It was only the second game of the season, but Roma’s win over Juventus could have huge consequences in determining the destination of the Serie A title.
The Stadio Olimpico is often renowned for its intimidating atmosphere, it is effectively the heir to the city’s colosseum: a theatre packed full of people creating a rambunctious ambiance that is often unparalleled throughout Europe.
Yet on Sunday, the noise levels were toned down a few decibels amid a protest from Roma’s Curva Sud upset at a decision by authorities to split the club’s iconic ultra group.
The lifelessness of the Curva Sud compared to the sheer scenes of jubilation that accompanied the Giallorossi players at the full-time whistle on the back of their triumph over Juventus, could hardly paint a greater contrast.
For this was not merely the scenes of surprise that are brought about when you have toppled the defending champions, akin to those experienced by Udinese in the opening fixture, this was monumental.
The fat lady is not necessarily singing for the Old Lady, but what Roma’s victory has managed to accomplish is to send reverberations around Italian football that the Bianconeri machine is now beatable and that Rudi Garcia’s side are the prime candidate to put an end to Juventus’ stranglehold over Serie A.
From a Roma perspective, what was most pleasing about Sunday’s result was that it was finally a relief for the club’s much criticised recruitment policy.
The Giallorossi’s signing policy has often been slaughtered with Rudi Garcia as well as sporting director Walter Sabatini charged with botching numerous signings.
Roma have had the funds in the last few years to challenge Juventus seriously, but their problem has been that money has been squandered on a long list of flops. Indeed Roma have been outspending Juventus, but whilst the Bianconeri were snapping up the likes of Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo on free-transfers the Lupi have frittered money away on the likes of Juan Iturbe, Seydou Doumbia and Victor Ibarbo.
Yet at the Stadio Olimpico against Juventus, the new faces of Wojciech Szczesny, Lucas Digne and Edin Dzeko all slotted into the first-team like seasoned Roma stars.
The Polish goalkeeper is a dominating presence between the sticks and finally addresses a position the Giallorossi have been stuck with for several years. For all of Roma’s great play, Szczesny’s saves were arguably the difference between the victory and the glorious failure supporters have become accustomed to over decades.
Lucas Digne is a refreshing change in Roma’s left-back position, almost banishing memories over the failed transfer of Ashley Cole from Chelsea last summer. As pointed out beforehand much of Roma’s problems have stemmed from a lack of balance in the side and the Frenchman not only gives the Giallorossi a better shape in terms of defending he also acts as an additional attacking option overlapping on the left-hand side of the pitch.
Finally, the acquisition of Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko from Manchester City could be a real game-changer for the Lupi. It provides Roma with a physical presence and a focal point in their attack that has been missing ever since Garcia was appointed coach in 2013.
Just as you can contrast the performance of Dzeko with Juventus’ Mario Mandzukic, you can also contrast the differing fortunes the clubs have experienced in the market this summer. Juventus have replaced many seasoned performers and gambled to an extent on younger talent to fill that void, whereas Roma seem to have finally wisened up and realised they need proven performers themselves to mount a serious title challenge.
Juventus’ greatest strength over the last few years has been their shrewd business in the market, whereas Roma’s greatest weakness has been squandering millions on average and unnecessary players.
That has been entirely reversed, and so too could the destination of the Scudetto.
