Roma Season Review: What went wrong?

[Forza_Roma]

Roma have failed to capture the title and finished second spot for the past two years. This season, Roma were within touching distance of the title, compared to last season when Inter dominated.

What went wrong?

Surely, lost points to Lazio, Napoli, Livorno contributed to not winning the title. But, Roma also went pretty deep in CL and are involved in the Coppa Italia final.

Is it depth? Even with the additions of Giuly, Juan, Esposito, Cicinho, Roma still seemed short of players on certain days.

Injuries? Totti missed many games this season due to his CL injury and his ligament injury late in the season. Juan was also injured for many games.

Was Inter just too strong to overcome?

Were Roma fatigued at times with CL obligations and Serie A?

Do Roma need more depth up front?

Did the potential owner change affect players performances?

So many questions that Roma must answer as to why they did not win the Scudetto. But, all in all......it was a terrific year. Not sure what else Roma could of done...they gave their all, but fell a points short. Roma are definitely gaining strength and maturity the past two seasons.

[Forza_Roma]

De Rossi believe the refs were responsible...

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

I think nothing went "wrong" with Roma. At the end, Roma were the best team in the second half of the season, and if it went any longer, they could of caught Inter.

You probably lost out in the CL, to the eventual winner also.

So in a nutshell, I think its been a good season. Roma is a force in Europe, and a team that other clubs will want to avoid. Baby steps as they.

Also with that success, I see better players arriving.

Maybe Roma can cherry pick some players from Milan, who are going to clean house. I still think the main problem is depth and experience.

[Jager]

Originally Posted by Forza_Roma

De Rossi believe the refs were responsible...

channel4.com - Football Italia

De Rossi is a typical Roman, not unlike Totti. Things don't go their way, and they say they are not bitter, yet that is what they are.

My post IS not meant as a dig, but just responding to his comments. I have heard this many times from Totti over the years, and I think this a trait.

The only difference is that Totti is Totti, while De Rossi is a wannabe. Not impressed by him, and should show some class. However being Italian myself, I understand him, this is a trait of many Italian from this region of Italy. And I grew up in that area, so I know.

[Forza_Roma]

Seems Spalletti shares De Rossi's thoughts on the matter...this is surprising considering Spalletti is a very humble man and never points fingers.

Spalletti thanks Giallorossi
Sunday 18 May, 2008

Luciano Spalletti has thanked Roma for an “exceptional campaign” and hopes they can only get better.

“I must compliment my team on the way they worked this season. We have grown a great deal, have a project to continue and everyone did their duty,” said the Coach after losing out to Inter in the Scudetto race.

“Today Inter were better than us. There’s no point going back over the whole season looking for moments where it went wrong. We did what we had to and probably a bit more than was expected, setting up a close end to the campaign.”

Roma were 11 points adrift in February, but closed the gap to one point going into the final weekend.

The Nerazzurri’s 2-0 victory away to Parma made the other result futile and Catania got back into it to draw 1-1 late on.

“We had some problems towards the end of the game, as Catania created some really good opportunities.

“The essential thing we must take from this is that we did all we could and appreciate the efforts put in by my players.”

However, Spalletti was not about to disagree with Daniele De Rossi, who hinted that Inter only won the title due to refereeing errors.

“Daniele said some logical things and I agree. I don’t feel it is right to only underline those statements, though, as he was the first to call himself bitter for saying them.”

[Forza_Roma]

This year comes down the dreaded D word. DEPTH. Roma added to their lineup this season by spending money on key players, but they didn't sign player tot he area that was needed the most. A striker. With Totti's injuries, Roma lacked a suitable replacement, even with the performances of Vucinic, who at times played with a knock.

Totti stated that when he returns to the field, he will be accompanied by two addition strikers. Let's hope it turns out to be true.

[LaVecchiaSignora]

The refs didnt give us matches like some other teams in the league

[sinoy1]

I think this was a successful season to be honest.82 points?damn near gold.Then again we cant say if i was a good season or not there's still the Copa Italia left.Lets get that done first then we shall talk about it.

Also how vital has Vucinic been this season.When the team had their heads down low and were feeling like shit.He steps it up in EVERY BIG GAME.This man needs to be tied up for a long term contract.

[D-Kin]

I agree with Jager, nothing went wrong with Roma. You're still probably a little too reliant on Totti and you're backup players at times aren't brilliant but you've got a solid core group of players and a great coach. This season has to be seen as a positive, I mean the title went down to the final day. You pushed Inter all the way, even when it looked like they might have already wrapped it up.

BUT....

I don't care who you are or who you support, no one can tell me that Inter haven't benefited from questionable calls from referees more than any other team in the league. It's a fact, you can't deny it, we've all witnessed it this season. Had things gone a little different (maybe the correct way) they could have easily finished as low as 3rd.

[Forza_Roma]

It's only speculation and hearsay about the refs and until i hear otherwise from the league, then there's no point in discussing it. But, i do hope we see some stats that confirm or deny any wrongdoings. I'm not even sure the league will look into the matter either...but i wouldn't mind seeing Roma win a "paper Scudetto" just put an asterisks beside it.

[D-Kin]

Originally Posted by Forza_Roma

It's only speculation and hearsay about the refs and until i hear otherwise from the league, then there's no point in discussing it. But, i do hope we see some stats that confirm or deny any wrongdoings. I'm not even sure the league will look into the matter either...but i wouldn't mind seeing Roma win a "paper Scudetto" just put an asterisks beside it.

They published a 'corrected table' after the turn of the year, it made interesting reading.

Believe me, the refs fucked up big time this season.

[Forza_Roma]

I don't think the league wants/needs another calciopoli type scandal. That ruined the credibility of italian soccer and caused turmoil among the owners, players and officials.

Nothing will happen...they will continue to claim all fuck ups were "human error" from the referees.

[D-Kin]

There is no scandal! Not this year anyway.

No one is saying that Inter (or whoever) has paid the refs, I actually highly doubt it.

But the refs have been poor this year. In truth they probably haven't even noticed it but on some level they have been favouring Inter for whatever reason.

[Forza_Roma]

To take the words from Totti....he said subconsciously, the refs favour Inter. That could come from more veteran players having better relationships with officials and getting the call in their favour from time to time. Or it could be something more. Players like Totti, Figo, Del Piero...they know how to earn fouls...but i don't know how one can justify an error in offsides etc.

I personally think there should be a two man refereeing system. One behind the play and one following the play. And possibly an additional linesmen on each flank as well. Then there would be no case for human errors.

[D-Kin]

Or better yet give the fucking 4th official something better to do than winding up the two managers and sit him in front of a TV screen so he can make quick accurate decisions on incidents that the referee's miss or get wrong (a replay would take a matter of seconds to play and analyse). Simple.