A lack of offensive vigour cost them dearly against Inter and Brian McLaughlin analyses whether or not Edin Dzeko’s goalscoring exploits can finally commence for Roma
Roma were knocked off top spot in Serie A after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Inter at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday with the result compounded by the fact that a win would have opened up a five point gap over the Nerazzurri.
After the optimism generated by their win at the Stadio Artemio Franchi against Fiorentina last week, the Giallorossi came crashing back down to earth after a lack of potency in front of goal removed them from the summit of Serie A.
Last week we said that title aspirations are built upon a solid defence and the ability to grind out results even when you are not playing greatly and Roberto Mancini’s Inter proved this yet again with their sixth narrow 1-0 win of the season.
With regard to Roma’s finishing problems, it is time to address the elephant in the room; Edin Dzeko. Many would have touted the Bosnian as a contender for the Capocannoniere, the Serie A golden boot, yet the forward has found the net just once this season in the league and looks far from getting on the score sheet. The summer arrival from Manchester City crucially still retains the support of the clubs supporters, as well as coach Rudi Garcia, who believes the 28-year-old will soon rediscover his goalscoring form.
Indeed over 3,000 Giallorossi fans greeted the player at the city’s Leonardo Da Vinci-Fiumicino airport in the summer when he arrived to complete a switch to the Italian capital.
However, benevolence can only last so long. Especially if his profligacy in front of goal is causing the team to drop points. Whilst the form of Gervinho and Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly been among one of the greatest aspects of Roma’s season, it is also stifling Dzeko. The Bosnian is supposed to be the focal point of the team and thrives on quality deliveries from wide areas but that has not been forthcoming, as both Gervinho and Salah prefer to cut into the box and shoot. From the point of view of the overall team, the dynamics work as it gets the best out of two players from the front three.
But how long can Dzeko survive in Rome if he is placed in a system that does not suit him, but if it was altered to 4-5-1 would it likely lead to the ultra-conservative performances Garcia’s side used to churn out last season? It may simply be a matter of instructing Gervinho and Salah to cross the ball into the box more often and thus give Dzeko the delivery he is craving, but again that would likely mitigate the effectiveness the two wider forwards have in providing a cutting edge by scoring goals.
It is a dilemma Garcia will soon have to resolve. Roma may be able to get away with it against the smaller sides where goals can be scored from all over the pitch, but when it comes to the crunch matches against league rivals, the burden of responsibility will likely fall on Dzeko’s shoulders and it is not long until fingers will be pointed.
