The Serie A title race has become increasingly unpredictable, and after the first five matches of the season, AS Roma has emerged as a surprising contender. Historically, Inter has been a dominant force in Italian football during the 2020s, entering the season as favorites and defending champions. However, no team has claimed back-to-back titles since Juventus' nine consecutive wins, making it difficult to forecast who will claim the championship.
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Currently, Roma is leading the league, benefitting from goal difference over Inter and Lazio, both of which are level on points. Roma secured its top position with an impressive 4-0 victory in their opening match. The club has entered a new phase following the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini last summer. Gasperini, who previously led Atalanta to notable success, faced scrutiny regarding how he would perform at a club with higher expectations after a previous stint at Inter ended poorly.
At 67 years old, Gasperini's role at Roma is seen as a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities in a competitive environment. Despite not having the extensive trophy collection of clubs like Juventus, Inter, or AC Milan, Roma has a dedicated fanbase that expects them to compete for major honors. Founded to challenge the northern clubs, Roma has historically achieved only three league titles and a record number of second-place finishes, which adds to the pressure Gasperini faces, especially after Roma failed to qualify for the Champions League in the last seven seasons.
Under Gasperini's leadership, Roma finished third in his first season, marking a significant improvement. Although the team faced challenges early on, including a mid-season signing of Donyell Malen from Aston Villa that revitalized their attack, the club's return to the Champions League was welcomed by supporters. Maintaining key players during the recent summer transfer window was crucial, particularly the retention of Manu Kone, who had attracted interest following his impressive performances in the World Cup.
Kone's standout performances, including a brace against Inter that helped secure a draw, have become vital for Roma's aspirations. He is often misidentified as a defensive midfielder, but his contributions to the attack are becoming more pronounced. His performance alongside Malen, who leads the Serie A scoring charts with six goals so far, adds to Roma’s attacking potency. Paulo Dybala has also returned to form, assisting multiple goals and being a critical playmaker for the team this season.
Roma's style of play has evolved, mirroring the fluid tactics Gasperini successfully implemented at Atalanta. However, one concern remains: the absence of a right-footed winger could present challenges as the season progresses. Nevertheless, Roma's centenary celebrations are on the horizon, and fans are hopeful that a potential fourth league title may coincide with the milestone.
While securing a top-four finish would still be viewed as a success, if Roma continues their current form, they will need to be taken seriously in the title fight. With a strong defense and solid goalkeeping from Mile Svilar, who has been recognized as the league's top goalkeeper for the past two years, Roma appears well-positioned. The rise of local talent Emanuele Lulli also offers promising insights into the team's future. Only time will tell if Roma can maintain this momentum, but they have undoubtedly established themselves as a team to watch in an unpredictable league.