Roman Clubs Set For Coaching Carousel?

Both taking part in one of the biggest derbies in the world and sharing the same stadium, now Roma and Lazio find themselves tied in another situation.

But this time, it involves their coaches.

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise for Lazio, with poor showings in Stefano Pioli’s second year at the helm deeply concerning the Aquile faithful.

In Roma’s case, however, one might feel a bit perplexed of the current tension, with Roma’s position in the table far from worrying. The Giallorossi are just three points off the top in Serie A and are in control of their own destiny in the Champions League.

But another disastrous performance in Europe’s premier club competition, falling 6-1 at the hands of Barcelona, has fans at their wits’ end. Questions over coach Rudi Garcia’s handling of the squad arose once again, especially considering this was supposed to be their great year to lift the Scudetto.

Lazio started the campaign with a bit of disappointment. Unable to get past Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League playoff, the Bianconcelesti were relgated to the Europa League group stage.

Soon after they were dispatched quite heavily on away trips, losing 4-0 to Chievo and 5-0 against Napoli. The club sit 8th at the moment, but would find themselves much higher if they sorted out their torrid away form.

In fact, Lazio have won just one of six away matches this term, losing the other five. That single win came against Hellas Verona, who have yet to taste victory in this current campaign.

However, the single biggest shock to the system that has riddled Lazio’s campaign has been their constant and lengthy injury setbacks. The club have been without Stefan de Vrij, Antonio Candreva, Luca Biglia, Marco Parolo, and Filip Djordjevic for extended periods of time, with the former having to miss the rest of the season through injury.

The Dutchman is the Biancocelesti’s leader at the back and was arguably the side’s best player last season. Losing the 23-year-old has voided Lazio of confidence, insurance and quality at the back. The club conceded just 38 goals last season, the third fewest in Italy’s top flight. This season however, Pioli’s side have already shipped in 21.

Simply put, replacements Santiago Gentiletti, Wesley Hoedt and Mauricio have not stepped up in De Vrij’s absence and Lazio do not resemble the side they were last season, both in defence and attack.

The attacking phase has not been fluid, either. Captain Biglia’s absence during the season has affected the chemistry and rhythm of the side going forward. Even with his return, the side have found possession building to be difficult at times and have resulted in playing long balls forward to target man Djordjevic.

This was most noticeable in the derby match, with Lazio creating very little going forward. Perhaps a return to a midfield three – which was deployed last season – may help Lazio return to better dominating matches, especially the away fixtures.

Crisis talks were held at the club after Lazio’s 1-1 draw to Palermo on the weekend and the decision to go into ritiro was upheld. Marcello Lippi and Francesco Guidolin are reportedly being lined up for the job.

However, the players have responded well by disposing of Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk by a 3-1 scoreline, so Pioli may not be out of a job just yet. Then again, a tough away trip to Empoli could decide his fate.

Looking over at city rivals Roma, a nonchalant post-match interview and poor record in Europe could see Garcia forced out of Rome. The Frenchman has guided Roma to just two wins in 11 tries. A lack of a genuine, thought out tactical approach has not been visible in many of the capital club’s European matches.

After the Barcelona trouncing, Garcia offered little analysis as to what his side failed to do, simply bowing down to the Catalan’s dominance. The 51-year-old stated, “What can we say? They are a stratospheric side and unbeatable. We needed a miracle and it didn't happen. At this moment they are unplayable.

“I have nothing to reproach my players for, other than we should’ve used the ball better in the first half and could’ve scored, but winning here was impossible.”

More than anything, Roma have not looked solid at the back, with many questioning the sale of highly rated Alessio Romagnoli to AC Milan.

Furthermore, Il Messaggero reports that Garcia has four matches to keep his job, while Corriere dello Sport has listed Fabio Capello, Luciano Spalletti and Walter Mazzarri as replacements.