Roma have suffered a disastrous start to the Serie A season. One point from a possible nine is all that Jose Mourinho’s men have managed. As such, they go into the international break sitting in a miserly 18th place. All this is transpiring after Roma had what looked like a very promising summer transfer window, but things are still falling apart for them and there are numerous reasons.
Firstly, and of great significance, is Roma’s injuries. They have been unlucky in the medical department so far this campaign. New summer signing Houssem Aouar sustained a muscle injury against Milan last week. Renato Sanches, another new signing, remains injured and Mourinho has spoken publicly about his issues. Paulo Dybala is still recovering from his injury, and is taking the international break as he aims to work on his match fitness.
Roma are in a position where after the international break, they will instantly feel the pressure of the fans. The first game back is a home fixture vs Empoli. The game has become must-win, and one man who will be looked to is Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian signed on loan for Roma at the end of the window, and the Giallorossi will be hoping that he can be their saviour, and turn their fortunes.
In the defeat to Milan, it wasn’t the result which seemed shocking. It was the fact that the Giallorossi seemed physically shot and it is in stark contrast to how Mourinho wants his teams to be.
Problems lie all around the pitch for Roma. Rui Patricio has had a shaky start to the season and has come under heavy criticism. Chris Smalling has been error prone. And Leandro Paredes, who returns to Roma from Paris Saint-Germain after a poor loan stint at Juventus, will clearly require some adjustment before suiting the team’s system. Nemanja Matic had left in the summer despite having done well last season and Paredes hasn’t shown signs of replacing the Serbian. The international break may well be a welcomed release for Jose Mourinho.
Japtej Ghura | GIFN
