Fans and football pundits are talking about Roma’s extremely disappointing performances in 2020. But the Lupi may suffer tactically.
A few weeks ago, I was writing about Roma’s possible structural issues and the lack of balance of the team also due to the countless injuries suffered by the team since the beginning of the season.
In the past few weeks, the Giallorossi collected defeats and bad performances. In order to find the possible causes for their unexpected terrible beginning of 2020, I wanted to focus on the ability of the Roma midfielders to regain possession in order to help the backline.
My analysis takes into consideration three parameters: clearances, interceptions, and tackles. The match under observation is Atalanta-Roma, the recent defeat of the Giallorossi at Gewiss stadium.
Atalanta-Roma | Clearances | Interceptions | Tackles
- Perotti: 1-0-2
- Mkhitaryan: 1-2-1;
- Pellegrini: 1-0-2;
- Kluivert: 0-0-1;
- Mancini: 2-1-2.
- Hateboer: 0-0-0;
- de Roon: 3-0-1;
- Freuler: 0-2-4;
- Gosens: 2-1-2;
- Gomez: 0-1-1.
The outcome doesn’t look bad for Roma. The two midfield lines had practically the same performance in the 90 minutes:
- Clearances: Roma 5 – Atalanta 5;
- Interceptions: Roma 3 – Atalanta 4;
- Tackles: Roma 8 – Atalanta 8.
In light of that, Roma may really have a mere tactical problem. The team have been suffering an average of 2 goals per game in 2020. The backline moves forward to keep the lines very tight but often the midfielders cannot make the right ball through to put Dzeko & co. in front of the goal.
Paulo Fonseca may be forced to change his tactical system to implement a new approach better suited for his players.
A lack of balance on the pitch can compromise the development of both phases. Defensively, Roma are not solid anymore. Offensively, the team is struggling (one-shot on target in 90’ minutes against Atalanta).
(Stats by SofaScore)
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