Rudi Garcia and his club in the Capital look to dominate in Serie A and Europe again this season, after slipping to second place behind rivals Juventus last season.
In his third straight season in Rome, Garcia came under criticism earlier this year when Roma lost their second place spot to city-rivals Lazio. After battling through the last month of Serie A and returning to winning ways, the Romans finished in a comfortable second place. Although Champions League was guaranteed for 2015-16, Garcia expressed his disappointment that his squad could never catch up in the title race.
Summer Transfers – Who’s in, who’s out
This was an extremely active – and successful – summer for Roma. It is clear that President James Pallotta and Director Walter Sabatini are ready to back his team and provide the support necessary to develop Roma into a powerhouse of Italy.
Starting with who they lost this summer, including Alessio Romagnoli and Andrea Bertolacci to Milan, and Jose Holebas to Watford, the giallorossi made a wealth of news-worthy transfers this summer. Although some Roma fans may argue that they only helped reinforce other clubs in Italy (like Milan) but letting young and promising players go, what Roma did with their summer is quite remarkable.
With those two departures alone, Roma gained an additional 45 million euros from Milan and the sale of Yanga-M’Biwa generated another 10 million euros. Putting those funds to use and recruiting from the Premier League, the transfers of Mohamed Salah, Edin Dzeko and Wojciech Szczesny attracted massive amounts of attention.
Dzeko is on a loan deal, with his initial fee only costing Roma 4 million euros. If he performs to expectations, his option to buy out is only set at 14 million euros – a fraction of the revenues that Roma already attracted this summer. Szczesny and Salah are also on loan deals, with Salah’s only setting the club back another 5 million euros.
According to transfermarkt.com, Roma have spent €33.35 million while generating €68 million in earnings. A total revenue maker, so far, of € 34.65 million – which is significant during a major transfer window and for the number of transactions that the giallorossi made. Roma will survive without the ones who left, as the reinforcements they had arrive instead – and considering the transactions they spent on those deals
Looking ahead to 2015-16
Expecting Garcia to play a 4-3-3 style this year with his newly formed squad, fans will certainly come into the 2015-16 season expecting more consistent results. While in football, there can be the interesting game that sways in favour of the underdog, Garcia got plenty of criticism for his side not performing consistently last year.
With a stacked front line of Gervinho, Dzeko and Salah, there is an expectation of a significant number of more goals this season, along with more wins to follow suit. Roma struggled to find the back of the net last season and at one point slipped to third place. They also had a considerable length of draws in January, which led to their slip in the table. By just creeping one point ahead of Lazio to end the 2015 season – is something that Roma’s new attack want to avoid in the future at all costs.
Possible line up (4-3-3): Szczesny, Maicon, Manolas, Castan, Torosidis; Nainngolan, Pjanic, De Rossi; Gervinho, Dzeko, Salah.
Garcia’s biggest test will come early, in Week 2 when he faces off against Max Allegri and Juventus at home in Rome. Fans will also be keen to watch how their new squad will survive in European competitions this season, as 2014-15 Roma had a disappointing exit in the Champions League after finishing behind Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the group stage.
Key Player To Watch: Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian will be playing his club football in the Capital of Rome after rejecting the one year loan extension at Fiorentina. Salah last season scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists as he helped la Viola to a fourth placed finish.
Known for his pace, dribbling, flair and vision, the “Egyptian Messi” has shown no problems adapting into the team after his impressive pre-season showings against Valencia and Sevilla where he scored in both games.
With Roma’s new and improved attack, the central defence did take a hit with the loss of both Romagnoli and Yanga-M’Biwa. The last weeks of the transfer window could see Roma spend that extra cash toward a reliable defender to help fill the gap. Overall, with a new tactical system, better attackers and a more confident coach – the giallorossi fans can expect their side to finally be a force in Serie A, and hopefully – Europe, this season.
Predicted League Finish: 2nd
Predicted Coppa Italian Finish: Final
Predicted Champions League Finish: Quarter-Final
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