Even after the change of coach, AS Roma are still struggling to find success. After the recent Europa League disappointment, the ambitious Giallorossi, who are bottom of the Serie A table, have now suffered another setback.
It could have been the clash of two world champions from 2006, but while Monza coach Alessandro Nesta had been given the confidence to coach the bottom-placed team despite the recent 2-0 defeat in Naples and the continuing winless streak, the Roma bosses had already lost their patience weeks ago. The result: the surprisingly early departure of Daniele de Rossi and the installation of the experienced man Ivan Juric.
However, the Giallorossi are still not really getting going under the 49-year-old Croatian, despite two consecutive Serie A wins. This is because the disappointing 0-1 defeat in the Europa League at the hands of Swedish outsiders IF Elfsborg was followed by a dismal 1-1 draw in Monza.
Dovbyk’s redemption fizzles out immediately
On this 7th matchday, the capital city team earned significantly more field share, possession and chances than the underdog. However, the Romans were unable to convert this into goals in the first 45 minutes, partly because Soulé only hit the post (14th minute), Pellegrini just missed from a very good position (23rd minute) and Koné did not get his foot right (25th minute).
At least Roma, who were missing Dybala (muscular problems) and Hummels (cold), who still hadn’t played a minute of football, stepped up a gear after the break. The well-deserved reward: the 1-0 by target man Dovbyk (61′). The brawny Ukrainian shielded the ball after a clever Cristante pass, dribbled, feinted several times and finished confidently into the right corner.
However, the lead would only last nine minutes. Why? Daniel Maldini, the third Maldini to be named for the Squadra Azzurra, built up and took Carboni with him on the left in the penalty area. AS goalkeeper Svilar was unable to deflect his sharp cross cleanly, allowing the substitute Dany Mota, who had only come on a few minutes earlier, to slide the ball into the net (70′).
The score remained the same because former Gladbach player Koné missed twice (76th and 90th + 5). Thus, the Giallorossi stagnated with four draws in the middle of the table, while Monza – also with four draws – remained stuck at the bottom.