jose - soccer

The capital club went in search of some reinforcements in the summer, to further strengthen their squad, to ensure that they could once again challenge the likes of Inter, Milan and Juventus for the title. They were moderately active in the transfer period, a period in which many feel is partly to blame for their poor form this season.

They lost two players full of talent and experience, which did not help their cause, as the Brazilian winger Mancini joined former team mate Cristian Chivu at Inter Milan on a four year contract, whilst Ludovic Giuly returned to PSG to finish out his playing days in France. Also, Matteo Ferrari was released to Genoa, whilst second goal-keeper Gianluca Curci was sent to Siena on a co-ownership deal.

The attacking duo of Mancini and Giuly were replaced by Jeremy Menez, formerly of Monaco, and Julio Baptista from Real Madrid, for a fee of €12 million. Spalletti also signed Simone Loria from Siena, to replace the Genoa bound Ferrari, and John Arne Riise from Liverpool, to add some depth on the left hand side of defence.

The failure to sign a big name player however, was the criticism that most had with the Giallorossi’s transfer period, as many believed that the players signed in the summer would fail to have any major impact in terms of making the club stronger. This seems to have been the case in the early stages of the season, as all four men have struggled to impose themselves on a regular basis.

Along with the criticism of their summer signings, many have pointed the finger directly at coach Luciano Spalletti, for his lack of creativity on the sidelines. According to many, it seems as if the coach doesn’t have any alternative plans; as many of the Italian clubs have discovered a way to break down his unique 4-2-3-1 set-up that managed to work wonders last season.

It is quite harsh to point the finger solely at the boss however, as he has had to deal with a number of injuries to several of his stars throughout the season. With injuries to the likes of Totti, Pizarro, Perrotta, Taddei, Baptista and Juan, just to name a few, Spalletti has rarely had the opportunity to field the same starting eleven.

Whatever the reasons may be, the Giallorossi have undoubtedly been the most disappointing side in the league thus far, and possibly throughout all of Europe. It’s a long season however, and if the club can put together a few positive results, who knows what the future may hold for Spalletti and his team.

Adrian Del Monte - goal.com