Roma has parted ways with Ivan Juric after just 12 matches, following inconsistent results in Serie A and the Europa League.
Ivan Juric’s short-lived tenure as Roma’s head coach has come to an abrupt end after just 12 matches in charge.
Hired to replace Daniele De Rossi, Juric’s time with the club failed to bring about the improvements Roma’s management and fans had hoped for. With inconsistent performances in Serie A and mixed results in the Europa League, the Croatian coach’s stint proved insufficient to meet Roma’s ambitions, and the club decided to make a change.
Juric’s dismissal reflects Roma's struggle to find stability at the managerial level, with the club frequently changing coaches in recent years in search of the right leadership. Roma’s current standing in Serie A – 12th place with only 13 points from 12 matches – has placed them in the lower half of the league table, far from European qualification positions and well below expectations. This inconsistency domestically has been mirrored in their Europa League campaign, where they have accumulated only five points from their first four group-stage matches, leaving their advancement uncertain.
As the club now looks to the future, speculation has been rife about Juric’s potential successor. Initially, Frank Lampard was considered a leading candidate, but reports on Monday indicated that the Englishman is no longer in the running. Lampard, a well-known figure in European football with a history at Chelsea as both player and manager, had been linked with the role due to his tactical approach and focus on developing young players. However, it appears Roma’s management is now exploring other options that may align more closely with the club’s current objectives and challenges.
Among the candidates reportedly being considered is Roberto Mancini, a coach with a wealth of experience and recent success at the international level. Mancini, who recently stepped down as manager of the Saudi Arabia national team, brings an impressive résumé, having previously led Italy to victory in the European Championship in 2021. His experience in Serie A, where he won multiple titles with Inter Milan, would make him a familiar and potentially reassuring choice for Roma’s fans and players alike. Mancini’s ability to bring cohesion and discipline to his squads could be precisely what Roma needs to regain momentum and push for higher positions in the league standings.
The pressure on Roma’s board to make a decisive and impactful choice is heightened by the club’s aspirations to secure European competition and, ideally, challenge for titles. The Roman club’s recent history has been marked by inconsistency, both on the field and in terms of leadership, with frequent managerial changes disrupting the team’s progress. As one of Italy’s historic clubs, Roma has a fan base eager for success and a return to the upper echelons of both Serie A and European football.
While Mancini stands out as a potential frontrunner, Roma’s management will likely weigh other candidates carefully. Whoever takes on the role will face the immediate task of addressing the team’s weaknesses, improving the squad’s morale, and aiming for a stronger showing in both the Serie A and Europa League. A new coach would also have to adapt quickly to Roma’s existing squad dynamics and navigate the pressures of delivering results in a challenging environment where fans and stakeholders have high expectations.
With the search for a new coach underway, Roma’s next few matches will be crucial. The club’s supporters, eager for a turnaround, will be watching closely to see if the new appointment can finally bring the stability and success that have eluded the team in recent seasons. For now, Roma remains in a transitional phase, with the hope that a new managerial direction can revive their fortunes and restore their competitive edge both domestically and in European competitions.
