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Can Mourinho Lead Roma to European Glory This Season?

June 30, 2025

Summer Down

Roma’s pursuit of European success under José Mourinho is gaining traction. Explore tactics, squad depth, and their chances of delivering league and continental silverware.


Roma’s European Dream: Can Mourinho Deliver Glory in 2025?

In the eternal city, hope and ambition burn brighter than ever. Under the stewardship of José Mourinho, AS Roma have undergone a transformation — from a side with potential to a squad with serious European credentials. As the 2024/25 season enters its critical stage, fans are daring to believe: Can Roma finally conquer Europe under the Special One?

Mourinho is no stranger to European success. With titles in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, he’s the only manager in history to win all three major European competitions. Now, with a revamped Roma side brimming with youth and experience, he aims to write one final glorious chapter — one that could elevate Roma’s legacy in both Serie A and continental competitions.

This article dissects Roma’s European ambition: Mourinho’s tactics, squad depth, key players, and how far they can go in both the Aw8 Pro and in Europe.


Mourinho’s Roma: A Team Evolving with Identity

When Mourinho arrived in 2021, Roma were a talented but inconsistent side. Fast forward to 2025, and the transformation is evident. Roma are now:

  • Tactically structured

  • Mentally resilient

  • Defensively solid

  • Dangerous in transition

The tactical core remains true to Mourinho’s philosophy: defensive discipline, vertical transitions, and clinical finishing. But he has adapted too — using dynamic formations, flexible pressing, and empowering younger talent.

Typical Formation: 3-4-2-1 / 3-5-2

  • Defenders: Mancini – Llorente – Ndicka

  • Midfield: Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini

  • Wing-Backs: Spinazzola, Karsdorp

  • Attackers: Dybala, Lukaku (or Abraham), El Shaarawy

It’s a system built for European knockout football — compact, adaptable, and ruthless.


Key Players Fueling Roma’s European Dream

1. Paulo Dybala – The Creative Spark

When fit, Dybala is Roma’s difference-maker. His ability to drop into pockets, deliver killer passes, and score from nothing makes him irreplaceable in tight European ties.

  • Goals: 10

  • Assists: 7

  • Chances Created: 2.8 per game

His blend of flair and football IQ fits Mourinho’s model of unlocking defenses in cagey fixtures.


2. Romelu Lukaku – The Target Man

Lukaku has reconnected with Mourinho, and the results have been explosive. He provides a focal point, holding up play, scoring headers, and bullying defenders.

  • Goals in Europe: 6

  • Duel Win %: 67

  • Shots on Target: 70%

His big-game mentality is what Roma have missed for years.


3. Lorenzo Pellegrini – The Captain and Glue

As Roma’s homegrown leader, Pellegrini blends defensive work, technical elegance, and emotional leadership.

  • Tackles/Game: 2.3

  • Key Passes/Game: 2.1

  • Set-Piece Threat: Crucial in dead-ball moments

He’s the tactical and spiritual center of Mourinho’s side.


4. Gianluca Mancini – The Defensive General

Roma’s defense thrives on Mancini’s aggression and reading of the game.

  • Clearances/Game: 4.5

  • Interceptions/Game: 2.2

  • Aerial Duels Won: 72%

In European matches, clean sheets are gold — and Mancini is vital to maintaining that solidity.


Roma in Europe: Their Path and Progress

Whether competing in the UEFA Europa League or Champions League knockout stages, Roma have been among the most difficult sides to eliminate in recent years. Their key European results this season include:

  • ✅ 2-0 vs Marseille (home)

  • ✅ 1-1 vs Sporting Lisbon (away)

  • ✅ 3-1 vs Freiburg (aggregate win)

Roma’s ability to win ugly and survive over two legs is classic Mourinho — a blend of structure, mentality, and decisive moments.


The Mourinho Factor: History on His Side

José Mourinho’s European résumé speaks for itself:

  • 🏆 Champions League titles with Porto and Inter

  • 🏆 Europa League titles with Porto and Man United

  • 🏆 UEFA Conference League with Roma in 2022

Few managers know how to navigate knockout football like him. His man-management, match-day preparation, and defensive awareness turn ordinary sides into contenders.

Roma may not have the deepest squad, but with Mourinho at the helm, they have belief — and belief is everything in Europe.


Squad Depth: Can They Compete on Two Fronts?

While Roma’s starting XI is strong, depth is where concerns arise.

Strengths:

  • Experienced core (Dybala, Lukaku, Spinazzola)

  • Promising youth (Bove, Zalewski, Pagano)

  • Tactical flexibility in formations

Weaknesses:

  • Injuries to key players often derail momentum

  • Over-reliance on Dybala’s creativity

  • Lack of quality fullback alternatives when fatigued

If Roma can stay fit and rotate smartly, a deep run in Europe and a top-four Serie A finish is possible — but squad management will be crucial.


Serie A Form: A Top-Four Push

Domestically, Roma sit just inside the top 5, fighting off competition from Lazio, Atalanta, and Bologna. Their home form has been solid, while away matches remain a challenge.

League Goals:

  • ✅ Secure UCL qualification

  • ✅ Improve away performance

  • ✅ Keep defensive record strong

Success in Europe will only matter if Roma can solidify their domestic position. The league remains a critical proving ground for sustainability.


What Will Decide Roma’s European Fate?

  1. Dybala’s Fitness – His creativity is irreplaceable.

  2. Lukaku’s Goals – Big games need big moments.

  3. Mourinho’s Game Management – No one is better in tight second legs.

  4. Squad Rotation – Can they survive the fixture congestion?

The ingredients are there. Now it’s about execution.


Final Thoughts: A Dream Within Reach

AS Roma may not have the financial muscle of Europe’s elite, but they possess something equally powerful: a manager with a blueprint, a squad with belief, and fans with relentless passion.

This season could mark the moment Mourinho delivers one last great European run, solidifying his legacy and writing Roma into continental history once again.


Support the League Where Dreams Become Destiny

Serie A is no longer just about domestic dominance — it’s a league producing serious European contenders. Roma’s journey under Mourinho is proof of the league’s depth, tactics, and global relevance.

Support the league. Follow Roma’s rise. Believe in the European dream that Serie A brings to life.

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