When the Champions League draw was held in late August, it appeared that, once again, luck seemed to have evaded Roma.
First Chelsea, then Atletico, and, alas, Roma, who were then followed by Qarabag to complete Group C. Yes — judging by appearances, it essentially looked like Roma would have to keep their Thursday evenings clear as they drew what many considered to be this year’s “Group of Death”, as relegation to the Europa League seemed like a certainty.
It was another cruel draw in a long line of European disappointment for the Italian club, and yet the competition hadn’t even started. On the pitch, though, Roma haven’t fared much better in Europe. From multiple 7-1 losses to drawing at home against BATE Borisov, Roma’s European displays over the last decade have certainly left plenty to be desired. Esteemed managers such as Claudio Ranieri, Luis Enrique, Rudi Garcia, and Luciano Spalletti were all given the chance yet failed to breakthrough the impenetrable force that seems to hold Roma back every single season in European play.
Enter Eusebio Di Francesco.
The former Scudetto-winning midfielder turned manager arrived at Roma with a bundle of skepticism. He was appointed to a club who had just set a points record the previous season, had their most storied player in club history retire, and were also going to be forced to sell important players due having to comply with Financial Fair Play. It’s safe to say that expectations, while always high in Rome, were certainly tempered.
Fast forward to today.
The Giallorossi now find themselves roughly 24 hours away from having the opportunity to punch their ticket to the knockout stages of the Champions League. Nobody expected this. Nobody. The club’s own directors, frankly, even sounded skeptical after the draw, as Roma sporting director, Monchi, said to the club’s official website, “I think we should be ambitious and believe we can go as far as possible.”
Roma’s position in the table is certainly a surprise and was unexpected, however, don’t let that fool you. Their position in the table isn’t due to luck or happenstance. Di Francesco and his men have earned their place. They deserve it.
The Giallorossi nicked a good point off a strong Atletico Madrid at home, beat a tricky Qarabag side (who even stymied Diego Simeone’s men twice), and thoroughly pummeled the reigning English champions on two occasions.
No, this isn’t the same Roma who were embarrassed 7-1 by both Manchester United and Bayern Munich. It’s nothing like the Rudi Garcia led Roma, who were nothing less than a proverbial punching bag in European play. It’s a new Roma — Eusebio Di Francesco’s Roma.
A victory tomorrow evening sees the Giallorossi go through: If Roma want to make the footballing world believe that they have, at least for this season, defeated their European demons…this is their opportunity.
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