Drawing a blank
In addition to their poor defensive record, Roma are starting to misfire in front of goal. In their last four games in all competitions, the Giallorossi have only scored one goal from open play. This is a far cry from the Roma of the start of the season where their attacking and free-flowing style of football was taking Serie A by storm. Rudi Garcia’s men do not look anywhere near as good without their deadly duo of Gervinho and Mohamed Salah. Any team would be weakened when two of their best players are out injured but the drop since the two wingers were sidelined has been dramatic.
Even Miralem Pjanic, who was in scintillating form earlier this campaign, has not reached those heights since being sent off at the San Siro against Inter at the end of October. Edin Dzeko has only scored three goals in Serie A since joining Roma in the summer while captain Francesco Totti has been out of action since September. Roma are crying out for some inspiration in front of goal as their season starts to fall apart.
Last chance for Garcia
The French coach has arguably had the worst week in his relatively short managerial career. Before the international break, after their impressive win over rivals Lazio, Roma were in a good place. Yet just three weeks later, Rome appears to be in crisis. On-loan goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has admitted he wants to return to Arsenal, fans are still boycotting games hence the once again low attendance for the Atalanta game at the Stadio Olimpico plus persistent rumours of Roma lining up a replacement for Garcia in the Roma hot seat refusing to subside.
Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco, who has worked wonders at the unfancied Neroverdi, has been reported to be sounded out by the Roma board with results not going in the favour of the Giallorossi. Sporting director Walter Sabatini came out after the Atalanta match and supported Garcia, stating the Frenchman has been unlucky and has the board’s full support. But if Roma fall further behind in the Serie A title race before the Christmas break and they do n0t secure a home win against BATE in the Champions League, then the Giallorossi may well start the new year with a new coach.
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