Do or die. That’s how Gian Piero Gasperini described today’s second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 against Bologna. After drawing the Rossoblu last weekend on the road, Roma welcomes their domestic rivals to the Olimpico for a little European intrigue. While the Giallorossi are still dealing with injuries in the attack, the bigger problem plaguing the club is their simple lack of quality over the past several weeks.
With only one victory over their past six matches, a 3-0 romp over lowly Cremonese,
Roma’s spring swoon is in full effect. Thanks to that drought, the club has slipped out of the top four, and with matches against Inter Milan, Atalanta, and Lazio remaining on the docket, returning to the Champions League next season via the league path may be a no-go for Gasperini’s group.
Meaning today’s deciding match against Bologna could essentially determine the club’s European fate next season. To borrow a phrase from Sir Alex, we may be looking at 90 minutes of squeaky bum time.
Saddle up!
