Serie A Round 23: Is De Rossi Leading Roma with Luck? Cagliari's Potential in Question

Daniele De Rossi's tenure as head coach of AS Roma has gotten off to a promising start, with the team securing back-to-back victories. These wins have propelled Roma to the brink of the Champions League qualification zone. However, these triumphs came against considerably weaker opposition, raising questions about De Rossi's true capabilities as a manager. Meanwhile, Cagliari, languishing at the top of the relegation zone, continues to battle fiercely with other relegation contenders. As of the last round, the bottom six teams all have less than 20 points, with only bottom-placed Salernitana falling behind, while the other five teams are separated by just one point. The adage "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" seems apt. But does Cagliari have the resilience to prove they are indeed the "tough"?

De Rossi's Rocky Start as a Manager

De Rossi's previous managerial experience was with Serie B side SPAL, his first job as head coach. Unfortunately, his stint was far from successful, and he was dismissed in February 2023. SPAL eventually succumbed to relegation to Serie C. Thus, Roma's decision to appoint him following the dismissal of José Mourinho was likely driven more by his legendary status at the club rather than his coaching credentials. The hope was that his presence would boost the team’s morale and instill a stronger mental fortitude.

Comparatively, De Rossi's tactics have not been more attacking than Mourinho's. Even against relegation-threatened sides like Hellas Verona and Salernitana, Roma failed to dominate in terms of shots on goal, both at home and away. In their recent match against Salernitana, Roma managed only five shots in total, with goalkeeper Rui Patricio being the standout performer. This highlights the extent to which Roma was on the back foot. Despite this, Roma's luck has been exceptional. In the two games under De Rossi, they have scored four goals from just four shots on target, a statistic that defies logic.

The De Rossi Effect

The player most inspired by De Rossi’s influence appears to be Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is poised to become Roma’s next club legend. Pellegrini has scored in both games under De Rossi, having only netted twice before the managerial change this season. If he can maintain this form, it could bode well for both Roma and the Italian national team ahead of the European Championships this summer.

Cagliari's Struggles

Cagliari, on the other hand, is in a precarious position, having slipped back into the relegation zone following two consecutive defeats. In their most recent match against Torino, veteran coach Claudio Ranieri's side displayed an impressive attacking effort. Cagliari had 25 shots, 10 of which were on target, indicating that their efforts were far from aimless. However, Torino’s 2.02-meter-tall goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić was in exceptional form, and Cagliari could only manage a consolation goal after falling behind by two.

This performance encapsulates Cagliari’s season – a team capable of creating chances but unable to convert them effectively into points. The reality of their situation is grim, and expecting more from them might be unrealistic given their current form and squad depth.

Roma’s Quest for Consistency

Roma has not won three consecutive Serie A matches since October of last year. Their upcoming fixtures against struggling teams present De Rossi with a prime opportunity to establish his authority and build momentum. Historically, Roma has had success against Cagliari, having won their last three encounters. With the match being held at the Stadio Olimpico, a 3-1 victory for Roma seems likely.

Tactical Analysis: De Rossi vs. Ranieri

De Rossi's approach so far has been cautious, prioritizing stability over flamboyance. This conservative style is understandable given his brief and unsuccessful managerial history. However, against teams like Cagliari, who are fighting for survival, a more aggressive approach could yield better results.

Ranieri, known for his tactical astuteness, faces a significant challenge with Cagliari. Despite their proactive play against Torino, they have struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Ranieri’s experience will be crucial in navigating this tough period, but the lack of clinical finishing could be their undoing.

The Psychological Edge

De Rossi’s appointment was as much about psychological uplift as it was about tactical nous. His legendary status at Roma has undoubtedly galvanized the squad, especially players like Pellegrini. This psychological edge, coupled with a bit of luck, has seen Roma eke out wins despite not being the dominant force on the pitch.

Cagliari, meanwhile, needs to harness the mental toughness that comes from fighting relegation battles. The narrow point difference among the bottom teams means every match is a high-stakes encounter. Ranieri’s ability to instill belief and resilience in his players will be critical.

Roma's Upcoming Fixtures

Looking ahead, Roma’s schedule offers a mix of winnable games and tough encounters. Securing maximum points against lower-tier teams will be crucial if they are to solidify their position in the European spots. De Rossi's ability to navigate these fixtures will be a true test of his managerial potential.

Cagliari's Battle for Survival

Cagliari’s path to survival is fraught with challenges. Their recent form indicates a team capable of creating chances but lacking the finishing touch. Improving their efficiency in front of goal is paramount. Additionally, tightening up defensively will be crucial to avoid conceding easy goals, which has been a recurrent issue.

Conclusion

De Rossi’s tenure at Roma, though off to a promising start, remains under scrutiny. His initial victories, albeit against weaker opposition, provide a glimmer of hope but do not definitively prove his managerial acumen. Cagliari’s struggle for survival continues, with their potential hampered by inefficiencies and bad luck.

The upcoming match between Roma and Cagliari will not only be a test of De Rossi’s tactical abilities but also a measure of Cagliari’s resilience. A win for Roma could solidify De Rossi’s standing and provide a much-needed boost to their European aspirations, while a defeat could plunge Cagliari further into the relegation quagmire.

As the Serie A season progresses, both teams will need to address their respective issues – Roma seeking consistency and Cagliari striving for survival. The drama of the relegation battle and the fight for European places ensures that every match remains a high-stakes affair.