After being on course for multiple competitions, the Giallorossi now find their ambitions whittled down to realistically being able to win just the one.
After eliminating Dutch giants Feyenoord in the UEFA Europa League almost a fortnight ago, Roma will play against Fiorentina in the Round of 16 for an all-Italian encounter in Florence.
The Giallorossi’s progression from the Round of 32 has been one of the few positive results for Rudi Garcia’s team in 2015. Roma have lost more ground in the Serie A title race to Juventus (trailing by 11 points) and were eliminated by Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia.
Perhaps now Roma should focus on performing well in the Europa League, with the competition serving as something of a saving grace, but Garcia’s preparation for the tie and choice of personnel will be key.
One of the reasons why the Giallorossi should aim to perform well in the Europa League is because their chances of winning their fourth Serie A title have severely diminished.
Although it is mathematically possible for Roma to gain ground on Juventus, it is very unlikely that the Bianconeri will surrender their lead. The Giallorossi have only won two of their last 10 league matches whereas Juve have won six.
Roma have recently lost their grip in not just one but in two competitions they could have won. Aside from not keeping up with the Bianconeri in Serie A, the Giallorossi lost 2–0 to Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia on February 3 thanks to a Mario Gomez brace.
More importantly, Garcia’s side needs to have a different mindset in the Europa League compared to what it has been in Serie A. If the battle for the league is perceived to be like a marathon, then cup competitions are like sprints. Roma cannot afford to be complacent against Fiorentina or any future opponents should they move past the Gigliati.
If Roma can triumph against Fiorentina, they should fancy their chances and even focus on winning the competition. After their early elimination from this season’s UEFA Champions League, Garcia’s squad should use the Europa league as a way to redeem themselves in Europe.
Historically, Roma have always been underachievers in Europe though. The Giallorossi were the second team from Italy to win a European trophy, when they defeated Birmingham City over two leagues in the 1961 Fairs Cup.
After that, the Giallorossi lost the 1984 European Cup Final to Liverpool on penalties at the Stadio Olimpico, and lost the 1991 UEFA Cup Final over two legs against Giovanni Trapattoni’s Inter. Winning the Europa League would be a great achievement for Roma and put the current squad in the history books.
The thought of Roma winning the Europa League might seem very unrealistic given the Giallorossi’s recent form in Serie A, but it all depends on how Garcia sets-up his team.
He has frequently changed his starting line-up but benching Roma icons Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti could be the key. De Rossi still does not look 100 per cent fit and Totti has been anonymous recently.
Starting Adem Ljajic and Daniele Verde in attack with Gervinho can work in Garcia’s favour. Ljajic has scored nine goals in 31 matches, more than any Roma player this season; and Verde has played with maturity that belies his age.
Garcia and Roma should desperately go for the Europa League. After all, It is their last chance to salvage some pride this season.
