Roma look to rebuild after a difficult three-year spell. The club underwent a multitude of changes and a few new signings in the summer that could bring I Giallorossi closer to their Champions League ambitions in the coming seasons. This Roma season preview highlights the main factors that will have an impact on the 2021/22 campaign.
Roma Season Preview
The Arrival of José Mourinho And Expectations
Despite pundits doubting the move, the controversial José Mourinho was greeted like a superstar in Rome. The ‘Special One’ faces a challenge he has nearly never faced in his managerial career, rebuilding a struggling side. On one hand, he won’t have the resources to make his trademark box office signings. On the other, a spell away from the limelight might be good for the Portuguese manager.
Mourinho’s impact on the squad was immediate. According to Sky Sports Italia’s Angelo Mangiante, Mourinho told eight players on the first day of pre-season that they were not part of his plans and were free to leave. Those players were Justin Kluivert, Pedro, Ante Coric, Robin Olsen, Davide Santon, Javier Pastore, Steven Nzonzi and Federico Fazio. The squad will have to adapt this year as Mourinho’s defensive style of play clashes with ex-manager Paolo Fonseca’s fast-paced approach. Only time will tell if Roma and Mourinho are a good fit.
New Signings and Departures
Ever since the departure of Alisson Becker to Liverpool, uncertainty has settled over the goalkeeper position at Roma. This explains the arrival of experienced keeper Rui Patricio. The 33-year-old should make an immediate impact at the club and solidify the backline. This signing coincides with the departure of Pau Lopez, Roma’s most expensive goalkeeper ever.
Six years after his arrival at the club, Edin Dzeko has signed for Inter Milan. He replaces Romelu Lukaku, who has returned to Chelsea. The Bosnian striker was a huge part of Roma’s success during his spell in Italy, becoming the club’s all-time third-best goalscorer. His 29 goal season in 2016/17 was the first time a Roma player won the Capocannoniere since Francesco Totti in 2006/07.
In response, Mourinho brought in new signing Eldor Shomurodov from Genoa and Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham. Fans expect a lot from the 23-year-old considering his €40 million price tag.
Leonardo Spinazzola’s injury during Euro 2020 is a huge blow to Roma’s defence. In return, prospect Riccardo Calafiori will have his opportunities to show his potential, competing for the left-back role with newly arrived Matías Viña.
Roma are not ready for a title charge. However next season’s Serie A looks at its weakest in a long time. Inter Milan have lost crucial players like Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, as well as potentially losing Lautaro Martinez before the end of the season. AC Milan are without Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Elsewhere, Papu Gomez, Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero have all left Atalanta. Those changes might prove to be positive for Roma.
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