Roma Club Focus: The Season So Far…

Date: 1st January 2015 at 12:42pm
Written by:

New Roma LogoIn the new 2015 Serie A year, Roma find themselves still tailing league leaders Juventus. Forza Italian Football brings you a review of all that has happened in Roma’s 2014 year.

Roma’s 2014-15 season this far can be summed up in one word: thrilling.

Not since the Luciano Spalletti era have the Giallorossi become real Serie A challengers and under Rudi Garcia, they now have a squad capable of usurping the current best team in Italy, Juventus.

Runners-up in 2013-14 and now sitting a mere three points behind the Bianconeri at the top of Serie A, Garcia’s work is gathering momentum and his ultimate reward would be a Scudetto victory next May.

Transfer Hit & Flop

Kostas Manolas was brought in over the Summer to replace what looked like the irreplaceable Mehdi Benatia, snapped up by German champions Bayern Munich. The Greek international had a somewhat difficult start to his Roma career as he settled into a new environment and a new way of life.  However, with injuries to Davide Astori and Leandro Castan, Manolas has taken on the responsibility of organising the Roma defence and over the last month or so has begun to fulfill the promise that had earned him his move.

Juan Iturbe was seen as the missing piece in Garcia’s jigsaw, the creative forward that would finally bring the goals and assists to lead his side to Serie A glory.  And, to a lesser extent, a potential replacement for the aging Francesco Totti.

But things have not yet worked out for the 21-year-old Argentine.

The goals have not come and the scintillating form he showed at previous club Verona is nothing more than a distant memory.  Relegated to the bench and rare substitute appearances, the current season has been disappointing so far for Iturbe.

Coach

Rudi Garcia has been an instant hit in Rome, creating the only side in Italy that has shown the capabilities to keep pace with the Juventus juggernaut.  His attacking 4-3-3 has suited the likes of Gervinho, Miralem Pjanic and even Francesco Totti has adpated, despite his 37 years.

However, he may become a victim of this relative successful period at the helm of the club, if silverware is not delivered.

If he can continue to keep up with Juventus though, he will become a hero to the fans; but another second place finish this season may be deemed as a minor failure given the investment into the squad so far.

The pressure will rise on Garcia to deliver something important to Roma, and whilst another second place in Serie A will be tolerated, next year might be make or break for him, if he fails to bring home a winner’s medal.

Best goal — Jose Holebas v Inter

In 2014, the Giallorossi hit 78 goals in all competitions.

Last month, Jose Holebas evoked memories of Diego Maradona during the 1986 World Cup, after picking up the ball well inside his own half, he slalomed his way past half of the Inter defence to score what can only be described as a blockbusting solo effort.

Undoubtedly the best of Roma’s goals so far this season.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX_m1wgsiLY[/youtube]

 

Comments are closed.