Juve defeat significant setback for second-placed capital giants.
In the second instalment of our six-part Serie A series, we take a closer look at what Roma are searching for in the January transfer window.
During the winter break, much of the attention in Italy surrounded the potential ‘Scudetto showdown’ between Rudi Garcia’s side and Juventus in Turin on the opening weekend of 2014.
Despite predictions of a close encounter, the home side secured a 3-0 win to move eight points clear at the top of the table and leave Roma with much to think about moving forward.
Having lost the likes of Marquinhos and Erik Lamela in the summer, the capital club weren’t expected to be challenging for a league title this season, yet the signings of Mehdi Benatia, Kevin Strootman and Gervinho have proven that they are a talented squad.
Nevertheless, while Garcia was adamant that the defeat on Sunday didn’t mean that their season was over, it does bring in to question whether or not they have what is needed to be considered genuine Scudetto contenders.
A ten-game winning streak to start the season would have suggested the answer was yes, but having faltered since they may be tempted into reinforcing for this year rather than waiting for the summer to strengthen further.
The Giallorossi are keen on signing Parma’s Marco Parolo, according to Football Italia, while they are also reportedly set to win the race to sign Cagliari midfielder Radja Nainggolan.
Meanwhile, an initial loan deal has been agreed with Boca Juniors for 19-year-old attacking midfielder Leandro Parades with claims that the deal is for 18 months with an option to buy.
The more immediate concern for Garcia and Roma will be to bounce back from their disappointment in Turin, and get their title bid back on track whilst also keeping third-placed Napoli at bay.
Nainggolan appears to be a potential January arrival, while their need for a striker has been addressed by the return of Mattia Destro from injury.
Nevertheless, that is still perhaps an area which needs bolstering. Roma still have the best defensive record in the league, but a ruthless goal-scorer alongside the likes of Francesco Totti and Gervinho could be the final piece of the puzzle.
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