AS Roma’s Tactical Issues Uncovered 2024/25: Why Daniele De Rossi Was Sacked – Team Analysis

Why Was Daniele De Rossi Sacked?

Roma won 3-0 over the weekend in a dominant display over Udinese – but club icon Daniele De Rossi, who had previously been their manager since January, was not there after he was dismissed from his role following a poor start to the Serie A season.

De Rossis sacking has not gone well with the club’s fans, who are angry with the decision; this backlash caused the club CEO to step down.

De Rossi, who played over 400 games for Roma during his career, was axed by the club before the aforementioned win over Udinese after failing to win any of the opening four games this season.

Additionally, their 2023/24 campaign ended in similarly poor form, with just one win in the final five league games.

But what was the problem with Roma prior to the appointment of Ivan Jurić?

This scout report looks to answer that question with a tactical analysis of some of their key issues in the opening four games.

The analysis will also include various data to compare their start this season to their 2023/24 performance.

Some of the data from this season does include their stats from the win without De Rossi.

These stats will be marked with an asterisk next to them, and any data without that mark is data from De Rossi’s four games in charge only.

AS Roma Problems In Front of Goal

As we mentioned, Roma were one of the most dangerous teams in attack last season in the Serie A.

However, prior to Jurić’s arrival, they struggled to replicate that attacking form this season.

Certain data suggests that Roma were consistently creating chances under De Rossi—1.7 xG per 90 (6.74 total) from the opening four games is a promising foundation, but they managed two goals, so clearly, something isn’t clicking in the final stages of an attack.

As you’ll know, Romelu Lukaku was Roma’s first choice number nine last season, with the Belgian contributing 16 G/A in 32 Serie games.

After his loan finished, he returned to Chelsea before making the permanent switch to Serie A rivals Napoli, meaning Roma were on the hunt for a replacement.

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