Since Luciano Spalletti has retaken the reigns in the Italian capital, all has been well save for one thing—the Pjanić-Nainggolan experiment. In an attempt to revamp the structure of Roma’s style of play, Spalletti has reversed the roles of Roma’s primary playmaker (in the absence of Francesco Totti) Miralem Pjanić with that of ball-winner Radja Nainggolan.
It’s not that Roma are doing terribly—they’re in their best run of form since their drubbing at the hands of Barcelona, with the key injections of El Shaarawy, Perotti and Zukanović adding many positives to the side. They’ve won three out of five matches since Spalletti was appointed manager, with the defeat coming to Juventus and a draw against Hellas Verona. It matters that their superb playmaker, supposedly one of the best in Europe, is short of confidence. It also matters that their defensive midfield stalwart is wandering about the pitch like a lost sheep.
If one were to glance at just the score sheets, things would seem to be on the mend in the capital. There have been positive results in recent weeks, such as a convincing 70 minutes against Juventus before lapsing in the final moments. Yet something that the statistics won’t display is the uncertainty that both Pjanić and Nainggolan have been exhibiting. Without question, players are not expected to adapt to a new manager’s tactics instantly.
The master of the set piece, Pjanić has not converted one in over two months. This is the same man who has had more free kick goals than Pirlo since he joined Roma in 2011, hence touted as being the best in Europe. His set piece mastery was developed under the legend Juninho himself, during their overlapping stint at Lyon. The fact that he has been rather unlucky on several occasions off of set pieces is not something to shy away from. As Pjanić’s confidence has disappeared, so has that of the team as a whole.
The Belgian Nainggolan meanwhile, was signed from Cagliari at midseason two years ago and has been quite the impressive force to be reckoned with. One of the top box-to-box midfielders in Europe without question, it remains to be seen where Kevin Strootman will fit back into the squad once Roma’s defenders return from injury and Daniele De Rossi slots back into central midfield. Spalletti has chosen to utilize his pace and tenacious tackling as a measure of high pressing. In the ideal setting, Nainggolan would clear the space for Pjanić to work out of in the pocket behind him.
With a massive fixture against Real Madrid rapidly approaching, now is the time to make a move to return two of the most feared players in the squad to where they feel most comfortable.
Both Pjanić and Nainggolan have looked like deer in headlights in recent weeks. Whereas De Rossi has played centre back at a high level, against Spain in Euro 2012 most notably where Italy salvaged a draw (before going on to lose to them in the final), for the other two it’s uncharacteristic and unchartered territory. Both the Bosnian and Belgian look lost, though not as lost as misfiring Bosnian compatriot Edin Džeko. Only time can tell what the future holds for Luciano Spalletti’s rejuvenated Roman side.
