Finally, a ten-game long taboo has been broken, with 3-1 win at the J – Allianz Stadium, which closes the championship and the feeling that there is still a lot to be seen ahead. Roma beat Juve emphatically, with both teams fielding a few youngsters. Nothing to play for, but still good to see that Roma are on the right path, at last. Seventh victory in the last eight games, won with a good spirit and with some great individual performances, from Villar to Ibanez, up to baby Calafiori. But mainly happy to see Nicolo’ Zaniolo back from a long injury, stronger than before, the undisputed rising star.
At the end Roma finished only eight points from Lazio, just to make it clear how many regrets this season ended. August and September will be key on many aspects: First of all, the imminent Europa League, then what will happen to Roma’s future, when will we see new owners, and the new stadium of course, which is due to get the final, agonised green light in September. The new season will then begin, and we need to see what will happen on the transfer market, with quite a few players on their way out.
Really sorry and disappointed to hear about Chris Smalling leaving, our leader at the heart of our defense, I cannot believe with the Sevilla game on Thursday seems a bit mad not to have him. Man Utd of course they demand at least 20m, a fair price for a 30 year old defender that has done so well since arriving in Rome. And given the fact defenders like Van Dyke or Maguire were sold at 80m. The club must be criticized for having done nothing about it in the last few months, to leave it until the last minute like this. Not fair on Fonseca or his teammates, nor the fans, all going to play the biggest game of the season. Vertonghen, 33, at the end of his career might be the replacement, on a free transfer.
The club management is in the hands of Guido Fienga alone, with Baldini still in the background. This is what happens when you don’t have a proper line of command, a Sporting Director just sent away, a President far away, totally cut off from the reality on the ground. A change of ownership is the only way to get out of this, and the only hope to keep Zaniolo. One ought to be very concerned about it. The impression is that anyone coming with the right lumpsome can snap him away. Alisson and Salah are the perfect examples. Unless you raise quick cash with the likes of Under and Kluivert. We are a selling club. Unless someone else with real ambition comes on board. Next season, maybe…FORZA ROMA!
SS