Afraid and shaken by the events so far. The season has gone badly and we fear it might get worse. Unless something changes. Quickly. This Roma team only shows glimpses of its potential. Too small, fragile and unpredictable. The three points last night are just good for that. Three points, in fact that saved Di Francesco from dismissal.
Overall it was another of those games where Roma let the opposition play and rule the roost for far too long. The fans, yesterday on strike for the first 10 mins of the game, showed their civilised anger protesting against players, coach and club. In the end Roma came back from behind to win the match, yet things did not look good. Genoa was all over the place, pressing our players on one-to-one.
Robin Olsen contributed negatively this time with two massive mistakes that nearly cost Roma the match. Luckily Fazio first, and Kluivert after equalised, until Bryan Cristante sealed the final 3-2 in style. But it was the referee officials to help us this time, as the VAR failed to spot a clear penalty for Genoa in the closing stages of the game.
EDF once again decided to change formation and tactical approach. No striker upfront, a false-nine with young Zaniolo roaming around as centre forward. Patrik Schick had his chances but did not take them. Kluivert looked sharp, Zaniolo as hungry as ever, Cengiz made another huge mistake in front of the goal but he’s there and looks positive. Bryan Cristante is now looking more like the player seen at Atalanta last season. Finally. But the rest of the did not look so good.
The real hope is that the imminent return of Captain De Rossi, Dzeko, El-Sha and Lorenzo Pellegrini should make the difference. Waiting for Pastore and Perotti, hardly seen so far this season. Next Juventus, away in Turin. The biggest game of the season traditionally, alongside the Derby with Lazio. We do not expect anything this time. No miracles. Yet, we do expect a lot of hunger and commitment to honour the shirt they wear. They must fight until the end, and if we do not win, no regrets. Give everything you have! Daje Roma!