Football Season Guide

Roma failed to make the top 4 of Italian football in the past campaign. After a mixed start to the season with Eusebio Di Francesco in charge, they hired Claudio Ranieri, who led them to qualification for the next Europa League but little else. The “Tinkerman” was let go almost immediately and the management went looking for a replacement. Having failed to hire any of the big names, Conte or Gasperini, they ended up acquiring the services of Paulo Fonseca, who did great things in Paços de Ferreira and Shakhtar Donetsk. The new coach, who has no other experience outside Portugal and Ukraine, is expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. He will have to deal with a squad that has been somewhat renewed. In fact, Roma let go at least 4 regulars plus several players who had had no chance to shine or prove their skills. After getting rid of Totti, both as a player and a manger, the management also let go captain Future, De Rossi. Then they sold some players for relevant sums: this was certainly the case with El Shaarawy and Manolas. Marcano and Karsdorp were let go having failed to impress after their arrivals. Not considering that they might also have to look for a new striker, if they part ways with Dzeko, who blessed them with the usual amount of goals and assists, Roma invested mainly in 2 departments, defence and midfield. Pau Lopez should be the new goalkeeper, with Olsen falling back to the bench. Spinazzola and Mancini, two Italian internationals, are both set for a start at the back. Diawara and Veretout should provide muscle and quality in the middle of the park.