Following a couple of disappointing spells in the Premier League, José Mourinho will attempt to resurrect his managerial career with a new and exciting challenge at Roma. It’s not every day that you see a coach becoming the main attraction at a football club, but such is the unique character and unparalleled charisma of the Special One, who will easily be one of the major stars of the Serie A season.
The Gialorrossi are coming from a forgettable campaign themselves, and will be adamant on improving following a 7th place finish under the guidance of their departed manager Paulo Fonseca.
The Portuguese tactician apparently wants to adopt his old 4-2-3-1 formation – reminiscently to the lineup he applied during Inter’s infamous treble season – but which players will he choose from his over-packed squad?
Goalkeeper and Defense
During his two-year spell in the Italian capital, Pau Lopez never truly convinced, and thus, Mourinho replaced him with his compatriot, the vastly experienced Rui Paraticio, and Roma should finally have a solution for their woes in this particular department.
Former Manchester United man Chris Smalling will be reunited with his old manage, and the latter could entrust him to lead the backline, alongside the ever-improving Gianluca Mancini. The young Roger Ibanez and Marash Kumbulla remain solid options, but knowing the Portuguese tactician, he’ll prefer the tried and trusted options.
Rick Karsdorp had a complicated start to his stint in the Eternal City, but he managed to find his footing last season, and he remains the natural choice at right-back. However, Bryan Reynolds could prove to be the pleasant surprise of the campaign. Davide Santon will be the outside bet for the role.
On the left flank, Mourinho will have to do without Leonardo Spninazzola perhaps until the new year, presenting the opportunity for new signing Matias Vina to prove his worth. The young Ricardo Califiori might provide some competition.
?️ First run-out for Matias Vina! ??
#ASRoma #RomaRaja pic.twitter.com/2892tWO7J7— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 14, 2021
Double Pivot
The new manager was hoping to have Granit Xhaka as his midfield commander, but the deal collapsed in the last meters.
Therefore, Mourinho would probably have to rely on Bryan Cristante and Jordan Veretout for the double pivot role, unless Roma can add another player in the last few weeks of the market.
Amadou Diawara and Gonzalo Villar are the main alternatives, and the latter was granted some decent playing time last season.
Granit Xhaka deal, completed and confirmed. Contract signed until June 2025 with increased salary after AS Roma talks collapsed weeks ago. ? #AFC
Arsenal are also working to sign Ødegaard on permanent deal – waiting for ‘green light’ from Real Madrid to submit the official bid. https://t.co/g9INNwnNIt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2021
Attacking Midfield
After missing out on Euro 2020 with an unfortunate injury, Lorenzo Pellegrini will try to overcome the disappointed with a stellar campaign, and he should act as the link between the midfield and the attack. New signing Eldor Shomurodov might be an option for his role, but his can also play on the wings or even a center forward.
Speaking of injuries, Nicolò Zaniolo has been battling on the treatment for the last two seasons, and he finally appears to be fully fit (knock on wood). The Italian could be set for a role on the right wing, whilst Carles Perez being the alternative option.
On the opposing wing, Mourinho will have to pick between Stephan El Shaarawy (who returned to Roma this year) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The two players possess completely different styles, but the manager could favor the Armenian – despite their past differences in Manchester – especially after his impressive performances last season.
?? Back at the Olimpico ?️
Welcome back Zaniolo! ?
#ASRoma #RomaRaja pic.twitter.com/6h7wJPuHmw
— ?? ???? ??????? (@RomaGateway) August 14, 2021
Striker
Another headache for the Special One. Besides Shomorudov – who we mentioned above – the Giallorossi have two up-and-coming strikers competing for Edin Dzeko’s vacant post.
Borja Mayoral will have the early advantage with a year of experience in the Italian capital under his belt. The Spaniard performed admirably at times when Dzeko was left out of the squad, saving Fonseca’s head on some occasions.
However, new signing Tammy Abraham is a different beast. Strong, tall and powerful, the Englishman has all the making of a terrifying striker if we he manages to put it all together – as proven by this performance at Chelsea during Frank Lampard’s reign.
With Tammy Abraham set to join AS Roma, the triple swap is completed ?
– Chelsea bring Lukaku to replace Abraham
– Inter bring Dzeko to replace Lukaku
– Roma bring Abraham to replace Dzeko pic.twitter.com/RMtOwzohTt— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) August 16, 2021
Roma Probable Lineup
Roma XI (4-2-3-1): Paraticio; Karsdorp, Mancini, Smalling; Veretout, Cristante; Zaniolo, Pellegrini, Mkhitaryan; Abraham
