AS Roma delivered a stunning performance against Parma, claiming victory with a resounding 5-0 scoreline during the 17th round of Serie A on December 22, 2023. Head coach Claudio Ranieri praised his team's effort, particularly highlighting the exceptional play from stars Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbik.
Dybala, who scored two goals during the match, continues to shine bright for Roma, having moved to third place among Argentine scorers in Serie A by netting his 126th goal, surpassing Gonzalo Higuaín. Ranieri underscored Dybala’s pivotal role within the squad, stating, "I know he wants to stay. He is happy with us, and we are happy with him," alluding to rumors linking the forward with potential moves to Galatasaray.
Dovbik also made substantial contributions, contributing with both a goal and an assist. His performance not only showcased his talent but also placed him close to Kylian Mbappé's recognition within the ranking of top scorers. Despite Roma being awarded two penalties during the match, Dovbik was not entrusted with the responsibility of taking any, leading to some speculation about his position among the team’s penalty takers.
Following the match, Ranieri reflected on the outcome, insisting, "We need to wake up. The guys had to forget the second half of the match against Como, and they did it... We need to perform even more so after the holiday." This sentiment aimed at fostering team growth and consistency, particularly as Roma has struggled for form away from home, with nearly eight months since their last away victory.
Following their recent successes, marked by four wins from five matches under Ranieri’s guidance, Roma finds themselves positioned 10th on the Serie A table with 19 points. Their next challenge is set against Milan on December 29, 2023.
Despite the overwhelming nature of the victory and joy heading to the holiday break, there still looms conversations about potential winter transfers. Mario Hermoso may be one player on the move, having been relegated to the bench as he is no longer considered central to the team’s strategy. It's clear the dynamics within the Roman club are shifting.
Looking to the future, the match against Milan is already creating anticipation among fans and analysts alike. How Roma performs on this stage will be telling of whether they can capitalize on their current momentum and improve their standings.
The victory against Parma sets the foundation for positive discussions as the players enjoy the Christmas festivities, but tuning back to competitive football means addressing the inconsistencies observed, especially when away from home. With Ranieri at the helm and core players like Dybala and Dovbik excelling, fans have reasons to remain optimistic moving forward.
