Team analysis: AS Roma - De Rossi leaves, Ivan Juric steps in
AS Roma made the bold decision to part ways with their former captain and coach, Daniele De Rossi. This came as a shock to many fans, especially given De Rossi’s long-standing affiliation with the club. His exit was reportedly the result of internal conflicts, particularly with some members of the executive team. The fan base reacted with frustration, organizing protests to express their discontent. While De Rossi’s tactical approach and results had been questioned by some, his symbolic importance to the club made this a highly emotional decision. It reflects how even iconic figures are not immune to the ever-demanding nature of professional football.
TWELVE GPT:
Roma's attack has significantly improved during the 2024/25 Serie A season. Key metrics like expected threat (xT), possessions to final third %, and final third to box % have all seen sustained increases, indicating greater effectiveness in advancing and creating chances. Despite the positive trends, a notable decline in pass tempo suggests a reduction in the speed of ball movement, which could be an area for improvement.
Fan Protests and Club Turmoil
Following De Rossi’s sacking, Roma has experienced considerable turmoil off the pitch. Fans took to the streets to voice their displeasure, angry not only about the coach’s removal but also the general direction the club seemed to be heading in. The Friedkin Group, Roma’s owners, have been under increasing pressure, with their decision to purchase Everton adding further distraction. The chaotic atmosphere raises questions about the stability of the club, and whether it has a clear long-term vision for both on and off the field success.
Behind the scenes, there were also reports of internal power struggles at Roma. De Rossi had reportedly clashed with some of the club’s decision-makers, particularly over player transfers. One notable area of dispute was the future of key players like Paulo Dybala. These tensions likely played a role in his dismissal. The Friedkin Group must now find a way to unify the club’s sporting and business arms, ensuring that the vision for the team aligns with financial realities. This level of internal discord is not sustainable for a club aiming to compete at the highest level.
TWELVE GPT:
Roma's defensive performance shown mixed results. The most troubling development has been a significant increase in the opposition's final third to box percentage, both over the longer term and in recent matches, indicating a decline in defensive performance. Nevertheless, they have managed to reduce the opposition's pass tempo significantly, which is a positive sign. However, small decreases in defensive duels won percentage and PPDA hint at underlying issues in defensive effectiveness that haven't shown much variation across matches.
Ivan Juric’s Appointment
Shortly after De Rossi’s dismissal, Roma swiftly appointed Ivan Juric as the new head coach. Juric, who previously managed clubs like Torino and Hellas Verona, is known for his preference for a high-pressing, aggressive style of play. His arrival at Roma signals a potential shift in footballing philosophy, as his past teams have often been lauded for their defense and efficient counterattacks. However, his success in Rome will largely depend on how quickly he can implement his ideas and whether he can adjust to managing a higher-profile team with greater expectations.
TWELVE GPT:
Torino had an effective defensive strategy during the 2022/23 Serie A season. Despite their positional and defensive approach being average, they limited opponents’ build-up pace significantly. Their success often came from controlling the space and timing of interventions, restricting the number of possessions advancing into dangerous areas. They managed to keep the opponents’ expected threat on average, reflecting their solid defensive structure. Opposition teams should prepare for a methodical and disciplined defensive unit that excels at disrupting the flow and rhythm of the game.
TWELVE GPT:
Torino showed a solid defensive performance during the 2023/24 season. Maintaining defensive actions higher up the pitch, their structure limited the opposition's threats effectively. They managed to restrict entry into the final third, thereby reducing the overall danger posed by their opponents. For an opposing team preparing to face Torino, breaking through their high defensive line with quick transitions would be key. Torino's organized and effective defence could pose significant challenges for any team not adept at fast, penetrative football.
TWELVE GPT:
Torino had an average season in terms of attacking transition during the 2022/23 Italian Serie A season. Their ability to instantly recover and maintain possession was typical for the league, but they weren't able to turn these into high-quality scoring chances. They made a standard amount of box and final third entries but did so with few chances. Their recoveries often occurred nearer the opponent's goal, suggesting they pressed high but couldn't exploit it effectively. Opponents should be prepared for high pressing and quick forwards moves when Torino win the ball back.
TWELVE GPT:
Torino had an average season in terms of attacking transition. They were able to recover the ball closer to the opponent's goal, indicating an aggressive press, but they couldn't efficiently convert those moments into quality chances. While they did a decent job entering the final third after recovery, their inability to penetrate the box or generate high expected goals indicates a need for better final execution. For opposition teams, it's essential to focus on negating Torino's pressing game and disrupting their transitions before they can become dangerous.
Ivan Juric’s football philosophy is based on high-intensity pressing and quick transitions, similar to Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta. However, one challenge he faces at Roma is adapting his style to a squad that may not yet have the players ideally suited to such a demanding system. While Juric has shown flexibility in previous roles, at Roma, he may need to focus on optimizing a team used to a different playing style under De Rossi and Mourinho. Finding balance and making the most of Roma’s attacking talents, such as Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, will be key.
Roma’s Recent Success on the Pitch
Despite the chaos off the field, Roma showed a strong performance in their recent match. The team played confidently and secured an important victory, easing some of the tension surrounding the club. Juric’s influence was already evident in the team’s organization and intensity. This win was crucial in calming both fans and players, giving Juric a bit of breathing room as he starts to implement his philosophy. However, consistency will be key, and Roma’s next games will test whether this was just a temporary uplift or the beginning of a new, more successful era.
TWELVE GPT:
Roma's 3-0 victory against Udinese was an impressive result, they can be very content with the outcome. Roma scored more goals than usual, indicating their finishing was particularly clinical in this match. While their chance creation was typical, they had significantly more touches in the penalty area and more final third touches compared to their opponent's final third touches than usual, contributing to their strong attacking performance. Their attacking transitions were particularly effective, with many final third entries within 10 seconds of recovery. Defensively, Roma performed typically, although they allowed Udinese an unusually high number of box entries within 10 seconds after recovery. In summary, Roma's victory was built on clinical finishing and effective attacking transitions, while their strong overall performance offset any defensive vulnerabilities and resulting in a comprehensive win.
TWELVE GPT:
In their victory against Udinese, Roma's defense maintained an assertive approach by increasing their defensive intensity and making defensive actions closer to the opponent's goal. This allowed them to win an average proportion of defensive duels while keeping Udinese from maintaining possession in the final third. Roma did well to disrupt Udinese's passing patterns by limiting passes per defensive action. Despite allowing Udinese an unusually high number of entries into the penalty box, Roma prevented them from converting these chances into a threat, demonstrating resilience. Overall, Roma's elevated defensive intensity and proactive challenge near the opponent’s goal were key to securing their win.
TWELVE GPT:
Roma's performance against Udinese showed strong attacking strategy that delivered good results. They managed to control the game through increased ball possession while effectively moving the ball into the final third. An increased proportion of entries into the penalty box highlights their assertiveness in attack. In addition, their frequent use of long balls showcased a direct approach, which kept Udinese's defense under constant pressure. Overall, Roma’s measured yet proactive attacking strategy was key to their comprehensive win.
TWELVE GPT:
Roma's win over Udinese was driven by their excellent performance in attacking transitions. They stood out by recovering the ball both frequently and nearer to the opponent's goal, which allowed them to pressure Udinese's defenses early. Roma retained possession longer than usual, ensuring they could sustain their attacks effectively, leading to an exceptionally high number of final third entries. This heightened offensive pressure within 10 seconds of recovery translated into a significant threat. Overall, Roma's transitions were electric and decisive, making the difference in their comprehensive victory.
In their match against Udinese, Roma showed an improved performance, which surprised many observers. It was one of their best games in recent times, with the team displaying both defensive solidity and attacking flair. This win was not only vital in terms of points but also in terms of boosting morale during the off-field distractions. The cohesion and tactical discipline seen in the Udinese match suggest that Juric’s ideas might be taking hold quicker than expected. The players’ response on the pitch could help shift the narrative around the club, potentially silencing the protests if such performances continue.
