Football Season Guide

Had not it been for the unimpressive first half of the campaign, with Rudi Garcia still at the helm, in the past season Roma might have been fighting for the Scudetto with Juventus until the end. In fact, the return of coach Luciano Spalletti turned out to be the brightest move made by the American ownership this far. In a matter of a few weeks, he managed to steady what, until then, looked like a sinking ship and he proved capable or regenerating a whole group of worn-out players. Since the Tuscan coach will be leading the team since the very beginning of the season, Roma are now expected to be building on all the good done in the final months of the past campaign. It is certainly good news that they succeeded retaining all those players acquired during the winter transfer campaign, such as Perotti and El Shaarawy, who made some difference once Garcia was sacked. Thanks to them, even the disastrous Dzeko started scoring. On the other hand, Pjanic’s departure to Juventus represents a huge blow for the midfield. Especially since trusting the keys of the midfield in Strootman’s hands, after two years spent on the sidelines, is a bit like taking a leap into the unknown. At least one more midfielder is needed, also because Keita, who was very often given playing time, was released. A player like Paredes, who is back from loan, could turn out to be useful but he is not likely to remain at the club. Last season, Roma’s defence often proved to be fragile and the management tried to solve that issue. Luck was not on their side, though. Rudiger and the new-comer Mario Rui got injured and so more players had to be signed. Vermaelen and Juan Jesus, possibly at left-back, are going to make the starting eleven with Fazio ready to step in, if needed. If Manolas ends up quitting before the end of August, one more defender would be needed too. The young Gerson is hoped to provide some creativity in the attack, as an alternative to the regulars. Sczeszny should be confirmed in goals with Alisson as his back-up since De Sanctis was let go.