GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Paulo Fonseca's first game in charge of Roma at Stadio Olimpico ended with an unusual trophy on Sunday night, as a penalty shootout win over Real Madrid earned them the Mabel Green Cup.
Roma had to come from behind twice (although Madrid's second goal should not have stood, due to an offside), but were actually on top for large portions of the game. Diego Perotti and Edin Dzeko got the goals in normal time, but both had been brought off by the time the penalties came around. Nonetheless, Roma scored all their spot kicks, with Marcelo's miss meaning it was victory for Fonseca's side - who got their hands on a lovely tree as a prize.
This was the penultimate friendly before Serie A kicks off in a fortnight's time - with a match against Arezzo just being announced - so here's what Roma can take into the new season from it. Much more fluid in possession In the last friendly, against Athletic Bilbao, Roma's insistence on playing out from the back was at times problematic and dangerous. Against Madrid, though, they got it spot on. Starting from Pau Lopez, Roma were extremely efficient at keeping possession of the ball, both in their own half and in attacking areas. The players linked up very well, keeping the ball moving at all times. Edin Dzeko was vital to the process. Perhaps the better playing surface helped them, but all in all, there were positive signs that Roma are starting to play the way Fonseca wants them to. The return of Zaniolo He's been inconsistent for the last six months, but Nicolo Zaniolo was back to his best against Real. In some ways, it was back to where it all started for the 20-year-old, who made his Roma debut against the same opponents in last season's Champions League. He impressed even more than he did on that occasion, catching the eye with his assist for Perotti. Zaniolo determinedly powered down the right wing before expertly placing his through ball in between Raphael Varane and Eder Militao, and into Perotti's path. It was eye-of-the-needle stuff. Marking in the midfield If there was one criticism of the display, it would be that the marking in the midfield wasn't tight enough. Real's first goal came from a splendid turn and pass from Luka Modric, before Marcelo beat Alessandro Florenzi and curled the ball past Lopez. Modric's quality was no hidden secret - he's the reigning world player of the year. It's important for Roma to ensure they don't give players of that level the time and space to create danger so easily. Fazio in the final phase Say what you like about his lack of pace, but when Federico Fazio recovers the ground, there are few better players in world football at last-ditch defending. The Argentine was a man of the match candidate thanks to his impressive blocks and interceptions, once again showing how well he reads the game. Roma are still looking to bring in a new centre-back, but Fazio will remain a good option in games where his teammates' backs will be against the wall. Options from the spot Roma's regular penalty takers, Perotti and Lorenzo Pellegrini, had been taken off before the shootout came around. It gave Fonseca a chance to analyse his other options from 12 yards out, and all five takers impressed. Aleksandar Kolarov and Leonardo Spinazzola's penalties were both perfectly placed in opposite corners - the former's being slightly more convincing than the latter's - and Bryan Cristante, Cengiz Under and Mirko Antonucci's efforts were equally impressive. Roma may find themselves in need of a hero from the spot in any of the three competitions they will be involved in this season, so it's reassuring to know that those options run deep. Player Ratings: Lopez 8; Florenzi 6; Fazio 8; Jesus 6; Kolarov 7; Cristante 7; Pellegrini 7; Under 8; Zaniolo 7; Perotti 6; Dzeko 8 Subs: Spinazzola 6; Diawara 6; Antonucci 5; Schick 5; Kluivert 6 Man of the Match: Dzeko
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Paulo Fonseca's first pre-season in charge of Roma continued on Saturday with a comfortable 10-1 win over Serie D side Trastevere.
Gianluca Mancini made his debut in the second half, while fellow new signings Pau Lopez and Leonardo Spinazzola both featured again. There were nine different scorers, with Edin Dzeko notching a brace. Once again, a former Primavera player found the net, with Christian D'Urso making his mark this time. Elsewhere, Cengiz Under, Mirko Antonucci, Patrik Schick and Diego Perotti all scored for the second game running. Like Thursday's pre-season opener, it was a game more about fitness levels and getting players minutes, but there were still some interesting talking points from the encounter. Florenzi always higher up the agenda Fonseca decided to use captain Alessandro Florenzi as a left winger in his first game in charge, after years of seeing the Roman wasted at right-back. He deployed the Italian in the same position again in the first half against Trastevere, and it looks like the 28-year-old is finally being unleashed. He threaded a delightful through ball to Under for his side's third goal, and after being moved to another role, central midfield, for the start of the second half, he set up Patrik Schick for another assist. Double threat down the left Despite his positive start to pre-season, Florenzi still may find it difficult to hold a regular place in his new position, due to the strong impact Diego Perotti has also made. The man who has worn the captain's armband in Florenzi's absence so far, Perotti seems ready to take a step up after an uneventful season on a personal note. He linked up well with left-back Spinazzola, with the duo combining for Perotti's goal. Both are right-footed players, but are showing confidence to go to the byline and use their weaker left feet as well. These combinations and alternative options will keep opposing defences guessing at any level. Bouah's positive impression Playing in Florenzi's old right-back role for the second half was Primavera defender Devid Bouah, who for the second game in a row made a good impression. Only 17 years of age, the Italian enjoyed surging forward and put in some good crosses. Roma have an abundance of options in the position now, so it shouldn't be expected to see him playing regularly come the new season, but he certainly looks like a prospect for the future. Concentration is essential It can be easy for players to get carried away when taking on an opposition of far lesser quality, but there is no excuse for complacency. Some started to creep in from Roma, with certain players trying too many flicks and ultimately losing possession. It's good for them to be creative and try new things, but even though these games are easy, they need to be treated in a manner relative to the kind of matches Roma will be playing in during the season. Those failed flicks will be punished in Serie A and Europe. There was also an error of judgement from Rick Karsdorp that led to Trastevere's goal. The full-back needlessly threw the ball to Federico Fazio, who couldn't control it, before the opposing attacker beat Robin Olsen in a one-on-one. Such risks don't paint a good picture and need to be reduced. Selection issues On the topic of the Swedish keeper, what can be made of the fact that he was playing? He surely has no future at Roma after last season's disaster, so why take minutes away from other keepers who do? Perhaps it has just been to put him in the shop window again, but it would be more beneficial for even a youth keeper to take part in these games instead. Likewise, Edin Dzeko started and put in a much improved performance. Is the striker being re-integrated into first team plans despite all the talk of a move away? If he can replicate that kind of performance against the better teams for Roma, then it would be fine, but it still looks likely that he'll be leaving. Surely the side needs to come first when the lineups are being picked. Player Ratings: Olsen 5; Karsdorp 6; Capradossi 6; Fazio 6; Kolarov 7; Cristante 7; Nzonzi 6; Under 7; Antonucci 7; Florenzi 8; Dzeko 8 Subs: Lopez 6; Bouah 7; Jesus 6; Mancini 6; Spinazzola 7; Santon 6; D'Urso 6; Defrel 6; Perotti 8; Schick 5 Man of the Match: Perotti
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!
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.
Giallorossi Yorkshire's end of season review gets underway with a look at five areas that could have changed how things went for Roma in the past campaign.
2018-19 was one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory for the Lupi, as they missed out on Champions League qualification for the first time in six years. But could things have turned out differently? What if Antonio Mirante had been first choice all year? One of the worst decisions made by Monchi in the summer was to sell Alisson and replace him with the unproven Robin Olsen. The gamble didn't pay off, as the Swede showed he was not up to the standard required to be Roma's number one. Claudio Ranieri recognised this when he came in as interim manager, and after Olsen had conceded four goals against Napoli, the coach made back-up keeper Mirante his first choice. Immediately, it was the right decision. Mirante gave much more confidence to his backline - perhaps a factor in Federico Fazio's improvement during Ranieri's tenure as well - and pulled off some impressive saves to ensure Roma got better results. There's no doubting that Olsen cost Roma some points, whereas Mirante helped his side to gain them. What if Eusebio Di Francesco had noticed the problem before, and Mirante had been between the sticks all season? What if Di Francesco had been sacked earlier? The decision to make Mirante the first choice keeper was not the only one where Ranieri showed himself to be more prudent than his predecessor. Di Francesco deserved a chance to carry on with Roma after the previous season's miraculous Champions League run, but - not helped by the fact that Monchi signed players that didn't fit into his preferred system - the former Sassuolo boss showed naivety throughout the season. The best time to dismiss Di Francesco would have been straight after the 7-1 loss to Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia. Such a result was unacceptable, and it made his position untenable. Yes, Ranieri was still in employment at Fulham at the time, so maybe it would have been another, less successful interim manager, but nonetheless, it was clear to everyone that a change was needed - at least, everyone other than Monchi, the man with the power. What if Nicolo Zaniolo hadn't been played out of position? One of the brighter notes of Roma's season was the emergence of teenager Nicolo Zaniolo, who was shown faith from the start, with Di Francesco giving him his debut against then-Champions League titlists Real Madrid before he had even made a Serie A appearance. The summer signing held his own in the midfield three, thriving in a central area. However, partly enforced due to injuries, Zaniolo was moved out to the right wing midway through the season. His attacking output and ability to cut in onto his left foot suggested he would be a competent option for the role, but if anything, it worked to his detriment. Often, the former Inter academy player found himself isolated from games, or crowded out with a lack of space. By the end of the season, his confidence was gone, and he looked a shadow of the player that had announced himself to the world earlier in the season. Maybe if he had been kept in a central role, he would have maintained his high standards right to the end. What if Monchi had made a January signing? As mentioned above, the only person who didn't seem to realise that everything was going wrong was the club's chief decision maker, Monchi. Going into the January transfer window, it was obvious that he needed to sign reinforcements. Roma were in sixth place, and had conceded more goals than even 15th-placed Udinese. However, Monchi stated that the solutions to Roma's problems were to be found within the present squad. In some ways, he may have been right. Fazio and Steven Nzonzi particularly improved when Ranieri came in, but it was obviously not enough. More depth was needed, especially in the full-back areas and attack. That could have helped avoid the problem listed in the point above regarding Zaniolo. If a winger had been signed to cover for the injured Cengiz Under, then maybe Roma could have made a more sustained challenge to break into the top four. What if Daniele De Rossi had been fit all year? Another of Roma's better players throughout the season, despite all the factors against him, was Daniele De Rossi. Matches changed when the captain was involved, as he encouraged those around him to raise their games via his own quality and leadership. He may have only scored one league goal all season, but his presence on the pitch was enough to influence results. Sadly, he spent much of the campaign on the sidelines with injury. If he had been available more, then Roma would surely have done better. Of course, he would not have played in every game, but he would have been there enough to make more of a difference. Perhaps he would have even earned himself the one last contract extension that he was eventually denied. Alas, we shall never know.
As Roma prepare for one legend's final game on Sunday, with Daniele De Rossi set for an emotional departure, there is another huge Romanista who will be overseeing his last game for the club.
Claudio Ranieri's second spell in charge of Roma may have lasted only 12 games, but in that time, he has led a minor transformation, which has nearly seen the club sneak into the Champions League places. Alas, that dream looks virtually impossible now - even if the man himself retains a glimmer of hope - but that should not undermine the work Ranieri has done. When the 67-year-old took charge of his hometown club for a second time, Roma were at one of their lowest ebbs under the American ownership. They had just been dumped out of the Champions League by Porto - not embarrassingly, but in a naive, frustrating manner - coming days after a 3-0 loss to bitter rivals Lazio. The team looked devoid of confidence and ideas. All optimism was gone. Eusebio Di Francesco was removed from his post as head coach, kick-starting a turbulent 48 hours which also saw the resignation of sporting director Monchi. It would require a brave man to take up the reins. The club had not been under this much scrutiny by its fans for a long time, and they were in desperate need of someone who could get them onside again. In Claudio Ranieri, they couldn't have asked for a better man. Rome-born and a big Roma fan, Ranieri would relish the opportunity to coach his beloved team once again. From the outset, he made it clear that he was only focusing on the 12 remaining games and nothing thereafter, but in the process, he unearthed a sense of unity that had been missing for months, even years. Di Francesco had been divisive - his supporters pointed to when he masterminded Roma's comeback victory against Barcelona in the Champions League, but his critics observed a lack of flexibility in his tactics. His own predecessor, Luciano Spalletti, similarly split the fanbase - he guided Roma to a record points total, but treated club legend Francesco Totti in an ungracious manner in his final seasons as a player. But in Ranieri, Roma found someone that, albeit temporarily, everyone could get behind. His optimistic personality made him an instantly likeable character. He had achieved great things with Roma before - being the last man to really lead them close to the title, although Spalletti wasn't far away either - but this time, his reign would be different. Yes, in both his spells, he took charge during a time of chaos, but in his second stint as Roma's coach, he knew he would only have a short time to work with the players. Deep down, he knew he would be leaving once the 12 games were over. Ranieri had a lot of problems to deal with - a leaky defence and a struggling goalkeeper to name but two - but he immediately set to work to make Roma hard to beat again. That was the crucial first step. Some fans may have been longing for free-flowing attacking football, but at that moment in time, Roma needed to go back to basics. Step by step, they could rebuild. Under Ranieri, Roma have been much more compact and hard to break down. They have only conceded more than two goals in a game once, in a loss to Napoli which is one of the only blots on Ranieri's record. After that game, the caretaker coach made a bold decision, dropping Robin Olsen and putting veteran keeper Antonio Mirante between the sticks. Instantly, it paid off. Roma have kept five clean sheets from the eight games since Mirante usurped the Swede as number one. All of a sudden, Roma's distant dreams of reaching the Champions League looked a possibility again. They were grinding out good results against difficult opponents - a win over Sampdoria, a draw against Inter. Roma had worked their way back into contention for a top four place, somewhere they hadn't been all season. Unfortunately, it appears to have been too little, too late. Even with an impressive 2-0 win over champions Juventus, some costly draws against smaller teams look to have proven fatal. But that's no real fault of Ranieri's. Without him, Roma might have been a lot further away. He did enough in his few games to become a genuine candidate for the club's next permanent manager, yet he remained humble all the way through. When Antonio Conte was linked with the club, Ranieri offered to drive him from the airport, so that Roma would have a high-calibre coach. What Ranieri didn't realise, even when Conte declared he wasn't interested in the job, was that he himself was one of the best men Roma could have chosen. For Ranieri, it has always been about the team first. His approach has been completely selfless, but strong. In turn, the atmosphere around the team has improved. Players like Steven Nzonzi and Federico Fazio have played much better under his leadership, and consequently, the side have performed as a more effective unit, greater than the sum of their individual parts. The league table will tell a story that not much has changed since Ranieri returned. Before he arrived, Roma were in fifth, three points off the top four. Going into the final matchday, they are sixth, still three points off the pace. But that story does not paint the full picture. Ranieri restored a spark of belief that Roma's dreams might have been possible again. Thanks to him, they were looking up the table again, rather than down it. It will be a sad day for many reasons on Sunday, as De Rossi bids farewell to the only shirt he has known in his career. But Ranieri should also be given the send-off he deserves. He has been a noble father figure, leading the way as the man to remind everyone what it means to love Roma. What an honourable person he is.
Roma's outside chances of reaching the top four all-but disappeared with a frustrating 0-0 draw at Sassuolo.
A win would have seen Roma set up an exciting last day of the season, but now it looks extremely unlikely that they can qualify for next season's Champions League. Truth be told, Roma could have played all day without scoring - although Federico Fazio did have the ball in the back of the net late on, with the goal ruled out for an offside in the buildup. Here are the Giallorossi Yorkshire player ratings from the game. Antonio Mirante - 7 One of the few names who will avoid criticism when the season is over. Mirante has added stability since coming into the team, and made an impressive save with his feet to deny Filip Djuricic in the first half. Alessandro Florenzi - 6 Lost his individual battle with Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga, who got past him too easily many times. However, Florenzi looked a little sharper going forward, even if the chance he created for Stephan El Shaarawy came from two miskicks. Federico Fazio - 7 Shifted over to the right side of the centre-back duo in the absence of Kostas Manolas, Fazio read the game well, apart from the one lapse in concentration that led to the Djuricic chance that Mirante thwarted. Fazio can be a danger man as an emergency forward when things aren't going to plan, and he nearly was again, showing good technique for his disallowed goal. He's increasingly becoming one of the leaders of this squad. Juan Jesus - 7 Jesus is always a competent replacement when Roma are missing one of their regular centre-backs. He won some headers and was confident enough in possession. Aleksandar Kolarov - 6 Kept Domenico Berardi reasonably quiet, but offered little going forward and some of his crosses were not accurate enough. Steven Nzonzi - 7 In last week's win over Juventus, Nzonzi was the best outfield player for Roma, and while he didn't quite reach those standards in Reggio Emilia, he was one of the better performers again. He made good blocks and tackles, and also showed his strength in the air. Bryan Cristante - 7.5 Perhaps motivated by Daniele De Rossi's comments in the week that he is a model professional and a player that Roma should build around, Cristante had one of his best games for the club. He was a midfield enforcer, breaking up play and starting attacks with his passing. He also came close to a goal, when his header was pushed away by Andrea Consigli. Roma's best player on the night. Cengiz Under - 5 Had the first shot of the match, but faded after that. Last week, his impact from the bench helped unlock the game against Juventus, but making his first start in three games, he was less effective. Nicolo Zaniolo - 5 Saw a fair share of the ball again, but struggled with limited space. As should have been expected, the experimentation of playing him in different positions has not done him much good, as even playing in his preferred role, he struggled. The end of the season can't come soon enough for Roma's young starlet, who looks fatigued and needs to recharge his batteries. Stephan El Shaarawy - 7 The most confident of the three attacking midfielders, El Shaarawy got into good positions and showcased his dribbling ability. The one downside was the chance he missed after being inadvertently set up by Florenzi - given his scoring form this season, he should have done better with his volley, which fell just wide of the post. Edin Dzeko - 5 Like Zaniolo, Dzeko needs this season to end. It has been far more resemblant of his nightmare first season with Roma than his impressive last two. He was caught offside far too many times, perhaps a sign of laziness. His one memorable shot was a pointless left-footed effort which caused no problems whatsoever for Consigli. Subs: Javier Pastore If there's any consolation fans can take from Pastore's 25-minute cameo, it's that it was probably his last appearance for the club. The flop of the season continued in the same way he has gone all year, not adapting to the pace of the game. His concentration was off and so was his quality. Justin Kluivert Brought on at the same time as Pastore, he didn't fare much better. To a lesser extent, the winger has also not lived up to his reputation this season, but maybe he was always overhyped due to the name on his back. He went close to scoring, but failed to realise where the ball was, in what should have been an easy chance. Diego Perotti Brought on too late to have an impact; should have come on earlier instead of Pastore. Coach: Claudio Ranieri - 6 Tried not to tinker too much with a winning formula from last week, and released Zaniolo into a position in which he should have thrived, so Ranieri can't take too much responsibility for the players' failure to perform. However, his decision to bring on someone who has been as ineffectual as Pastore was a bad call. Sentiment aside, even De Rossi would have been a better option. While the two holding midfielders did well for Roma, De Rossi adds something that they don't - a drive from deep that encourages those ahead of him to push on. Instead, the attackers lacked motivation and quality. Nonetheless, Ranieri can only work with what is available to him, and it cannot be denied that he has given his all for his beloved club in his brief time in charge. Roma’s final away game of the season sees them travel to Reggio Emilia to face Sassuolo on Saturday night.
Following on from last week’s impressive win over champions Juventus, Roma will be eager to extend their unbeaten run. However, they haven’t won an away game in over a month, with draws against Inter and Genoa - a record they will need to change if they want to keep within touching distance of the top four. This weekend could be the one to see momentum swing back in Roma’s favour in the hunt, with third place Inter facing second place Napoli, and fourth place Atalanta facing Juventus tomorrow. It’s very plausible that both the teams Roma are trying to catch could lose, so Claudio Ranieri’s side must take advantage and try to cut the gap. The interim coach has all but one of his first team squad available for the trip, with Kostas Manolas the only absentee, through injury. Juan Jesus should take his place alongside Federico Fazio at centre-back. Following news of the decision not to extend Daniele De Rossi’s contract, the captain could be brought into the side, even as a substitute. Ranieri confirmed that the veteran has been training well despite the news, telling reporters: “De Rossi seems motivated and focused as he always is. I would expect he is not sleeping well right now but that is to be expected - news like this is a shock. He is someone who has given everything, even when not fully fit, for the team he loves." It will be Ranieri’s first time coaching against Sassuolo, whom Roma remain undefeated against in 11 meetings. That record simply must continue if the Giallorossi are to keep their Champions League hopes alive. The game kicks off at 7:30pm, and will be broadcast live in the UK on Premier Sports 2.
Roma became just the third side to beat Juventus in Serie A this season on Sunday night with a well-deserved 2-0 win.
It's the first time Roma have beaten the Italian champions in their last four meetings, and it was a win to savour, with Alessandro Florenzi and Edin Dzeko getting the goals late on to extend Roma's unbeaten run to seven games. Here are the Giallorossi Yorkshire player ratings from the match. Antonio Mirante - 8 Where would Roma be if Mirante had been brought into the side much sooner in the season? The veteran goalkeeper put in arguably his best performance of the season to deny the club he came through the youth ranks at, 15 years ago. Mirante pulled off a number of impressive saves, getting strong hands to a shot from Juan Cuadrado at the end of a counter attack, and making two fine stops from Paulo Dybala efforts in the first half alone. Alessandro Florenzi - 7 Taunted by Cristiano Ronaldo for being small, Roma's stand-in captain had the last laugh by scoring the goal that set Roma on their way to victory. He looked like the Florenzi of old, driving forward with his passion and commitment, making the occasional mistake, but showing the hunger to overcome it. His goal was a fine finish over Wojciech Szczesny, and his celebration under the Curva Sud served as a reminder that Florenzi can still be a hero for this team. Kostas Manolas - 7.5 Roma knew they would have to absorb some pressure from Juventus, and their centre-back partnership played their part in keeping the visitors at bay. Manolas made a couple of good blocks and looked more like a leader than he has been recently. He raised his game when his side needed him most. Federico Fazio - 8 Fazio was an equally important part of the backline, and was also a significant presence going forward. The Argentine started some attacks with his confident dribbling out from the back, always looking to get involved. At his peak - which he was against Juve - he can still be the beating heart of Roma's defence. Aleksandar Kolarov - 7 His poor form in the middle of the season seems to have been put behind him for good now. Kolarov, like his opposite full-back Florenzi, wasn't afraid to get forward, helping Roma to make the most of counter attacks. He also limited the involvement of Juve winger Juan Cuadrado. A consummate professional. Steven Nzonzi - 8 Mirante may take the man of the match award, but Nzonzi was possibly Roma's best outfield player. The Frenchman was a combative presence, making crunching tackles that allowed Roma to play on the break. Nzonzi seemed to be alert to any threat that Juventus were posing, and snuffed out as much of the danger as possible. Lorenzo Pellegrini - 6 It was another below par performance from Pellegrini, who has not been quite the same since returning from injury. Once again, he was the first man to be brought off, with his only major contributions being a couple of crosses into the box and a decent left-footed effort which nearly caught Szczesny out. Nicolo Zaniolo - 5.5 Restored to a more central role in a midfield three, Zaniolo wasn't really up to speed with the pace of the game. His involvement was minimal, and he made a couple of sloppy passes. Maybe he was affected by playing against the team he supports. It leaves Roma with a lot to think about in terms of how they can get the best out of him again. Justin Kluivert - 6 With his pace, Kluivert was a positive outlet for Roma, but his decision making often let him down. The 20-year-old saw plenty of the ball, but didn't really convert that possession into chances, sometimes giving it away in dangerous areas. Edin Dzeko - 7 After going through the first half almost as a passenger, Dzeko stepped it up in the second half, ending with a goal and an assist. His goal, coming at the end of a counter attacking move, was a confident finish, showing signs of the player that Roma came to rely on in his more successful seasons. The assist for Florenzi's goal was also well executed. Stephan El Shaarawy - 7 A marauding presence up and down the left wing, El Shaarawy played like someone full of confidence. And so he should be, given his decisive contributions in recent weeks. He forced Szczesny into a good save with a long-range effort in the second half after reacting to his own misplaced pass. Subs: Bryan Cristante - 5 Wasn't particularly noticeable after replacing Pellegrini. Cengiz Under - 7 Even though he was only on the pitch for 12 minutes, Under changed the game. He showed good footwork when he played the ball to Florenzi before the Roman's one-two with Dzeko for the opener, and claimed the assist for Dzeko's goal with some speedy dribbling and a perfectly placed pass. When fully fit, he needs to be the starter. Coach: Claudio Ranieri - 8 Set his side up with the perfect balance. Roma's approach was pragmatic and effective, as they soaked up the pressure in the first half, frustrating their rivals, and were braver and more clinical in the second period. His substitution of Under for Kluivert was a big turning point in the game, given the impact that the Turk had. |
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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