Posted by The Giallorossi are well-placed in the Champions League chase ahead of the Europa League knockout stages, and their domestic commitments should supersede dreams of continental glory.
The fight is on two fronts. Sunday’s comfortable 3-0 success over Udinese leaves La Lupa sitting pretty in Serie A, and their attention turns to Europe this Thursday. Braga are beatable, but tougher tests lie in wait.
Although a deep Europa League run cannot be discounted, a top four finish seems like the Giallorossi’s best hope of securing Champions League football. They currently have a three-point cushion on a trio of teams jockeying for position behind 4th-placed Juventus (Napoli, Atalanta, Lazio).
That is a slim advantage, especially considering Roma’s struggles against the Serie A elite under Paulo Fonseca. However, the chasing pack will also be distracted by continental obligations.
Squad rotation is sure to cause slip-ups, and La Lupa can capitalize if they keep winning the matches they’re expected to. The capital club have triumphed in 13 of their 15 games against teams outside the top seven, and they should stay in the table’s privileged positions if that trend continues.
A lethal attack has been the main reason for that impressive return against the league’s lesser lights. Le Zebrette traveled to the Olimpico off the back of three straight shutouts, but they were powerless to stop the pretty passing patterns woven by the hosts.
Another strong offensive showing was no surprise, but a first clean sheet since January 3rd certainly was. Seven matches had come and gone since that 1-0 victory over Sampdoria, and greater defensive solidity will be crucial on the continent.
It is clear that Roma can cause problems for even the stingiest backlines, but they allow far too many chances at the other end. With the away goals rule in effect in Europe, even one error could prove costly.
Braga may not be ruthless enough to take advantage, but one of the other sides left in the competition will be. Last year’s executioner Sevilla are sat at the big boys table this time around, but there are still a host of talented teams in the field.
Premier League heavyweights Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are all potential foes further down the line, while Ligue 1 leaders Lille also have May 26th marked on their calendars.
That is before fellow Italian outfits Milan and Napoli are even mentioned, and the Giallorossi will probably have to overcome at least a couple of those clubs on their march to Gdansk.
Adding a first European title since the Fairs Cup 50 years ago would represent a major achievement for a club starved of silverware, but Fonseca must be careful with how he manages the crowded fixture list. His key figures will undoubtedly need a rest at some point, and it is incumbent on the more peripheral players to follow the lead of Borja Mayoral, who has filled in admirably for Edin Dzeko over recent weeks. If the whole squad steps up, a return to the Champions League is within reach.
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