AS Roma Season Review 2026: The Collapse That Shook Serie A

The Tactical Flaws That Exposed AS Roma All Season

AS Roma entered the 2025-26 campaign with promises of evolution under their manager, but instead regressed into a tactical mess. The team oscillated between a 3-4-2-1 and a disjointed 4-2-3-1, never committing to a coherent system. This lack of identity was brutally exposed in matches against mid-table sides like US Lecce and Empoli, where Roma conceded 1.8 goals per game on average — the second-worst defensive record in Serie A outside the relegation zone.

Worse still, Roma failed to control the midfield. The double pivot of Cristante and Diawara lacked coordination, often leaving the backline exposed. Against high-pressing teams like Napoli and Inter, Roma’s build-up play collapsed under pressure, with an average pass completion rate of just 79% in the final third — significantly below the league average of 85%. Analysts suggest the coaching staff failed to adapt, relying on individual moments of brilliance rather than structured play.

Experts believe Roma’s lack of a clear tactical philosophy made them predictable and vulnerable — the last time they looked this disorganized was during the chaotic 2018-19 season under Eusebio Di Francesco.

Recruitment Disasters: The Signings That Flopped

The summer of 2025 was meant to be a turning point. Roma spent over €70 million on new talent, but the returns have been abysmal. The marquee signing, winger Samuel Iling-Junior from Juventus, arrived with hype but delivered just 2 goals and 1 assist in 24 appearances. His inability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations undermined Roma’s primary source of width.

Even more damaging was the signing of centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap from Southampton. Brought in to add stability, he struggled with pace and positioning, committing 12 defensive errors leading to goals — the highest in the league. Meanwhile, the much-touted free transfer of veteran midfielder Marcelo Brozović failed to spark creativity; his average of 17 passes per 90 minutes in advanced areas highlighted his lack of influence. These misfires weren’t just bad luck — they pointed to a broken recruitment model prioritizing availability over fit.

Is the Manager to Blame? The Case For and Against

The manager’s tenure, now in its third season, has reached a breaking point. On one hand, he inherited a transitional squad and has shown flashes of tactical innovation in past campaigns, including a run to the Europa League semifinals in 2024. On the other, his in-game management in 2025-26 has been lethargic. Roma have scored just 0.8 goals after the 75th minute — the lowest in the league — suggesting a lack of tactical adjustments and psychological edge.

Moreover, player relationships appear fractured. Reports suggest Paulo Dybala and Renato Sanches have questioned the manager’s system, with several key figures seen gesturing in frustration during losses to Fiorentina and Bologna. While injuries to Nicolò Zaniolo and Leonardo Spinazzola played a role, the manager’s inability to adapt formations or develop youth has intensified scrutiny. The board can no longer hide behind past successes — continuity has become complacency.

The 3 Things AS Roma Must Do This Summer or Risk Falling Further

If AS Roma are to avoid becoming a perennial mid-table side, radical changes are required. First, a complete overhaul of the technical staff is non-negotiable. The current sporting director has overseen three consecutive transfer windows of underperforming signings — accountability must be enforced.

Second, a return to Roma’s DNA: fast transitions, aggressive wing play, and a high press. This means recruiting a manager with a proven identity — someone like Thiago Motta or Daniele De Rossi, who understands Italian football’s evolving demands. Finally, investment must shift toward youth integration. Roma’s Primavera team won the NextGen Series in 2025, yet only one academy graduate has made more than 10 senior appearances this season. Without a pipeline, Roma will keep chasing short-term fixes.

• AS Roma's 2025-26 season collapsed due to tactical incoherence, poor recruitment, and managerial stagnation.
• Key signings like Iling-Junior and Bella-Kotchap failed to deliver, costing millions.
• The club must overhaul its technical leadership, appoint a clear-identity manager, and promote youth to avoid long-term decline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will AS Roma sack their manager?

A: While no official decision has been made, pressure is mounting. The club’s hierarchy is reportedly divided, with owner Dan Friedkin hesitant to make a mid-season change. However, with Roma sitting in 12th place and out of European contention, a decision is expected by late April. Failure to win key upcoming fixtures against Lazio and Atalanta could trigger immediate action.

Q: Who should AS Roma sign in summer 2026?

A: Roma need a dynamic central midfielder, a reliable left-back, and a clinical striker. Targets could include AC Milan’s Sandry (if available), Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as a wing-back, and a proven Serie A scorer like Samuel Chukwueze or Joshua Zirkzee. Prioritizing versatility and pressing ability will be key to fitting a modern system.

Q: Why is AS Roma playing so badly?

A: The root causes are systemic: a lack of tactical clarity, failure in the transfer market, and poor in-game management. Injuries haven’t helped, but the deeper issue is a disconnect between recruitment, coaching, and long-term vision. The last time Roma faced such a crisis was in 2019, but this season’s inconsistency suggests a more entrenched problem.