Like most seasons in the Italian capital, optimism was high going into 2015-16 with many tipping Roma to claim the Scudetto.
With some new signings, a settled side and Juventus supposedly weakened after a summer of departures, this was meant to be the Giallorossi’s time after 15 years without a Serie A title.
Yet it was a campaign of much unrest, involving the fans and a departing coach, however, the return of an ex-boss has given the Roma faithful renewed hope for the future.
The Story
Things started well enough for the Giallorossi, including a symbolic home win over defending champions Juve. Yet the first-half of the season was littered with disasters, particularly in the Champions League group stage, where Roma conceded three goals in the first 30 minutes away at BATE Borisov and suffered the humiliating 6-1 defeat at the Camp Nou against Barcelona.
The worst though would come in the Coppa Italia, where they were knocked out at home to Serie B outfit Spezia. Not long after coach Rudi Garcia paid the price, with the side looking set to miss out on Champions League football.
Yet Luciano Spalletti returned for his second spell in charge and lifted the club. Roma went on a 17 game unbeaten run to secure a top three finish. Spalletti even oversaw the return of fans after a dispute with the club and a famous 4-1 hammering of city rivals Lazio.
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Key Player – Mohamed Salah
Roma finished the season with 83 goals in the 38 games, the most in Serie A. Mohamed Salah was crucial to Roma’s dynamic front-three, following his controversial move from Chelsea last summer.
His direct style and lightening pace saw the Egyptian winger become a vital part of the Giallorossi’s campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists. At just 23-years-old, supporters will be hoping Salah can continue to shine at the Stadio Olimpico for years to come.
The Manager
Despite overseeing back to back second place finishes in Serie A behind the imperious Juventus, Rudi Garcia was sent packing for a poor first five months of the season. The defensive flaws in his side came back to haunt him as Rome were humiliated on several occasions.
Luciano Spalletti was charged with turning the club’s fortunes around and he did so with remarkable success. The Bianconeri and Real Madrid were the only two teams to beat Spalletti’s outfit in the second-half of the campaign and despite still struggling to keep clean sheets, the likes of Stephan El Shaarawy fired Roma past most in Italy. Spalletti has laid the foundations for Roma to truly challenge Juventus next season.
Offseason recruitment
It proved to be hit and miss for Roma in the transfer market. The man who came with the biggest build-up, Edin Dzeko, flopped spectacularly, failing to be the striker who would fire Roma to Serie A glory. Others like Iago Falgue and William Vainqueur struggled to adapt to life in Rome and added little to the side.
They have unearthed some stars though. Antonio Rudiger is set to shine for Germany in Euro 2016, while El Shaarawy has rejuvenated his career since joining the club from AC Milan in January. That being said, Roma have a big transfer window ahead with stars Radja Nainggolan and Miralem Pjanic heavily linked with moves away.
Grade
A rocky spell in November and December cost Roma any hopes of adding to their trophy collection. Despite finishing third, lower than in their previous two seasons, the Giallorossi in the final months of the season showed much promise and many ways saved their campaign. But fans will be hoping for much more in 2016-17.
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