This was always going to be a difficult season for Roma and Eusebio Di Francesco. After the heroics of getting to the Champions League semi-finals last year, the Giallorossi had to contend with losing some of the heroes from the squad and ultimately they never quite replaced them.
Alisson Becker was one of the best goalkeepers in the world when he was sold to Liverpool for a record fee but Robin Olsen was a disappointing successor. Radja Nainggolan was another massive loss from the side but his replacement was a lot better received by the Romanisti. Nicolò Zaniolo arrived from Inter and announced himself as one of the brightest young talents in Europe. The 19 year old became the youngest Italian to ever score twice in a single Champions League game.
In contrast to Zaniolo, Daniele De Rossi's experience remained crucial at times in a squad that lacked leadership - which makes it all the more baffling that the club are allowing him to leave. Edin Dzeko had a very lacklustre season up front and also looks to be on his way out but Stephan El Shaarawy had a great season and Justin Kluivert looked very promising too.
Roma couldn't repeat their adventure in Europe from last season as they were eliminated at the first knockout hurdle by FC Porto but perhaps a more embarrassing cup exit came in a 7-1 defeat to Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia. Di Francesco was eventually sacked after the Champions League exit which came hot on the heels of another humiliating defeat against bitter rivals Lazio.
Claudio Ranieri came in for the final few months of the seasons and managed to steady the ship towards the end but it wasn't enough to get Roma back into the Champions League. The former Leicester boss maintained throughout that he wasn't going to claim the job on a permanent basis.
The biggest issue for Roma was not using the funds they acquired well enough in the transfer market to replace the players they let go. Monchi has departed as sporting director so it will be a whole new set-up next season with a new manager too. Interesting times ahead for the Giallorossi.
