Fans expressed their appreciation and relief after Sunday's emphatic 5-0 win over Parma. There was a lot riding on the match; a draw or loss would have been catastrophic for a team still navigating the perilous depths of the standings.
A convincing response was crucial, not just a win, but an impressive performance that demonstrated the quality and talent of the side, which is far too important to be stuck in the bottom half of the table.
One player who came under particular scrutiny was Paulo Dybala. The Argentine put in a decisive performance, scoring two goals (one from a penalty) and providing an assist, playing a crucial role in the defeat. The result could have been even more lopsided than the eventual 5-0. Dybala's brilliance was complemented by contributions from Alexis Saelemaekers and Artem Dovbyk.
The latter, often a polarizing figure, has now scored nine goals this season, an impressive feat considering Roma's revolving door of three coaches and Dovbyk's adaptation to a new competition.
Under the leadership of Claudio Ranieri, the team seems to have rediscovered both talent and composure. The challenge now is to carry this momentum into their next match, an away match against AC Milan on Sunday. Roma's away form has been problematic for years, although there have been notable exceptions under Paulo Fonseca and Daniele De Rossi, whose dismissals continue to spark frustration among fans.
Remarkably, Ranieri has achieved this turnaround despite limited and sporadic contributions from a key player like Lorenzo Pellegrini and other talented players like Matias Soulé, Yven Le Fée and Tommaso Baldanzi.
A notable player this season was Saelemaekers. The Belgian winger, who is on loan from Milan until June, has become a linchpin in Ranieri's strategy. Positioned on the right flank, historically a weak point for Roma, filled with uninspired options like Zeki Celik and Rick Karsdorp, Saelemaekers has brought versatility, technical skill and vision. His ability to create space, make assists and orchestrate the attack has been transformative. Roma could aim to secure his move permanently as early as January, although a summer deal seems more likely.
The team's improved results provide a much-needed boost heading into the winter transfer market. At least two reinforcements are essential, especially in defense where depth is lacking.
This need is exacerbated by the possible departure of Mario Hermoso, who may leave after just a few months at the club. Although Dybala is rightly in the spotlight, his future remains uncertain. An automatic contract extension, which will be activated after a few more appearances, will significantly increase his salary, a potential problem given Roma's dim prospects for European qualification next season.
Furthermore, Dybala's recurring physical setbacks have hampered his consistency. Despite this, Ranieri is confident in his approach to maximizing Dybala's performance and insists the Argentine is committed to the club. However, with interest from Galatasaray as early as January, questions remain over Dybala's long-term commitment.
For now, Dybala seems focused on Roma, and the Giallorossi need more performances like the one against Parma to save their season.
It's encouraging that the win against Parma was their first win at such a high level this year, a glimmer of hope as the year draws to a close. Most importantly, Roma has recovered its smile, a valuable gift in this turbulent season.
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