“The dream is gone. The chase is over. Nearly and almost certain. Roma failed to beat Atalanta at home, while Juve picked up 3 easy points at Pescara. Now only virtual numbers separate Juventus from their 6th consecutive Scudetto. Roma must concede defeat, once again, and must now concentrate their final efforts to maintain second place in the league to qualify automatically for the next Champions League.
No one to blame here. Really. They are known problems. Roma are still second to Juve for team quality, collective effort and mentality. Let alone the financial capabilities. The gap is there and will not be compensated until the American owners invest in those players who can bring that winning mentality to transmit to fellow teammates.
Roma only got a draw against Atalanta for several reasons. You simply cannot afford to stay in the dressing rooms in the first half. Atalanta were by far the best team, intensity, pressing and movement all around the pitch. Roma appeared slow, sloppy and with the head somewhere else. Atalanta scored and could have scored another before the end of the first half.
Roma reacted in the second half, came out and displayed what they can do, forcing Atalanta to surrender striaght into the second half, and by looking for the winner until the end. But it wasn’t to be. The crossbar and the post denied Nainggoland and De Rossi but it cannot be used as an excuse. At the end, the draw is a fair result. Roma are just not good enough to win the title. Yet.
From now on, eyes on Napoli. We must keep the second spot or it will be a disaster for next season. At this stage, it would be fundamental to keep the concentration until the end. The coach surely realizes that. Then, we will do the maths at the end. As usual, always Forza Roma”.
Stefano Sale @asroma.ie