We were so deluded. After the victory with Genoa and Torino, the impression was of a team that had finally assimilated the teachings of Mourinho, a new set-up and determination in bringing home the result. In Bologna we expected a vigorous and combative Roma, aware that a victory against the Bolognesi was much more important than the next matches with Inter and Atalanta, that maybe taking two points would have been excellent results with two teams destined to fight for the Scudetto.
Against Bologna, on the other hand, it was a decisive match, essential to remain attached to the train that leads to fourth place, already a very difficult goal in itself. Instead, at the Dall’Ara gets one of the worst defeats against a medium-sized team. Not exactly unbeatable. But the team takes the field inexplicably deflated, soft, imprecise and without ideas, it never imposes itself on the opponent, who immediately understands the situation and takes advantage of it.
Zaniolo finds no compassion among the referees who are now determined not to whistle a foul in his favour, even when it is evident. But he too has to complain less, evidently not so appreciated to certain attitudes, but a referee cannot be conditioned in this way. But the defeat is also the result of wasted opportunities, Diawara and Veretout’s slowness, Miki’s poor streak, Abraham’s bad luck, El Sharaawy’s injury and Karsdorp’s naivety in the final.
Double blow as we lose other pieces in view of the engagement with the Milanese Nerazzurri after having already lost Pellegrini and Felix. In just a few days, a situation that had seen enthusiasm skyrocket was reversed, and instead we return from the Via Emilia quite resized and depressed. Josè Mourinho has a very difficult task now, scoring points with Inter and Atalanta so as not to slide back sucked into the big group that follows in the middle of the standings. Finding the strength and the right spirit to react is the only way. Struggle and suffer. To give everything. For Roma.