AS Roma had quite a disappointing season last year, finishing seventh and missing out on a European spot. They picked up 62 points from 38 matches, but that included 12 losses and eight draws. They also allowed in 58 goals and scored 68 goals, for a poor goal difference of +10. With that being said, Roma made it a mission to improve this summer and did just that.
As a whole, Serie A will be competitive. Reigning champions Inter Milan lost two stars in Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, but have a solid squad throughout. Juventus stayed somewhat quiet, but made a shrewd pick up in Manuel Locatelli. AC Milan silently improved in talent and depth, but still lost Gianluigi Donnarumma. These three are typically seen as the “top dogs,” so assuming this remains the case, Roma will face stiff competition from Atalanta, Lazio, and Napoli.
AS Roma Expectations Should Be High
Manager Change
The highlight of Roma’s summer was adding Jose Mourinho. He’s often a total enigma, but his talent as a manager cannot be understated. Last time he was in Serie A, he won the treble with Inter. Coming back to Italy is somewhat of a homecoming for Mourinho, and Roma is a great project to start at.
Mourinho greatly focuses on the team as a whole. Star players are always important, but it’s a team chemistry together that produces results. Roma don’ have a star-studded cast, but the right coaching can quickly turn things around.
Mindset is another focal point of Mourinho’s style. Serie A is a gritty league – defence historically always comes first. The goals have been flowing in recent years, but expect Mourinho’s Roma to preach defence.
The Portuguese manager has already spent time adding a mixture of both veterans and exciting youngsters to his crop of players at the Stadio Olimpico. His plan won’t become obvious until the season begins, but it’s clear that he’s scheming up something successful right now.
The Players
Roma have added a veteran goalkeeper in Rui Patricio, something that was much needed. He has a great track record and will be a leader for Mourinho’s side. Two other players added are Matias Vina and Eldor Shomurodov. Vina is new to European football, but was a star in South America. Shomurodov scored eight goals in Serie A last season for Genoa.
Tammy Abraham is the top addition, and was brought in to replace Edin Dzeko. Abraham is a terrific goal scorer and will thrive as a focal point in this team. In 2019/20, when given ample playing time, he scored 15 Premier League goals for Chelsea.
Other young but crucial players that call Roma home are Nicolo Zaniolo, Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Mancini, and Carles Perez. All of these players have great talent, and Zaniolo is ready to burst out onto the scene again after his injury. Cristante also had a strong Euro 2020 impact for Italy. Borja Mayoral, on loan from Real Madrid, is another striking talent at Mourinho’s disposal.
They will be without Leonardo Spinazzola for much of the season due to the injury he sustained at Euro 2020. His return will eventually be welcomed with much fanfare, as he was one of the best players in the entire summer competition when healthy.
Lastly, Roma still have a strong veteran presence with the likes of Stephan El Sharaawy, Chris Smalling, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Jordan Veretout.
All in all, Mourinho’s squad is quite talented. With his expertise and the players at his disposal, expectations for Roma will be a lot higher than placing seventh once again.
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