Explore how Roma’s tactical structure and player roles are driving their 2025 European campaign. A deep dive into their league strategy and continental progress.

Roma’s European Push: A Tactical Overview

AS Roma, a club rich in tradition and passion, has been rekindling its European ambitions in recent seasons. The 2024/25 campaign marks a pivotal point in their journey as the Giallorossi aim to become a permanent fixture in Europe’s elite. With a solid domestic base and a tactically nuanced approach, Roma is pushing boundaries—both in Serie A and continental competition.

This article offers a comprehensive tactical analysis of Roma’s European push, highlighting key formations, player roles, in-game adjustments, and how their identity is shaping results across Gameplay Interactive.

Building the Foundation: From Mourinho to De Rossi

When José Mourinho left Roma, he left behind a defensive structure and a winning mentality, particularly in knockout competitions. His replacement, Daniele De Rossi, has not only inherited that foundation but added layers of modern tactical evolution.

Under De Rossi:

Roma presses higher up the pitch
More fluid attacking transitions
Youth integration is emphasized
Greater use of positional play in buildup

De Rossi’s approach keeps the solidity of Mourinho’s defensive blocks while allowing Roma to dominate possession in a way that invites sustained pressure.

Preferred Formation: The Flexible 3-4-2-1

Roma’s primary system in 2025 has been the 3-4-2-1, which morphs fluidly depending on the match situation:

In possession: 3-2-5 or 3-1-6 when pushing up.
Out of possession: 5-3-2 or 5-4-1 when under pressure.

Key Tactical Traits:

Wing-backs provide width and overload the flanks.
Double pivot ensures vertical passing lanes and midfield control.
Attacking midfielders drift between lines to destabilize defensive units.
Central striker drops to link play or stretch the back line.

Key Players Driving Roma’s Success

1. Paulo Dybala

Role: Advanced playmaker / False 9 / Inside forward
Contribution: Carries Roma’s creative burden, links play between midfield and attack, and scores crucial goals in tight games.

2. Lorenzo Pellegrini

Role: Box-to-box / Advanced midfielder
Contribution: Engine of the team, presses high, supports defensive shape, and offers late runs into the box.

3. Bryan Cristante

Role: Holding midfielder / Ball-winner
Contribution: Shields the backline and starts transitions with progressive passes.

4. Chris Smalling & Gianluca Mancini

Role: Wide center-backs in a back three
Contribution: Provide stability, aerial presence, and step into midfield when necessary to compress play.

European Nights: Adaptability Is Key

In the Europa League and Conference League, Roma’s tactical flexibility has stood out. Against teams with higher possession shares, Roma comfortably sits deep and counters. Against weaker sides, they control the tempo and dictate play.

Key elements:

Compact defensive lines frustrate more creative opponents.
Rapid transitions with Dybala and El Shaarawy breaking lines.
Set-piece efficiency has been a vital scoring source.

Roma’s game management in Europe has improved. The team no longer concedes late goals due to loss of structure—an issue in past seasons.

Tactical Highlights from Notable Matches

🔹 Roma vs Real Betis (Europa League Group Stage)

2-1 win at home
De Rossi’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 in the second half turned the tide, allowing Roma to pin Betis deep and exploit the flanks with Zalewski and Spinazzola.

🔹 Roma vs Atalanta (Serie A)

3-2 tactical thriller
Roma absorbed pressure using a 5-3-2 block before shifting to a 3-4-3 with pressing traps that led to two counterattack goals.

🔹 Roma vs Fenerbahçe (Europa League Knockouts)

1-0 away win
A disciplined defensive shape, minimal possession, and a decisive set-piece header showed Roma’s maturity in big away fixtures.

Where the System Excels

Defensive Solidity: Roma rarely concedes from open play, thanks to their compact lines.
Midfield Control: Pellegrini and Cristante balance creativity and discipline.
Positional Fluidity: Dybala, Pellegrini, and the wing-backs rotate smartly to create overloads.
Tactical In-Game Adjustments: De Rossi’s game-reading has led to match-winning substitutions and shape changes.

Room for Growth

Despite their progress, Roma still faces challenges:

Depth: Injuries to key players have exposed a thin bench in high-stakes games.
Consistency in League Play: European form has sometimes affected weekend league performances.
Striker Output: The team lacks a prolific No. 9 to finish off consistent chances.

However, if these are addressed in the summer transfer window, Roma could cement themselves as both a domestic and European force.

Conclusion: Roma’s Tactical Identity Is Taking Shape

AS Roma’s European ambitions are no longer fantasy—they’re becoming reality, built on clear tactical vision, leadership, and discipline. De Rossi’s blend of modern tactics with Roman grit is earning results and respect.

As the 2024/25 season reaches its climax, Roma fans can take pride in a side that doesn’t just compete but adapts, outthinks, and controls. Their league performances have been strong, and their European campaign is proof of a squad ready for the next level.

Support your favorite teams and follow every match with passion—because this league is full of stories worth celebrating, and Roma’s tactical journey is one of them.