Revitalised, fresh and hungry. Roma have turned a corner since new coach Luciano Spalletti rejoined the giallorossi. Under their former manager, Rudi Garcia, Roma had deteriorated and festered for months with the same issues consistently plaguing them, but now there’s a chance for change.
For years Roma earned themselves a reputation as bottlers and chokers. Under Garcia the script seemed to always be pre-written. They would get off to a great start and impress hugely, thus beginning the distinct yet hushed whispers from fans asking themselves yet again, “could it be our year?”
As always however, the tale never seemed to end happily. Two second-place finishes may not seem bad considering the strength of Juventus, who in both years ran away with the league, but under the circumstances it’s clear that Juve should not have had such easy run-ins in both years.
In both full seasons under Garcia, Roma finished a massive 17 points behind the champions. This year, after Garcia’s departure in January, Roma have the opportunity the close that gap, but not necessarily quench their long-lasting thirst for another title.
I believe it would be unreasonable to suggest that Roma could push on to win it this year, but what lies ahead for Spalletti and his men is a chance to close the gap ever so slightly between themselves and the Old Lady and maybe, just maybe, loosen their vice-like grip on the Scudetto in the future.
What is key for Roma this season however is the clinching of a Champions League position. In their final ten fixtures in the league, Roma still have to face Inter, Napoli and Milan, all of whom are vying for one of the precious three Champions League spots. Roma of course could qualify through winning the competition itself, but let’s not be overzealous.
At the moment they sit in an ideal position. They’re in third with a three-point gap over fourth-place Fiorentina who are in indifferent form themselves. Roma however have won seven on the bounce and the stats don’t lie, they are one of the most in form teams in the league at the moment: in Spalletti’s seven matches in charge in the league, Roma have scored 22 goals and conceded just five.
One key factor playing into this great run of form is of course the arrival of Stephan El Shaarawy, who has complemented Roma’s attack brilliantly. The new arrival has contributed to six goals in his six Serie A appearances for Roma, with five goals and one assist. Alongside him, Mohamed Salah has scored five goals in his last six games after failing to score in his previous nine. The two pacy forwards are harmonising perfectly together thus far and could make the difference in terms of whether Roma finish inside or outside the Champions League positions.
.@22mosalah: MotM vs Fiorentina, Rating 9.22, Goals 2, Assists 1, Shots 2, Dribbles 1, Key Passes 1 @OfficialASRoma http://pic.twitter.com/TFPTZBR7Ij
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 4, 2016
What really makes a solid, top level team though is it’s backline and under Spalletti Roma have worked to tighten up and clog the holes laid bare under Garcia’s rule. As previously mentioned, Roma have conceded just five goals in their seven games under Spalletti. In matches against Frosinone, Sampdoria, Carpi, Empoli and now Fiorentina, Roma have leaked goals, but whilst they have let in a few, in those seven games they have conceded just once every 126 minutes. An impressive stat for most, if not all teams.
In many cases, any team can find themselves revitalised by a new managerial appointment and in Roma’s case the timing may have been perfect. With just ten matches left to go, the capital club are in an ideal position in a pivotal moment in their season. Whilst the league may be a lost cause, it’s still possible for the giallorossi to close the gap ever so slightly and make up for the time they lost under Garcia. With end of season run-ins being mostly dull and definitely disappointing viewing for Roma fans in previous seasons, this year Roma have the chance to end on a high note.
Follow me for more football and sport related ramblings on @MattAldridge31.
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