Bologna – AS Roma: Maverick Malen Spearheads A Roman Recovery (0-2)

Calcio came back in the form of off-the-field drama, and AS Roma had been at the center of it. Gian Piero Gasperini has had plenty to say in terms of the club's recruitment, but nobody could falter the effect of Donyell Malen and his form that has kept Roma in contention for that lucrative fourth-place finish.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

Escort scandal, allegations towards referees, public bust-ups; at least you got your Serie A back in some respects. In the middle of this noise was Roma, and a feud that not many saw coming.

After Gian Piero Gasperini’s constant criticisms of sporting director Ricky Massara, as well as the medical staff, senior advisor Claudio Ranieri went two-footed on his successor: “Three didn’t come, and the club chose Gasperini.” In mid-week, Ranieri resigned, thanking the Roma staff, players and supporters, but the coach was not included in his statement. More drama for the Friedkin Group to mop up, two years after José Mourinho’s dismissal and the chaos that had followed. Yet Roma are still in the same position, outside of the Champions League places.

Bologna needed their own inquest after a humiliating night at Aston Villa, before Juventus had a comfortable victory over them last weekend. The remaining schedule is a brutal one for Bologna, playing the top two as well as Atalanta, but with no European football to compete for, questions that . . .