4. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Simply put, Roma are hungry and desperate to establish themselves among Europe’s elite. And their fans are keen on seeing their squad return to the continent after several seasons in the international wilderness. With a captain that belies his advancing years with his top-notch performances, younger players who are excited to be featuring in the continent’s premier competition, a wily tactician who knows how to get the best out of his squad, and their highly ambitious American owners, both fans and neutrals alike should expect them to move up into one of the more widely recognized teams on the continent over the course of the next few seasons.
5. The re-birth (or re-incarnation) of Gervinho.
The Ivorian has appeared to find his footing in Serie A under the tutelage of Garcia, who he worked with during his time at Lille. Last season, he grabbed a dozen goals in his debut term with Roma, which not only is his highest ever since leaving France but is more than the combined total during his disappointing two seasons with Arsenal. He enjoyed a great outing during the team’s drubbing of the Russians, scoring two goals and will be set on continuing in this rich vein of form as he attempts to prove his legions of critics wrong.
Follow Michelle Bonsu on Twitter: @MichelleB289