It’s been an extremely dour week at the Trigoria training center. Just when things seemed to be settling in for Roma and their manager Paulo Fonseca, the Giallorossi took a heavy beating at the hands of their city rivals Lazio in the Derby Della Capitale. The 3-0 defeat to the Biancocelesti certainly left its mark on the team as they were unexpectedly knocked out of the Coppa Italia against Spezia on Tuesday, in a match that was a disaster on all levels for the capital side. Therefore, the Portuguese tactician’s role at Roma is no longer safe, as Walter Mazzarri could become his replacement.
According to Calciomercato, Fonseca probably has the next two matches to save his job, and his odds of staying at the club is at 1.60.
Whilst two former Juventus managers were linked to the job, the former Napoli and Inter Mazzarri is currently the odds on favorite to take the reigns at the capital – at least according to the source – as he suddenly rose from 10.00 to 4.00 in the last few hours on the bookmakers’ odds.
Right behind them, former Watford coach Leonardo Jardim’s odds are at 5.00. The ex-Monaco tactician might not be a familiar name to the Italian fans, but the presence of his compatriot Tiago Pinto as the club’s director saw his chances rising.
On the other hand, the return of Luciano Spalletti for a third Roma stint is a little less likely at 8.00, with former Chelsea and Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri receiving the same odds. And at the back we find the six time Scudetto winner Massimilano Allegri at 10.00.
Our View on the Mazzarri – Roma Links
Unfortunately for Mazzarri, his managerial career hasn’t exactly witnessed much success ever since he left Napoli to join Inter in 2013, but the 59-year-old would undoubtedly relish the chance of joining a top club like Roma.
Nonetheless, it must be noted that despite all the recent negative results, the Giallorossi remain 4th in the Serie A table, ahead of clubs who arguably possess better squads.
Therefore, the club hierarchy must be very careful before wielding the axe on Fonseca’s tenure, as the young Portuguese’s tactical work in the last 18 months shouldn’t go unnoticed.