AS Roma’s turbulent 2024-25 season has taken a chaotic turn as manager Ivan Juric and defender Gianluca Mancini reportedly engaged in a physical altercation during the half-time break of their Serie A clash against Fiorentina. The Giallorossi’s 5-1 defeat not only left them humiliated but also cast serious doubts over Juric’s future as Roma’s head coach, just 40 days after his appointment.
This incident has ignited further unrest among fans, players, and the club’s management, raising questions about the team’s direction. Let’s dive into what unfolded, the aftermath, and what lies ahead for AS Roma.
What Happened?
On Sunday, AS Roma suffered a demoralizing 5-1 defeat against Fiorentina in Serie A, continuing their disastrous start to the season. The game saw Fiorentina dominate from the start, with Roma unable to keep up either defensively or offensively. However, the real drama unfolded off the pitch during the half-time break.
According to Corriere dello Sport, manager Ivan Juric and Gianluca Mancini had a heated confrontation inside the dressing room. The altercation escalated into a physical fight, reflecting the rising tensions within the team. The embarrassing loss, combined with the bust-up, has intensified the pressure on Juric, whose position now hangs by a thread.
Roma’s Downward Spiral Under Ivan Juric
When Ivan Juric was appointed as Roma’s head coach 40 days ago, hopes were high that he could turn the club’s fortunes around after a poor start under Daniele De Rossi. However, the Croatian tactician has struggled to make a positive impact. Roma’s record now stands at just two wins from their first nine Serie A matches, leaving them 11th on the league table.
The defeat to Fiorentina has only deepened Roma’s crisis. Fans and pundits alike are questioning whether Juric can steer the team back on course, with many speculating that his time with the Giallorossi could come to an abrupt end.
Fan Outrage and Dressing Room Turmoil
The situation worsened when angry Roma supporters gathered at Rome’s Termini train station at 2 AM to confront the players after the Fiorentina debacle. Four senior players—Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, Gianluca Mancini, and Lorenzo Pellegrini—approached the frustrated fans to offer explanations and calm the tension.
This rare late-night encounter demonstrates the extent of fan dissatisfaction, which has reached boiling point. With supporters openly expressing their frustration, the club now faces mounting pressure to act quickly and decisively.
What Next for Ivan Juric and Roma?
According to Repubblica, Roma director Florent Ghisolfi has cancelled a planned trip to Paris to hold an emergency meeting on Monday. The purpose of this meeting will be to address the escalating crisis within the club. With tensions running high in the dressing room and on the streets, Juric’s future at Roma seems increasingly uncertain.
It remains to be seen whether Juric will still be in charge when Roma face Torino on Thursday. The upcoming match is crucial not only for Roma’s hopes of reviving their season but also for Juric’s tenure. A loss or poor performance could spell the end of his brief stint with the club.
Can Roma Salvage Their Season?
With just nine games into the Serie A season, Roma’s chances of securing a European spot are slipping away. The Giallorossi need to bounce back quickly, but the internal turmoil makes that task even more challenging.
If Juric is relieved of his duties, the club must decide on a new managerial direction—whether to opt for an experienced coach or take a gamble on a younger, up-and-coming manager. Regardless of the choice, stabilizing the dressing room and rebuilding trust among the players will be the immediate priority.
Final Thoughts
The shocking bust-up between Ivan Juric and Gianluca Mancini, coupled with the 5-1 defeat to Fiorentina, symbolizes the growing disarray at AS Roma. With fans losing patience and management scrambling to contain the crisis, the coming days could determine the fate of the manager and the direction of Roma’s season.
Juric’s tenure, which began with high expectations, now faces an early and abrupt end. As Roma prepare for their next match against Torino, the club is at a critical crossroads—either rally together or face a deeper spiral into chaos.
Source:
Goal
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