Massara: Roma Aims to Convert Setbacks into Positive Momentum

Roma director Ricky Massara expressed his desire for the team to transform their recent disappointments into positive energy during the upcoming match against Lecce. This shift is crucial for revitalizing their Serie A season following their exit from the Europa League.

The crucial fixture is scheduled to kick off at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma's campaign faces a significant risk of unraveling. The team recently exited the Coppa Italia, managed only one point from their last three Serie A matches, dropping them to sixth place, and were subsequently eliminated from the Europa League Round of 16.

Massara stated, “Our goal is to immediately regain momentum and channel the recent disappointments into a source of positive energy, allowing us to conclude the season strongly.”

Roma Grapples with Declining Momentum and Injury Woes

The recent 4-3 extra-time home defeat against Bologna was a tough pill to swallow, further exacerbating their injury crisis. Zeki Celik and Manu Koné have now joined an already extensive list of sidelined players, which includes Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk, and Evan Ferguson.

Adding to their challenges, Wesley is suspended following a controversial red card in the match against Como. Consequently, Neil El Aynaoui and Nicolò Pisilli are expected to step in.

Commenting on the replacements, Massara remarked, “El Aynaoui showed strong form early in the season and was a standout performer at the Africa Cup of Nations. Pisilli also gained valuable experience and proved his capabilities during that time. Both are midfielders we have confidence in.”

Despite a severely depleted attacking lineup, ironically, statistics indicate that Roma is currently scoring more goals than at the season's start. However, this has come at the cost of defensive solidity, as they are conceding more frequently.

The director acknowledged, “We are certainly evaluating the high number of attacking injuries. Interestingly, with Malen's arrival, our offense has become more potent, but we've concurrently lost some of the defensive strength that characterized much of our season. The coach is actively working to restore that defensive solidity.”

Earlier today, Como secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Pisa. Meanwhile, Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo last night, presenting an opportunity for Roma to potentially overtake the 'Old Lady' and reclaim fifth place in the standings.

On a broader note, Italy is preparing for their 2026 World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland. However, clubs have found it challenging to accommodate additional preparation time for national team coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Massara concluded by addressing the congested fixture schedule: “The calendar remains a significant concern. While we all recognize the vital importance of Italy qualifying for the World Cup, the current fixture list is so dense that there's no room for extra preparations. This is an issue we've debated for years without finding a viable solution.”