Naples-Rome is approaching, and with it we are slowly becoming aware that on Sunday Claudio Ranieri will be leading Roma from the bench, in his third term. The challenge clearly has a significant specific weight, not only for the value of the opponents, but also for the moment
delicate situation that Roma is going through. The news from Trigoria shows a team that, between recoveries and absences, is trying to find a stable balance. The return of Koné and the availability of Baldanzi and Pellegrini represent encouraging signs, but the absences of Dybala, Hermoso and Shomurodov, if confirmed, could have an impact.
In this context, the situation of Mats Hummels is of concern. The German defender, who arrived in the summer as an experienced leader for the defensive department, has so far disappointed expectations. His only seasonal presencein the defeat against Fiorentina, highlighted one physical condition far from standards required. The most recent athletic tests confirm a critical picture: the Spanish defender is not yet able to sustain the pace required by Ranieri. The fever that forced him to remain in Germany represents only a further piece of a so far opaque parable.
This scenario opens up a broader reflection on the management of technical and human resources. While injuries are often unpredictable, the choice to rely on a 35-year-old player with a history of physical problems raises questions about the club’s strategic planning.
The sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, is today, more than ever, called upon to remedy the mistakes of the past and build a competitive Rome, because the moves made so far have not convinced either the fans or the environment.
For the French manager, the path promises to be tortuous and full of obstacles. If it wants to maintain the role of DS in the Capital, it will have to demonstrate much more in terms of strategic vision, competence and ability to make the most of every single resource available. Otherwise, his Roman experience risks being short and unmemorable.