Roma's Comeback Curse: Why Chasing Games Has Become a Recurring Nightmare

Roma continues a damaging cycle of constant managerial and sporting director changes that prevents effective long-term planning. The article traces this pattern across nine years: from Monchi's arrival in 2017 through successive tandems including Fonseca-Petrachi, Mourinho-Pinto, De Rossi-Ghisolfi, and the current Gasperini-Massara partnership. Each transition arrives too late in the calendar, leaving no time for the manager and sporting director to properly assess the squad, plan transfers, and develop strategy before the season ends. The Mourinho-Pinto partnership (2021-2024) was the only exception, lasting three consecutive transfer windows together and delivering Roma's first European trophy. However, this remains an anomaly in an otherwise chaotic pattern. Currently, the club faces another crisis as the Friedkin ownership delays decisions on whether Gasperini and Ranieri will continue, forcing Roma to again approach the summer transfer window without clarity on its leadership. The constant management reshuffles have made Roma unable to execute sustained projects, with the additional complication of significant contracts expiring on June 30 and Financial Fair Play constraints requiring difficult player sales. The club faces another summer without Champions League football while remaining uncertain about its technical leadership.

Former Roma player Ruggiero Rizzitelli has criticized the current squad's mentality and called on ownership to take stronger control of the club. Speaking to Il Tempo, Rizzitelli highlighted Roma's struggles against top teams, arguing that despite having quality players, the squad lacks the character and personality needed to perform when it matters. He pointed specifically to the draw with Juventus as a missed opportunity that could have lifted the team's confidence heading into crucial matches. Rizzitelli expressed disappointment with recent public comments from manager Claudio Ranieri, though acknowledged his contributions to the club. He identified a recurring pattern under the Friedkin era, citing previous tensions between Pinto and Mourinho, then Souloukou and De Rossi, and now between Ranieri and potential successor Gasperini. Rizzitelli argued that the ownership must be more present and decisive, as the absence of strong leadership allows internal conflicts to emerge. He stressed that football is different from other businesses because it operates on emotional connections with supporters, and emphasized that players must accept responsibility rather than blame always falling on managers. Rizzitelli advocated for continuity with Gasperini going forward, suggesting that starting fresh with another manager would be counterproductive since Gasperini has become familiar with the environment. He noted that Gasperini's reputation for being difficult was already known, comparing him to José Mourinho, who succeeded despite having a similarly challenging personality. Rizzitelli also called for a squad overhaul after years of inconsistency, warning that the upcoming centenary season risks being compromised by these ongoing structural issues.

Champions League qualification has emerged as a crucial factor in determining whether Napoli will retain Antonio Conte as manager beyond this season. Relations between Conte and club chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis have been strained throughout the coach's time at the club, famously highlighted by a cold embrace during last year's title celebrations. Conte is reportedly being targeted by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for the national team role following another World Cup qualification failure. Though Conte has one year remaining on his Napoli contract, the club plans to hold an end-of-season meeting to discuss his future after the team's recent 2-0 defeat to Lazio. Napoli's failure to secure Champions League football would significantly impact their ability to retain Conte. Currently sitting third in Serie A, Napoli trail Como and Roma—positioned fifth and sixth respectively—by eight points in the battle for European qualification. The gap has widened considerably since the team's recent poor form. An upcoming fixture against Como in the coming weeks is described as potentially decisive for Napoli's Champions League prospects and could trigger formal discussions between the club and Conte regarding his future at the Stadio San Paolo. The defeat to Lazio prompted Napoli to accelerate their planned end-of-season evaluation, suggesting the club recognizes the urgency of their situation. How Napoli performs in the coming weeks will likely determine whether Conte continues or if the club pursues alternative options.