The Serie A 24/25 season has officially come to a close. With part one covering the eventual champions in Napoli, the Rossoneri’s poor season, and a newly promoted side that’s here to stay. Part two will further dive into one of the best seasons in Italy in recent memory.
Ranieri saves Roma
Before Ranieri came out of retirement Roma were 12th. Floundering in the second half of the table with new signings not clicking and the team looking devoid of ideas. Then Ranieri took charge. Having previously managed Roma between 2009-2011, the Italian came out of retirement, turned the Giallorossi around and guided them to a 5th place finish.
This turnaround was thanked by the Giallorossi faithful in the final home game, with a massive tifo dedicated to the 73 year old. As they played rivals AC Milan, Roma and Ranieri prevailed with a 3-1 victory, all but securing European football for next season.
Roma’s season- which started with such turbulence was stabilised by the legendary manager. The feat of securing European football for Roma will pale in comparison to other achievements such as guiding Leicester City to Premier League glory in 2015/16- but the love the Italian will of felt in Rome will be near unmatched.
The turnaround, a Ranieri catalyst, also played a benefit for a number of Roma players, who looked like the European level quality they were perceived as at the start of the season. Matias Soulé in particular was someone that we highlighted as a potential super signing at the start of the season. After a slow start, like much of the squad, Soulé has exploded towards the end of the season, with 3 assists in his last 3 and 7 contributions in the last 8 of the season. Even before that he found his feet, opening his good form with a superb free kick vs Parma.
Having been sold in the summer by Juventus (another Giuntoli mistake) the highly rated youngster found his Frosinone form towards the end of the season, much ado to Ranieri and the freedom he was given on the right flank.
Another forward who has found a new lease of life in Rome is Alexis Saelemaekers, the Belgian arrived from AC Milan in a straight loan move with an option-to-buy. The Belgian was transformed this year, with 7 goals and 7 assists, a career best for the 25 year old. The winger has found a real upturn of form in Italy’s capital, whether he’ll be in Rossoneri black and red or Roma burgundy is yet to be decided. But after such a strong season it would be an opportunity missed if Giallorossi doesn’t snatch his signature.
With Ranieri now set to depart, it’s absolutely crucial that the Franklin family and Roma board get this next managerial appointment spot on. This is not the time for another short-term fix. A squad boasting experienced names like Mancini, Cristante, Dybala and Paredes are all more than capable of competing at the highest level. The younger core is just as promising, with the likes of Koné, Soulé and Baldanzi all showing serious potential and ready to kick on when given the right platform. That’s why the imminent arrival of Gian Piero Gasperini feels like a real statement. Having led Atalanta to Europa League glory in 23/24- the club’s first ever European trophy. He has since turned them into a consistent force both in Serie A and in Europe, his track record speaks for itself. Gasperini’s tactical identity, ability to develop talent, and experience at the top level make him the ideal candidate to take Roma into a new era.
Italiano leads Bologna to Italian glory
When Motta, Calafiori and Zirkzee departed Bologna, we all expected a meek showing the following season, even more so when they failed to spend the €100 million raised from those transfers. Yet, Bologna sit ninth, just three points outside the European spots. More importantly, they’ve brought an end to their 51-year trophy drought. Bologna’s dramatic and surprising Coppa Italia win was the cherry on top of a superb season for Italiano and his side.
Losing their main goalscoring threat in Zirkzee, as well as a top-tier defender like Calafiori, were both blows to the side. But neither was as impactful as losing the man that made it all tick- Thiago Motta. His style and system were key to the side’s success in 2023/24. His move to Juventus was a real blow. Then Vincenzo Italiano took charge. Having managed Fiorentina for three years, the 47-year-old seemed like a good choice to steady the ship ahead of a return to Champions League football for the first time since 1965.
Under his leadership, Bologna have evolved into a tactically flexible, possession-dominant side with a high pressing game and quick vertical transitions. These are hallmarks of Italiano’s style, refined during his time at Fiorentina. While not as defensively rigid as Motta’s Bologna, Italiano’s version has added a layer of attacking unpredictability, often using wide overloads and inside forwards to stretch opposition lines.
Santiago Castro has been superb up front. Joining from Velez in January 2024, Castro has been the main man leading the line for Bologna this season. At just 20 years old he has had a breakout season in Italy, with 18 goal contributions. He’s quickly become a fan favourite at the Dall’Ara. For a player so young and in his first European campaign, his impact has been nothing short of remarkable, he looks every bit the real deal.
Another key player this season has been Riccardo Orsolini. The winger, who had shown flashes under Motta, has flourished this season, finding consistency and end product to go along with his flair. With 15 goals and 5 assists in all competitions, Orsolini has not only become the side’s chief creator but also their talisman in the final third. His leadership and connection with the fans has grown, making him one of the first names on the team sheet.
An Italy call-up is now a formality for Orsolini- he’s been that good. The perfect modern-day winger, cutting in off the right, almost Mahrez-esque. He’s now added consistency to his game, real end product, and has become absolutely key to everything Bologna have done right over the past two seasons. Under both Motta and now Italiano, he’s been the one constant in attack- creating, scoring, leading by example. He’s stepped up when it mattered, delivered in the big moments, and become the face of this new-look Bologna. As they pushed for Europe again this season and secured that unforgettable Coppa Italia win, it’s clear Orsolini isn’t just part of the story… he’s one of the main reasons it’s even being written.
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