Roma, Fall of an Empire or Turnaround?

AS Roma started off the 2009/2010 season is dismal fashion with two consecutive defeats to Genoa and Juventus. Resulting in Luciano Spalletti handing in his resignation.

Former Chelsea tactician Claudio Ranieri was named Spalletti’s successor. He created a balance while implementing team morale unmatched throughout the Italian top flight. Despite a stuttering start to the tutelage of the Roman, the club eventually went on a 24-game unbeaten run.

The Giallorossi topped the chart during a single week in the second half of the campaign. The 2-1 defeat to Sampdoria on April 25 would ultimately thwart the side from lifting their third Scudetto.  They finished only two points behind champions Inter Milan.

The season of 2010/2011 has kicked off in similar fashion with a measly two points collected from the first four rounds. The crisis at the club has prompted the media, who believe the ‘Tinkerman’ may have lost the dressing room, to nominating potential successors to Ranieri. This makes the cool tactician to go on a rare tirade at the media only a few weeks into the season.

The goalless draw against newly promoted Cesena in the opening round was mainly down to the heroics of former Roma goalkeeper, 40-year-old Francesco Antonioli. A potential miscalculation took one step closer to crisis when I Lupi fell to pieces. After Nicolas Burdisso’s first half dismissal against Cagliari. they slumped to a 5-1 defeat.

Naturally, Ranieri felt the need to take security measures. The ‘catenaccio’ witnessed against Bayern Munich on matchday one in the Champions League lead Francesco Totti to publicly criticize the approach. Understandable considering how it conveyed a kind underestimation of the quality on the team.

Despite parking in the lower regions of the table, the Romans threw away a 2-0 lead against Bologna. They complacently invited the visitors back into the game with Marco Di Vaio bagging a brace.

Last week’s midweek clash with newcomers Brescia showcased improvement in terms of play. Despite the lack of a handful of key players. Had it not been for the dubious refereeing, Ranieri’s men might have had collected their first victory of the season.

Philippe Mexés controversial dismissal against Brescia resulted in a three- match ban. This, along with Julio Sergio’s possibly fractured foot in combination with Ranieri’s unusual outburst definitely gave cause for concern.

Mirko Vucinic’s game-winning diving header in the 91th minute against champions Inter Milan in week five is definitely a step in the right direction. And could prove to be the long awaited turnaround.

What the Giallorossi have been lacking is the balance and fierce determination showcased by the truckloads last season.  Several of players have admitted to issues in the dressing room. Issues that will need to be addressed before any solid improvement can be made.

The victory against the Nerazzurri may prove a temporary confidence boost. Finally raising the morale from its ground zero. Nevertheless, without harmony in the squad, the players won't repeat last year’s results.

The Giallorossi possess the talent to make a genuine push for the title. Both injuries and bad luck played their part in the club’s current crisis. This has forced Ranieri to make do with what has been available to him.

Keeping in mind the campaign has only just kicked off.  The damage can still be repaired. Even the defensive ones. Roma could find themselves back on track, but only if the Roman tactician can keep a cool head. 

Just like he did in the game against Inter.