25th October 2020
Well it hasn’t taken Dario Ricci long to get into his stride as a manager. He currently has Roma second in the Serie A only by goal difference to Atalanta after 5 matches with 4 wins and a loss, with the loss being a 4-0 defeat to current league leaders Atalanta in the opening round.
With the table as it currently stands (see above), it is still too early to tell who will be fighting it out for European spots.
The 4-0 defeat to Atalanta was followed up with three 1-0 victories in a row. Ricci obviously managing to rally the players and get their morale up following the big defeat on the opening day of the season. A first half goal to Bryan Christante at home against Spezia was the clubs first goal of the season. An away goal against Benevento and then another at home against Cagliari for striker Borja Mayoral (on loan from Real Madrid) secured 1-0 victories in those 2 matches. Captain Edin Dzeko returning from injury was going to have to work hard to win his place back in the starting lineup with Mayoral in his current form.
In the meantime the Euro Cup group stage draw had come around. Roma have been drawn into Group K alongside Red Star, Feyenoord and Wolfsberger AC.
Roma’s opening Euro Cup match against Red Star followed. Club captain Dzeko was back from injury, however Ricci decided to start his captain on the bench and the inform Mayoral took to the pitch to start upfront. The goals hoever came from midfield with a brace from Guinean international Amadou Diawara. Dzeko made an appearance in the final 15 minutes of the match but had no real impact.
A 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona followed this match for Ricci. Dzeko started this match his first start since his injury. The goals came from Diawara and winger Pedro to secure victory away in Verona.
Speedy winger Carles Perez and left fullback Jesus sharing the top of the assists table with 2 a piece currently.
Ricci has spoken out, stating that he would like to see his side getting more opportunities in front of goal and scoring more. He felt that the results against Spezia and Benevento, although victories, were not great results, and that more work is needed if Roma are to qualify for next seasons Champions League which is his goal this season.
November looks to be a busy month for Ricci and his Roma side, with 6 matches including an international break in the middle. Sources close to the club stated that Ricci’s pre season schedule was very much centred around fitness and making sure his players stay match sharp. This coming month could be the test of this, with several important matches ahead.
Tactics note: currently playing with a 433 DM Wide Tiki Taka formation
fmfluro86.com 