Roma stuttered once again. Another draw in a league campaign that has seen Rudi Garcia’s men fade away from title contention due to their inability to kill opposing teams off has finally caught up on them. With Lazio’s empathetic victory over Empoli, Roma fell to third place as their arch rivals moved up to second and into the final automatic Champions League spot in Serie A.
It is a day that started well for the Giallorossi. The visitors were the better team in the first-half, although their domination in terms of possession was not converted into clear cut opportunities. Early after the break Roma found the initial way through. Daniele De Rossi was brought down inside the 18-yard area by Torino’s Emiliano Moretti and Alessandro Florenzi, another Rome born player for the Giallorossi, tucked the penalty away. Roma’s lead, however, would only last seven minutes. A Giuseppe Vives cross was guided into the net by Maxi Lopez, with goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis, who had been barley troubled up until that point, unable to get close to Lopez’s effort. In the final quarter of the game Roma were unable to exert pressure on the Torino goal, leaving the match to fizzle out into a draw.
Drawing blanks
Roma have now drawn nine of the last Serie A 13 games. Coach Rudi Garcia said he was happy with his team’s performance after the match, but he knows that results are all that matters at this stage of the campaign. It is a similar tale to last season, where Roma won their first ten games in Serie A in 2013-2014 but were unable to keep place with eventual champions Juventus, drawing four more games than the Bianconeri. This time around, Roma have already drawn 12 matches in Serie A, five more than Juve and the Giallorossi will once more fail realise their potential unless the problem is solved.
Oh captain my captain
All time record goal scorer and Captain Francesco Totti was an unused substitute in their 1-1 draw at Torino, the Italian legend’s place was taken by January signing Victor Ibarbo. The Colombian international, on loan from Cagliari, was unable to make any sort of impact on the game and was largely ineffective. The weekend’s game has proved that there is still room in Roma’s starting 11 for il Capitano, still Roma’s third highest goal scorer this season despite playing a more reduced role. The former World Cup heroes’ leadership, and more importantly creative ability, could yet be vital for Roma in the final weeks of the Serie A season.
Iturbe still finding his feet
Juan Iturbe was bought from Hellas Verona this summer for $30 million dollars, yet he has struggled to adapt in Rome. With as many yellow cards as goals in his first season, three, it is fair to see that fans have failed to see the best of the Argentine. Dubbed by many as being the one of the brightest young players in Serie A, Iturbe has not looked comfortable as part of the Giallorossi’s front three. Yet at only 21-years-old, Roma have a player of huge potential on their hands and if the faithful and coaching staff are patient, they will see the best of this South America gem.
City Rivals
Roma’s hopes for claiming a fourth scudetto have long gone but they now face a real challenge from city rivals Lazio for second place. Lazio are unbeaten in their last seven league matches and are the form team in the league. Avoiding a playoff to enter the Champions League group stage next season is more than enough of an incentive, however local bragging rights are also at stake. Roma face Lazio in the penultimate round of the season, which could be a decisive outing for both sides.
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