Ranieri Reflects on Loss to Alkmaar: “We had the game in our hands, and we let it get away from us.”

Despite their sluggish start to the season, Roma’s hopes in the Europa League remained intact as they found themselves firmly positioned in the middle of the 36-team table ahead of today’s Matchday 7 fixture against AZ Alkmaar. Although a victory over their Dutch adversaries would not have guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16, it could have significantly eased their path by helping them bypass the nerve-wracking playoff rounds, where teams placed 9th through 24th compete for the final eight spots in the knockout stage. The stakes were high, and anticipation loomed large over the clash.

Under the stewardship of Claudio Ranieri, Roma took to the pitch with a sense of purpose, determined to seize control of their European destiny. The team showcased flashes of brilliance, with players like Paulo Dybala, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Matías Soulé combining skillfully to weave intricate patterns of play. Yet, despite the aesthetic appeal of their football, Roma failed to break the deadlock, succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat that underscored the team’s ongoing struggles in converting chances into goals. The disappointment was palpable as the final whistle blew, leaving fans and players alike to ponder what might have been.

The decisive moment of the match came from a seemingly innocuous situation. AZ Alkmaar capitalized on a throw-in to deliver a sucker punch to the Giallorossi. It was a goal borne not of brilliance but of defensive lapses—six AZ players found themselves up against just four Roma defenders. This numerical imbalance proved fatal, as Roma’s inability to deal with the threat resulted in the only goal of the match. The simplicity of the play and the avoidable nature of the goal compounded the frustration for Ranieri and his team, who had otherwise controlled much of the game.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Ranieri’s post-match press conference offered a candid and, at times, scathing assessment of his team’s performance. "The fact that we mostly controlled the game and yet the other team won is hard to take," he admitted. "Conceding a goal like that—from a throw-in—is unacceptable. It can happen, but it shouldn’t. We played well and created lots of openings, but our opponents spent most of the match defending and still walked away with all three points."

The veteran manager’s frustration was evident as he dissected the defensive shortcomings that had cost his team dearly. "When AZ scored their goal, there were six of their players against four of ours. It’s not the first time we’ve conceded like this, especially away from home," he observed. "Clearly, we’re not smart enough or streetwise enough. We make some incredible mistakes. That’s the takeaway from a game we were in control of. But that’s football: we weren’t able to score. [Mile] Svilar didn’t have any saves to make, and yet we leave with nothing to show for our efforts."

Ranieri’s analysis extended beyond the defensive lapses to Roma’s attacking inefficiencies. Despite dominating possession and creating opportunities, the team lacked the clinical edge needed to turn dominance into goals. "We tried everything but, at the end of the day, had no end product," he lamented. "In the second half, we did better with [Matías] Soulé, but ultimately, it was all for naught. We moved the ball well, got players into the box, but couldn’t get decent shots away. It’s such a pity because we played well, but now try telling someone we lost 1-0."

The 73-year-old manager’s remarks reflected a mixture of exasperation and determination. He acknowledged the need for a more ruthless approach, urging his players to be "nastier" and more determined in key moments. "We got three, four, five players up in the box, but we lacked the killer instinct," he said. "Maybe that’s what’s missing—a bit more determination, a bit more edge."

Roma’s struggles in the final third were not attributed to tactical shortcomings but rather to an ineffable inconsistency that seems ingrained in the club’s identity. Ranieri’s task ahead of next week’s crucial fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt is to find a way to shake off this lethargy and inject a sense of urgency and precision into the team’s attacking play. Whether that involves tweaking formations, placing more emphasis on direct play through Dovbyk, or positioning Dybala closer to the goal, the manager cannot afford to stand still. The profligacy that plagued Roma in this match has a way of lingering, and Ranieri knows the importance of addressing it decisively.

Despite the disappointment, there are reasons for optimism. A victory next week against Frankfurt would secure Roma’s place in the Knockout Phase playoffs, keeping their European campaign alive and providing a much-needed morale boost. The Giallorossi have shown flashes of their potential this season, and Ranieri will be hoping to channel that promise into a consistent and effective performance against the German side.

Before that, however, Roma must turn their attention to the domestic front. This weekend’s league fixture against Udinese presents an opportunity to regain confidence and build momentum ahead of their European showdown. The match against Udinese will serve as a litmus test for the team’s ability to bounce back from adversity and rediscover their scoring touch. Ranieri will likely use the game to experiment with tactical adjustments and personnel changes, with an eye on addressing the issues that have hampered Roma’s progress.

While the defeat to AZ Alkmaar was undoubtedly a setback, it also served as a reminder of the fine margins that define football at the highest level. The game highlighted both Roma’s strengths and their vulnerabilities, offering valuable lessons that can be applied in the weeks ahead. The team’s ability to control possession and create chances is a testament to their quality, but converting those chances into goals remains the missing piece of the puzzle.

For the fans, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but their unwavering support will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges ahead. The Europa League represents a significant opportunity for Roma to make their mark on the continental stage, and the players will need to draw on the energy and passion of their supporters to keep their campaign alive. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with determination, resilience, and a touch of tactical ingenuity, Roma can still achieve their European ambitions.

As the dust settles on this evening’s defeat, the focus shifts to the future. The journey is far from over, and the Giallorossi have the talent and the determination to turn things around. With Ranieri at the helm, Roma’s European dream remains very much alive, and the next chapter of their story promises to be just as compelling as the last.