Are Roma truly Europa League title contenders? | OneFootball

Are Roma truly Europa League title contenders? | OneFootball

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RomaPress

·22 January 2025

Are Roma truly Europa League title contenders?

Article image:Are Roma truly Europa League title contenders?

Roma return to Europa League action next week when they travel to the Netherlands and meet AZ Alkmaar in Matchday 7. Coming off their decisive 3-0 win over Braga in previous matchday, the Giallorossi come into the clash with renewed determination, aiming to secure a pivotal victory that could enhance their prospects in the tournament.

With only two games remaining in the league phase, it’s worth analysing if Roma actually have a chance at advancing to the final in Bilbao and potentially capturing the title.


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Giallorossi Odds Are Good, But Not That Good

We’re getting closer to the conclusion of the inaugural league phase of the UEFA Europa League, with only two games left for each of the 36 teams. Although the round is nearly over, there’s still a lot on the line ahead of Matchday 7.

However, before diving into the fixtures, here’s a quick recap of the competition’s new format that UEFA unveiled last year:

  • The group stage was replaced by a 36-team league phase consisting of eight rounds
  • The top eight overall advance directly to the round of 16
  • Teams finishing between 9th and 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff for a spot in the knockout stage.
  • These playoff matches will be seeded, with clubs finishing 9th to 16th hosting the second leg at home.

Entering the round, Roma sit 14th in the table with 9 points—two points outside the top eight. Next week’s match against AZ Alkmaar is crucial for the capital club’s Europa League ambitions. The Dutch side find themselves in good form coming into the clash and present a formidable challenge for the Giallorossi.

Despite their struggles this season, Roma are still a team to keep an eye on. Currently, they have the seventh best odds to win the competition—indicating that bookmakers consider them among the contenders, though not the leading favorites.

If you’re keen to bet on an unpredictable team like Roma, it’s important to pick a sportsbook by country so you can find the best odds. It’s always wise to consider all your options for betting odds as you never know when you might stumble upon a better opportunity, or even a unique prize package that sweetens the deal. These are often associated with specific teams, along with specific regions.

The Season So Far

The 2024/25 season has been marked by managerial shifts and inconsistent results for Roma. They currently stand 10th in Serie A, underscoring their inability to gain momentum and go on a winning streak.

Daniele De Rossi began the season as head coach but was replaced by Ivan Jurić in September—just four games into the season. However, Jurić’s tenure was short-lived, leading to the appointment of Claudio Ranieri in November. Ranieri, known for his pragmatic approach and ability to stabilize teams, has been working to instill defensive solidity and tactical discipline within the squad.

In the Europa League, the team’s performance has been under scrutiny, with key players like Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy contributing significantly in terms of goals and assists.

Wrap Up

While the season has presented obstacles, the managerial experience of Claudio Ranieri could be instrumental in navigating the complexities of European competition for Roma.

The upcoming match against AZ Alkmaar is crucial; a strong performance on Matchday 7 would not only boost morale but also reinforce Roma’s status as a serious contender in the Europa League.

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