring as a player "two rounds before the end" is wide of the mark; there is clear evidence to show that 2016-17 had been confirmed as his last season with Roma. But the vast majority of everything else he said is believable. It was already known that Totti personally chose Claudio Ranieri as Roma's interim coach when Eusebio Di Francesco was dismissed in March. That was the best decision made by anyone at the club last season. Ranieri was exactly what Roma needed at that moment in time, and got them looking up the table again, rather than over their shoulders. That was Totti's sign that he could make good technical decisions. So why was his input not asked for more? In the transfer market, he said he would have signed Hakim Ziyech instead of Javier Pastore. Hindsight is easy, but who wouldn't have? Let's be quite clear here: from the beginning, everyone knew Pastore wouldn't fit in. Ziyech had the season of his life. Maybe Totti should have accepted the role offered to him for one year, to see how things changed when given the new title. Being a technical director may have allowed him to make more important decisions like these. Maybe. Perhaps it was just another illusory title to make the people believe he was involved to the extent that he should have been, when it was really other people pulling the strings. Franco Baldini. Where does he go from here? He was already the most hated man in Rome - or, more precisely, London - before this, but Totti's comments, no matter how often he tried to insist there was no bad blood between them, were indicting. Baldini doesn't even have an official title, but is clearly calling the shots. This was a man who was essential in putting the Roma side together that last won Serie A in 2001. The man who signed Gabriel Batistuta, Emerson and Walter Samuel - all key players in that glorious season. Now his reputation is in tatters. And what have Roma got to show for his decision making? It will be a long time before they are competing for that crown again. James Pallotta will stay put. No matter how many times the fans tell him to 'Go Home' - an ironic statement, given that one of the main criticisms of the president is that he is never present in Rome - Pallotta remains convinced that he will see through his project. Is that project to build a successful team, or just a stadium? It was thought that the latter would help the former, but after eight years of setbacks, his patience must have been tested. But as seen in the statement that Roma released to respond to Totti's comments - notably unsigned, perhaps trying to use the power of the name of the whole club to turn things against the ex-captain - Pallotta has no intention of walking away. Figuratively, of course. That statement, if anything, helped Totti's case more than the powers that be at the club. It painted a picture of him as a trouble-causer, which he is exactly what he complained about at his press conference. Maybe, to some extent, he is. We saw it on the pitch sometimes. But he made up for it with his skill and good judgement; why couldn't he as a director? Whatever he has done has been with the best interests of Roma at heart. If that needs honesty, then that's what he'll give. Just like Ranieri did before he departed - but to an even bigger degree. Now, no longer a part of the formula after 30 years, Totti is at an incredibly low point. "This is far worse than retiring as a player," he confessed. "I feel like it'd be better if I died." Have the club learnt nothing from Agostino Di Bartolomei? Yes, he played in a different time, under a different owner, but Roma's lack of contact with him post-retirement was one of the many factors that led to him taking his own life at the age of 39, and it was a lesson that had to be learnt from. He did not receive the support he needed, and, in a story with a different conclusion, but one that is sad in its own way, neither has Totti. The transition from playing to being a director is a tough one, especially for a bandiera. After so many years of putting on the same shirt in the same changing room, at the same stadium, suddenly not being a part of the action on matchday must bring all kinds of emotions. It's a process that players need supporting through; they are people, after all, and while they are expected to perform like machines on the pitch, they have their own feelings off it too. Perhaps that's a role that the club should create - a person to oversee players making that transition into retirement. It would help them feel more involved, wanted - not cast aside like Totti has been. Because legends deserve a respect that goes beyond appreciation of what they did on the pitch. Waking up on 18th June, 2019, has been a strange feeling for all Romanisti. It's the first full day in which Francesco Totti has not been employed by Roma this century. For some, it will be the first day in their lives in which that has been the case. Those fans, of all ages, remain at his side though, willing to show him the love and support that their club - his club - have so clearly failed to do.
Giallorossi Yorkshire's season review concludes with the individual awards for Roma's players.
For the first time, fans had a say in the awards, as the Goal of the Season vote was made open to the public. The vote went right down to the wire, requiring a secondary Twitter poll. Elsewhere, Giallorossi Yorkshire has chosen some familiar awards, such as Player of the Season, Most Improved Player, and to celebrate their inaugural season, there are four accolades for the women's team. Here are the winners in full. Young Player of the Year - Nicolo Zaniolo This one picked itself. Zaniolo took Serie A by storm in his first season in the top flight, finishing with four goals and two assists from 27 league appearances. The midfielder wasn't afraid of a physical battle despite his lack of experience at a senior level, and became one of his team's most important players with a string of impressive performances. Old Player of the Year - Daniele De Rossi It's not just the young players who deserve credit. Without the influence of those nearer the end of their careers, the season could have been even worse. Antonio Mirante made a big contribution in goal, but the award has to go to De Rossi. In his final season with the club, he continued to give everything when he was on the pitch, as Roma won 10 of the 18 Serie A games he played in. Even at 35, his influence was clear to see. Most Improved Player - Federico Fazio Under Eusebio Di Francesco, Fazio showed the worst form of his time at Roma so far. The defender was losing his concentration and struggling with pace. The last part had always been an issue for him, but he had overcome it with his reading of the game. At the start of the season, though, it wasn't happening. Cue Claudio Ranieri's appointment and cue Fazio's improvement. The Argentine was back to his best, making vital blocks and tackles as Roma closed the season on a nine-game unbeaten run. Signing of the Year - Nicolo Zaniolo Once again, Mirante falls just short of claiming an award in his first season with Roma. The goalkeeper is just beaten to it by Zaniolo, due to the lack of expectations that were on the teenager's shoulders when he arrived. Nobody could have foreseen the contributions Zaniolo would make. And at less than €5m, he is looking like one of the shrewdest purchases in recent history. If Roma decide to sell him on in the future, they could make 10 times that. Women's Young Player of the Year - Giada Greggi In Roma Women's first ever season, a number of youngsters were a key part of the formula. One of those who showed maturity beyond her years was 19-year-old Greggi. A dynamic midfielder, Rome-born Greggi inspired her team with her work rate and creativity. No player contributed more assists for Betty Bavagnoli's side over the season. Greggi even established herself as vice-captain despite her young age, and should be a leader for this side for years to come. Women's Most Improved Player - Flaminia Simonetti Greggi's fellow Rome-born midfielder was in and out of the side in the first half of the season, but Simonetti seized her chance when a couple of her teammates were out injured, and became a key part of the starting lineup in the final weeks. She played with a great determination, helping her to score five goals - bettered only by Annamaria Serturini. Women's Goal of the Year - Luisa Pugnali v Orobica Roma Women's debut campaign brought several impressive goals, with the February win over Orobica bringing two on the same day. Bartoli scored with an overhead kick, but just edging it for goal of the year is Pugnali's strike from earlier in the match. The forward dribbled down the wing with intent, sending one opponent falling to the floor. Pugnali then curled the ball way beyond the goalkeeper's despairing reach.
Women's Player of the Year - Elisa Bartoli Fiercely committed and with the ability to match, diehard Romanista Bartoli jumped at the opportunity to play for her beloved club. A clear choice for captain, she led by example throughout, marauding forward from her left-back position. It's never clear how things will gel in a team's first season, but the squad could not have asked for a better leader than Bartoli to guide them through it. Men's Goal of the Year - Stephan El Shaarawy v Inter It was a close-run contest, as Cengiz Under's strike against Frosinone tied with two El Shaarawy goals - one against Sampdoria and one against Inter - in the initial poll. The Italian's strike against Inter just edged it in the second vote, and it was a deserving winner. El Shaarawy waited for his moment before sending the ball flying in. Player of the Year - Stephan El Shaarawy Of course, it was one of many great moments in El Shaarawy's season. The winger finally established himself as a consistent game-changer, often inspiring his side when they were struggling. At 26 years old, he began to show leadership qualities, and his performances on the pitch proved how much he has matured in his three-and-a-half years with Roma. With just one year left on his contract, it's essential that Roma keep hold of him, and that he keeps progressing as he has this year. Congratulations to all the winners! Paulo Fonseca is preparing for his first season as Roma head coach, eager to prove himself in Serie A.
The Portguese coach was confirmed as Claudio Ranieri's successor this week, and although this will be his first experience of coaching in one of Europe's top five leagues, he has certainly influenced the careers of players who have gone on to better things. Here is a lineup made up of the best players he has managed so far. GK: Andriy Pyatov (Shakhtar Donetsk) Ukraine's number one for as long as time can remember, Pyatov has made more than 400 appearances for Shakhtar in all competitions. Only three players have played more for the club in their history. Even with the veteran in his mid-30s, Fonseca kept Pyatov as his first choice keeper for the duration of his three-year stay. RB: Danilo (Porto) Fonseca's time with Porto lasted less than a full season, but he brushed shoulders with some players who would go on to become stars. One of those was full-back Danilo. The Brazilian made more than 30 appearances under Fonseca, before sealing a move to Real Madrid in 2015. He is now a Premier League champion with Manchester City. CB: Willy Boly (Braga) Another player who is now plying their trade in England, Wolves centre-back Boly was given his first real chance at a good level by Fonseca in the coach's sole season with Braga. The Frenchman was given just short of 40 appearances in all competitions, which would earn him a move to Fonseca's former side Porto the year after. CB: Maicon (Porto) No, not that one. Roma had a Maicon of their own in the 2013-14 season, but at the same time, a centre-back of the same name was impressing at Porto. It was his fifth season at the Estadio Do Dragao, the club he had joined as a 20-year-old in 2009. LB: Alex Sandro (Porto) A name that has become very familiar to Roma fans, Alex Sandro has been one of Serie A's best full-backs over the past four years with Juventus. But his first opportunity in Europe actually came with Porto. Fonseca's season at the club saw Sandro play more than in any of his other three campaigns in Portugal. CM: Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk) Fred's move to Manchester United hasn't all gone to plan, but there was a reason that the Premier League giants paid more than £50m for him. The Brazilian midfielder flourished under Fonseca's tutelage at Shakhtar, as he was given a platform to flourish on the international stage - even scoring a free kick against Roma in the Champions League in 2017-18. A reunion with Fonseca at Roma has been touted, and it could be in the best interests of all parties. CM: Hector Herrera (Porto) A player who arrived at Porto in the same summer as Fonseca, it's fair to say that Herrera's time in Portugal was far more successful. In six seasons with the club, who he is leaving this summer, he became captain and cemented his place as a regular international for Mexico. Now 29, he would be an inviting proposition on a free, but looks all set to join Atletico Madrid. RW: Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk) Someone who has been heavily linked with following Fonseca to Roma, forward Taison has enjoyed seven successful years with Shakhtar. In Fonseca's first season with the club, Taison produced his best ever goalscoring return in Europe, finding the net 10 times. While Fonseca was his club coach, Taison was also given his international debut by Brazil, for whom he has scored once in eight caps. AM: Juan Quintero (Porto) Signed in the same year as Fonseca was appointed at Porto, attacking midfielder Quintero could have been a bargain at €5m. A technically gifted player, he made over 20 appearances in his sole season with Fonseca, but his gametime dropped after, and he has since returned to South America, currently plying his trade with River Plate. LW: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk) Now a Premier League regular with Everton, Bernard earnt his move to England after half a decade in Ukraine. Like his former teammate Taison, he was given a more cutting edge in front of goal when Fonseca took over, scoring more goals in his two seasons with Roma's new coach than in the three that came before. ST: Jackson Martinez (Porto) Martinez's career has not been the same since he moved from Porto to Atletico Madrid, and then on to China. But at Porto, he was one of the most efficient strikers on the planet. He netted more than 20 goals in the 2013-14 season that Fonseca was in charge for part of. Last season, he returned to Portugal with Portimonense, rediscovering some kind of scoring form at the age of 32. Subs: Helton (Porto), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Ismaily (Shakhtar), Ricardo Quaresma (Porto), Facundo Ferreyra (Shakhtar)
Part four of Giallorossi Yorkshire’s season review sees each player’s performances for Roma in 2018-19 rated out of 10.
Each player is given an average rating, based on their scores from matches across the season, and a season rating – a more general reflection of their campaign as a whole. It was a largely disappointing season, so who is to blame, and who can come out of it with their head still held high? Robin Olsen Average Rating: 5.88 Season Rating: 4 Replacing one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Alisson Becker with an unproven Robin Olsen, who had never played in a major European league, was one of Monchi’s biggest mistakes in his time as Roma’s sporting director. Olsen had had a steady World Cup with Sweden, but it should not have been enough to bring him to Roma. The gamble backfired, as the former Copenhagen man made several basic errors which cost his side points. Antonio Mirante Average Rating: 7.00 Season Rating: 8 Fortunately, Claudio Ranieri noticed a change was needed, and replaced Olsen with Mirante. Initially signed as a backup keeper last summer, Mirante proved his worth with a number of impressive performances after claiming a starting berth. Unlike Olsen, he provided a sense of calmness to those in front of him, and was always reliable. He has to be considered as one of the signings of the season. Alessandro Florenzi Average Rating: 5.47 Season Rating: 6.5 It was a season of ups and downs for Florenzi, but that’s just who he is now. What the right-back sometimes lacks in technical quality, he makes up for in heart and desire – which will see him assume the role of club captain next season. Towards the end of the season, he started to show glimpses of his former self, with promising displays against the likes of Juventus. Three goals and three assists in all competitions is hardly a bad return. Rick Karsdorp Average Rating: 6.00 Season Rating: 6.5 Unlike the previous season, 2018-19 actually gave Karsdorp some opportunities to play. And when he did feature, he showed why the club had been so faithful in him. Confident in both directions up and down the right flank, his season was disrupted by injury again, but if he can stay fit, he could still be a top level full-back. Davide Santon Average Rating: 6.29 Season Rating: 7 Some fans scoffed when Santon was included as part of the deal that sent Radja Nainggolan to Inter, but the Italian silenced his doubters with some solid performances. Consistently strong, his ability to play in either full-back role should have been utilised more often by his coaches. Kostas Manolas Average Rating: 5.92 Season Rating: 5.5 Manolas was one of the heroes of 2017-18, as he came to embody the miraculous win over Barcelona, in which he scored the decisive goal. In 2018-19, however, he didn’t live up to those standards. Perhaps his head was turned by talk of a move away, but as a senior player he needed to stand up more when his side were struggling. Federico Fazio Average Rating: 5.97 Season Rating: 6 It’s unfashionable to say it, but Fazio had as many good games as Nicolo Zaniolo over the course of the season. Under Eusebio Di Francesco, he struggled, exposed by the coach’s preference for a high line, but when Ranieri replaced the former Sassuolo boss, Fazio once again became the strong defender he had been in the prior two seasons. Juan Jesus Average Rating: 5.14 Season Rating: 6 A player who never gives anything less than 100% when he steps onto the pitch, Jesus was a touch unlucky not to have played more, especially when Fazio was struggling. He has vastly improved in his three years with Roma, even if he hasn’t been given the chance to be a regular starter. Ivan Marcano Average Rating: 5.08 Season Rating: 5 The acquisition of Marcano on a free from Porto appeared to be something of a coup at the time. Roma were getting an experienced player who could provide competition in a problematic position. However, the centre-back did not feature as much as expected, even if he did show that he could have been an option at left-back as well. Aleksandar Kolarov Average Rating: 6.28 Season Rating: 6 A player who has as many good games as he does bad, Kolarov managed to get through another full season as Roma’s first choice left-back. When it's not his day, he can be a liability in defence, but going forward he was a positive presence, with only Edin Dzeko and Stephan El Shaarawy scoring more than him. However, it is essential that Roma have a younger player to compete for a starting role in the position next season. Steven Nzonzi Average Rating: 6.13 Season Rating: 6 Big things were expected from Nzonzi when he joined Roma in the summer, fresh from winning the World Cup with France. However, his season was a slow burner – perhaps due to fatigue from that gruelling tournament. Like Fazio, he improved vastly under Ranieri, being a combative presence in midfield, breaking up play and making good passes. He didn’t quite reach the world class standards expected of him, but he was nowhere near as poor as some people have made out. Daniele De Rossi Average Rating: 6.05 Season Rating: 7.5 It’s not just sentiment because of who he is – De Rossi could easily have been player of the season if he had been fit all year. His presence on the pitch made a massive difference to his beloved team, as he inspired those around him to raise their games when others were backing down. Fully committed despite his increasing years, the departing captain proved that he could still influence games. In the last of his 18 seasons with Roma, he went out on a high. Lorenzo Pellegrini Average Rating: 5.91 Season Rating: 7.5 One of the players that will have to step up in the absence of De Rossi next year, Pellegrini proved that he could be a future leader in a campaign that demonstrated how much he has progressed since he returned to his hometown club. When deployed in a more advanced role, the number seven was a creative force, helping link up his team’s play. Injuries meant the second half of his season wasn’t as productive, but he has shown that he can be a key player in the near future. Bryan Cristante Average Rating: 5.21 Season Rating: 6.5 It’s still hard to know what to make of Cristante. What kind of midfielder is he? Signed after a high-scoring season with Atalanta, the Italian did not replicate the kind of form he showed in front of goal with the Bergamo side. Later in the campaign, he started to play better in a deeper role, breaking up play well, but he must improve his forward passing if he is to nail down a regular spot at a club of Roma’s stature for years to come. Ante Coric Average Rating: N/A Season Rating: 5 One of the first players in the door in the summer transfer window, Coric’s opportunities were seriously restricted. At 22 years old, he should not be treated as a youth player, but his coaches did not see him as part of the first team picture, meaning his ability is still up for question. Nicolo Zaniolo Average Rating: 5.9 Season Rating: 7.5 An unknown quantity when he arrived with Santon from Inter in the summer, Zaniolo wasn’t expected to take on much responsibility, but after holding his own against Real Madrid on his debut in the Champions League, the teenager began to force himself into the starting lineup. Quickly emerging as a fan favourite, Zaniolo impressed with his skill and strength, but faded slightly towards the end of the year. He must be more careful not to give cheap fouls away in future, but these are minor details. As far as debut seasons go, Zaniolo couldn’t have done much better. Alessio Riccardi Average Rating: N/A Season Rating: N/A Included for sake of completeness, Roma’s promising academy prospect made his debut against Virtus Entella. He was deployed in a deeper role than he is used to, and wasn’t brought on early enough to showcase just how good he can be. Javier Pastore Average Rating: 2.88 Season Rating: 3 The less said, the better. Eyebrows were raised when Monchi vainly parted with nearly €25m for a 29-year-old player who not only had a recent history of injury problems, but didn’t even fit into the only tactical system used by Di Francesco. Pastore, who was inexplicably offered a five-year contract, showed a bit of promise early on with two backheel goals, but after that, the injuries came back to bite him, and he showed an unacceptable lack of effort. Cengiz Under Average Rating: 6.06 Season Rating: 6 Cengiz had announced himself to the world with a number of wonder goals in his first season with Roma, and he started on the right path in his second campaign with a great strike against Frosinone. However, like many of his teammates, injuries hampered his progress, meaning he couldn’t match his tally from the season before. Justin Kluivert Average Rating: 5.71 Season Rating: 6 Roma beat off some strong competition to sign Kluivert from Ajax, but the winger’s debut season with the club was hot and cold. It started on the right note, with an impressive assist for Edin Dzeko in the season opener against Torino, but he struggled for regular gametime thereafter. Di Francesco was reluctant to use him on the right wing when he was a capable option there. Kluivert seems to have no regrets though, even with his former side reaching the Champions League semi-finals without him. Diego Perotti Average Rating: 5.29 Season Rating: 5.5 An often under-appreciated member of the squad, Perotti played less than in any of his three other campaigns with the club – one of which only lasted half the season. However, he still managed to stick away a few of his trademark penalties, as well as netting an impressive half-volley against Fiorentina. Stephan El Shaarawy Average Rating: 6.09 Season Rating: 9 A player who arrived at the same time as Perotti three-and-a-half years ago, El Shaarawy was superb in his first half-season with the club, but had struggled to replicate that form on a regular basis since. In 2018-19, though, he finally stepped up again, shedding the inconsistency which had been holding him back, to become Roma’s most important player. The most frequent source of goals for his side in Serie A, El Shaarawy was a constant threat on the left flank. Tying him down to a new contract should be a matter of urgency for the next sporting director. Edin Dzeko Average Rating: 5.37 Season Rating: 5 Dzeko was the only man to outscore El Shaarawy in all competitions for Roma, but in reality, his season was much worse than his teammate’s. The Bosnian forward looked a shadow of himself as he struggled to make an impact on games. His finishing ability was much more reminiscent of his nightmare first season with Roma than the two that followed, in which he became a club hero. However, despite his disappointing campaign, he should be remembered as just that if he leaves this summer. It wasn’t to be in 2018-19, but Dzeko has still made a big contribution to this club. Patrik Schick Average Rating: 5.68 Season Rating: 5.5 Looking at his form with Czech Republic compared to with Roma, it seems like his club coaches haven’t quite known how to get the best out of Schick. Once again, he struggled to justify his big price tag, but he did start to improve after hiring a mental coach, to help him with the psychological side of the sport. Has he done enough to stay? It’s hard to tell, but there is still a player waiting to be unleashed in there somewhere. Zan Celar Average Rating: N/A Season Rating: N/A Like Riccardi, included for completeness. The Primavera striker had a very impressive season in the youth ranks, but was only given one late cameo for the first team. Perhaps during one of Dzeko's or Schick's barren spells, he should have been given more chances from the bench. Giallorossi Yorkshire's review of 2018-19 will conclude this Friday with the season awards. Don't miss your opportunity to vote for the goal of the season via the poll at the bottom of this link. After weeks of uncertainty, Roma can finally start planning for the upcoming season following the appointment of Paulo Fonseca as head coach.
Fonseca was confirmed earlier this morning, signing a two-year contract with the option of a third year. The 46-year-old arrives from Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, where he spent three seasons. It's a positive appointment for Roma, who had been rejected by bigger name coaches like Antonio Conte. Here, Giallorossi Yorkshire looks at the main benefits Fonseca will bring, and the challenges he will have to overcome. + Exciting brand of football The biggest breath of fresh air that will come with Fonseca's appointment is a change in the style of football. The Portuguese tactician has been quietly building a reputation for an attractive playing style, which is something that has been lacking at Roma for some time. Even in Luciano Spalletti's successful 2016-17 season, where Roma achieved a record points total, the football had the tendency to be a little boring. Fonseca should bring results as well as an enjoyment factor. How many teams can beat Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at their own game, for example? Fonseca's Shakhtar did just that in December 2017. + Experience in challenging environments Fonseca's record at Shakhtar is impeccable - three league titles and three domestic cups in three seasons - but even if the league isn't as high quality as Serie A, it was far from an easy job. The Ukrainian giants have had to play 300km away from their Donetsk home due to the war taking place in the area surrounding the Donbass Arena. At Roma, Fonseca will have to deal with a different kind of conflict, as he takes on one of the toughest jobs in football. Expectations are always high, but rarely met. However, he has shown that he can succeed in challenging environments, something which should equip him well for his stay in Rome. + Links with good players Already, Fonseca's connection with Roma has led to a number of players being linked with the club. The Mozambique-born coach could attract several Portuguese-speaking players, such as defender Domingos Duarte, who has been suggested as a target. Fonseca could also look to bring some players with him from Shakhtar. Left-back Ismaily and forward Taison have both been linked, and would be welcome additions in positions that Roma need to strengthen. Young midfielder Marcos Antonio has also been mentioned in reports, and although little is known about him yet, it shows that Fonseca appeals to players as hungry to work for him, as he is to work for Roma. - Lack of experience in Serie A Of course, it is a concern that this is Fonseca's first venture into Italian football. He will have to quickly get to grips with an entire new environment, coming up against different kinds of opponents who play a more tactical game. He needs to learn Italian so that his message can get across clearly, or else things could take time to get going - and the early start to the season due to the Europa League qualifiers doesn't necessarily help. On the plus side, he has shown a great enthusiasm to come to Roma, with reports suggesting he volunteered to pay his own release clause, so he will be eager to back up his ambition with success. He is clearly well-motivated and eager to prove himself. - Preference for a high line During his time at Shakhtar, Fonseca favoured the use of a high back line. The tactic can work well if the right players are available, but Eusebio Di Francesco encountered problems when trying to utilise it with Roma. Federico Fazio in particular can be exposed when asked to play higher up the pitch, whereas he has been solid whenever the defence has been asked to drop deeper. Roma may need to act in the transfer market if Fonseca's tactics are to be effective. - Lack of longevity Until Shakhtar, Fonseca had never lasted in a managerial job for more than two years. For example, he had one-season spells with the likes of Porto and Braga, although at both clubs he did manage to win a trophy. Roma need stability right now, but hopefully Fonseca's forays in Ukraine have shown that he can last long in a job. And, if he is successful, the hope remains that he will not use Roma as a stepping stone, but as a place where he can, as he has vowed to in his initial interview, "create something special." Final Thoughts Out of the names available, Roma have picked one of the best. Fonseca is an ambitious manager, who despite his relative young age has plenty of experience. Having coached since his retirement from playing in 2005, he has learnt a lot of lessons along the way, which can help him in his time at Roma. While some may argue otherwise, it is a positive that Roma have gone for a manager from abroad, who can bring fresh ideas to the table. Fonseca will be hoping he can get Roma back where they belong. Part three of Giallorossi Yorkshire's season review highlights the 10 best goals Roma scored in 2018-19 - and gives you the chance to have your say in the end of season awards for the first time ever. A shortlist of goals has been selected, with readers able to vote for their favourite in the poll at the bottom. The winner will be revealed as part of the annual Giallorossi Yorkshire end-of-season awards, at the conclusion of this year's season review. So sit back and enjoy looking back at these 10 great goals that lit up an otherwise underwhelming campaign. Edin Dzeko v Torino (19/8/18) In the end, it was one of Dzeko's least productive goalscoring seasons, but it certainly started on the right note. The Bosnian ensured Roma started the season with a win by volleying in - with his weaker left foot - late on against Torino. Javier Pastore v Atalanta (27/8/18) Another player whose season did not match the standards it initially promised, Pastore opened his Roma account two minutes into his home debut with an intelligent backheel against Atalanta. Cengiz Under v Frosinone (26/9/18) The prior season had seen Cengiz develop a reputation for scoring long-range spectaculars, and his first goal of the new campaign saw him pick up from where he left off - a strike made even better by the way he effortlessly dribbled past opponents beforehand. Lorenzo Pellegrini v Lazio (29/9/18) This was actually Pellegrini's first ever Derby Della Capitale appearance, and the boyhood Roma fan made his mark on the game by scoring with a cheeky backheel after getting beyond opposing keeper Thomas Strakosha. Edin Dzeko v CSKA Moscow (23/10/18) In their third match of the Champions League group stage, Roma opened the scoring with an incredible team move. Every outfield player touched the ball in a 29-pass move, which finished with a great combination between Pellegrini and Dzeko. Cengiz Under v CSKA Moscow (23/10/18) Later in the same game, Cengiz wrapped up the win with a well-executed half volley that went right into the top corner. It may have been from closer range than usual, but still required incredible ball control. Stephan El Shaarawy v Sampdoria (11/11/18) El Shaarawy's goals were key for Roma all season, as he scored 11 times - and this was one of his best. Going away from goal, he turned back inside and chipped the ball into the far corner, barely having to look at his target. Nicolo Zaniolo v Sassuolo (26/12/18) It was the day when Zaniolo really announced himself to the world, grabbing his first ever senior goal in quite some fashion. The teenager cut inside from the right, before making the defender sit down and lifting the ball over keeper Andrea Consigli. Nicolo Zaniolo v Torino (19/1/19) Zaniolo carried on the positive momentum in the first league game after the winter break, showing determination and improvisation to open the scoring against Torino. Stephan El Shaarawy v Inter (20/4/19) As someone who made his name at AC Milan, El Shaarawy will have loved scoring against Inter - especially with a goal this good. The winger dribbled forward at pace before picking his moment and sending the ball flying beyond Samir Handanovic. NOW VOTE! Having re-watched all 10 goals, now it's time to pick your favourite. Simply choose your preferred option in the form below. Giallorossi Yorkshire's end-of-season review continues with a look at five key games which summed up Roma's 2018-19 campaign.
Read part one of the season review - five 'What Ifs' on Roma's season - via this link. Cagliari 2-2 Roma, 8/12/2018 When Roma travelled to Sardinia in December, they were facing a Cagliari side that had only won three of their 14 league games so far. It should have been plain sailing - and it certainly looked like it was going in Roma's favour when Bryan Cristante and Aleksandar Kolarov gave them a 2-0 half-time lead. However, in the second half, things began to unravel, and Cagliari pulled one back in the 84th minute. Deep into stoppage time, the hosts had two players sent off, but still managed to grab a last-gasp equaliser to deny Roma the win. It was perhaps the first sign of Roma's increasingly fragile mentality under Eusebio Di Francesco, which would rear its ugly head again several times throughout the season. Fiorentina 7-1 Roma, 30/1/2019 This is the game that will, unfortunately, live longest in the memory from the season. Di Francesco's side were dumped out of the Coppa Italia without putting up any kind of fight, looking like they were going to concede every time Fiorentina came forward. Roma had lost by that kind of scoreline before, but not for some time, and when they did, it had been against a European giant like Manchester United or Bayern Munich. For it to happen against a side who narrowly avoided relegation, who only scored one goal in their last eight Serie A matches of the season, was an embarrassment of the highest order, and should have been the final nail in the coffin for EDF. Lazio 3-0 Roma, 2/3/2019 It had been a disappointing campaign right from the beginning, but one of the better moments of the first half of the season was winning the Derby Della Capitale. In the return fixture, though, Roma fell to pieces. The Lupi offered little threat at all, and matters were only made worse when former Lazio man Aleksandar Kolarov was sent off in stoppage time - much to the delight of the opponents. To lose a Derby was bad enough, but to show such little resistance made it punishing viewing fans. It was the first time Roma have lost by that scoreline to their rivals since 2006. Roma 1-4 Napoli, 31/3/2019 Even after the change in coaches, there was another heavy loss to a great rival, as Napoli demolished Roma at Stadio Olimpico. Just Claudio Ranieri's third game in charge, the team still very much bore the image of Di Francesco, and they crumbled under the pressure of their opponents' attacks. Needless fouls were committed by experienced players, and little was created at the attacking end. However, the game proved to be a turning point. It ended up being the last game Robin Olsen would play all season - and, probably, for the club overall - with Ranieri dropping the below-par keeper for Antonio Mirante thereafter. Ranieri inspired the reaction that Roma needed, and beyond that point, they didn't taste defeat again, closing the season on a nine-game unbeaten run. Roma 2-0 Juventus, 12/5/2019 With Ranieri back at the helm, optimism was restored again, and it manifested itself most beautifully with the 2-0 win over Juventus. Roma soaked up the pressure from their opponents - showing themselves to be much more compact than they were against Napoli - and seized their chances late on. Alessandro Florenzi scored with a neat finish to have the last laugh after being mocked by Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the match, and even Edin Dzeko scored - for only the second time at the Olimpico in the league all season. Overall, 2018-19 was a season of disappointments - some expected, others less so. However, there remained the occasional positive moment, such as the Juventus win, that mean that Roma's next coach won't necessarily have to start from scratch over the summer. The new man will be hoping, however, that his debut season will be remembered for more positive results in general than those listed above. |
samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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