Roma mix of youth and experience the recipe for Serie A success

Date: 20th July 2014 at 7:22am
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as roma badgeIt must have been devastating for Roma to see Juventus coach Antonio Conte resign on the night of Tuesday 15th July, knowing the Italian tactician was arguably the main difference between Roma’s second place finish and a Scudetto in 2013/14.

In return, it must have been nearly as demoralising for Juventini to see the club’s top transfer target Juan Iturbe sign for their capital rivals less than 24 hours after Conte’s resignation.

Roma did very little wrong in 2013/14, bouncing back from a tumultuous season that saw the return and departure of Zdenek Zeman, a Coppa Italia runners-up performance and multiple named players sold.

Perhaps it was lowered expectations or full faith in Rudi Garcia, but whatever it was, Roma emerged as the team to watch. At times, the Giallorossi were the best side in Serie A as the Romans went 17 games undefeated, spending nine weeks in first place. Yet, their haul of 85 points was still 17 behind eventual winners Juventus.

The Bianconeri benefited from Roma’s five draws in six matches before Christmas, then dismantling the Giallorossi at the Juventus Stadium 3-0 on the 5th of January.

While the world had its eyes on Brazil, Roma went about their mercato business adding pieces to a squad that will play on three fronts this season. Last season’s Roma were a team one or two injuries away from a mini-crisis and already Garcia and company have addressed this situation.

The team have signed formeCole - Romar Barcelona and Valencia midfielder Seydou Keita, a player that has won numerous trophies at club level throughout his career. The strong tackling 34-year-old may not have much left in the tank, however, it will be his job to fill in for Daniele De Rossi when the club’s vice-captain needs a much deserved breather.

Former AC Milan man Urby Emanuelson also joined the club over the summer and will provide Garcia with a player that can play in multiple positions. Like Keita, Emanuelson has signed to a team-friendly one-year contract which gives the club the right to exercise an option for next season, allowing the club to cut ties with the player if 2014/15 doesn’t go as planned.

So far, the most interesting signing of the Serie A transfer window has been former England international Ashley Cole. Out of favour at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, Cole now finds himself playing in unfamiliar territory. Cole’s class is undeniable, but the 33-year-old will find playing in Italy far different than in the fast paced, up and down game of English football.

Cole’s experience at the highest level will be invaluable. Yet with players like Cole and club captain Francesco Totti, the biggest questions will be: Are there too many egos in the dressing room?

Juan Iturbe VeronaIturbe’s signing is a coup that shows Roma have returned to the top, not only of Serie A, but of European football. The 21-year-old is one of Roma’s most expensive transfer signings to date. The Giallorossi paid an initial fee of  €22 million for the Argentine which could rise to €24.5m, a steep fee for a player with a mere season of outstanding football to his name.

The potential is there, but in a city as intense as Rome when it comes to football, Romanista won’t give the playmaker long to settle. 

Iturbe’s signature shows the club’s intent and as of now it looks as though the Giallorossi may yet hold on to centre-back Mehdi Benatia, which would be as good as making a big transfer signing.

Roma’s window of opportunity has opened further this past week. But the club still have a lot to do if the club are to secure their fourth Scudetto.

 

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