When Lazio and Roma clashed heads in January, Marco Baroni arrived at the Stadio Olimpico oozing with confidence following a mesmerizing first half of the season. Despite the fan’s scepticism, the 61-year-old was proving to be the ideal manager to oversee the generational transition at Formello, as prophesied by Angelo Fabiani.
Brilliant Start
During his first months in charge, Baroni’s men were firing on all cylinders: they cemented themselves as the best among 36 Europa League group-stage participants, they eliminated Napoli from the Coppa Italia with a sensational display, and even found themselves in the Scudetto mix at one point.
The 0-6 beatdown at the hands of Inter Milan was considered a one-off anomaly, while a few other hicups weren’t enough to derail the hypetrain.
The Derby Turnaround
Nevertheless, those familiar with the hot, unforgiving Roman atmosphere would tell you, the Derby is a different beast, and starting your year with a Derby defeat was a terrible omen for the superstitious lot.
Whether this was truly the turning point in Lazio’s campaign, we cannot be fully certain, but the results paint a clear picture: Roma have been on the ups ever since (riding a 15-match unbeaten streak), whereas the Biancocelesti have lost all the momentum built early on.
Shades of Stefano Pioli’s Lazio Tenure
In this sense, Baroni is now walking dangerously close to the footsteps of Stefano Pioli. The current Al-Nassr boss enjoyed a sensational first campaign at Formello, guiding the club towards a third-place finish, but his terrific work was undone by a disappointing second season.
Lazio vs Roma | Serie A Preview | Where to Watch, Form Guide, Insights, Lineups
Pioli’s Lazio career came to an end on April 3rd, 2016, when Claudio Lotito showed him the door after coming short in the Derby. Curiously, this remains the last campaign that saw Roma complete the league double over Lazio, something that Baroni MUST avoid at all costs.
Contrasts & Similarities
Obviously, there are some contrasts between the two cases, as Pioli’s Lazio career didn’t unravel this quickly, as the rise and fall spanned over almost two years. However, the similarities are too plain to ignore, since both managers initially managed to deliver great results while displaying a progressive approach before enduring steep declines.
Launching Young Lazio Stars
This season, Gustav Isaksen, Nicolo Rovella and Mario Gila have all made leaps and bounds under the guidance of the former Lecce and Verona manager.
Therefore, many at Formello would grieve for his departure, as it would be a shame to see him depart before watching him launch the likes of Reda Belahyane and Oliver Provstgaard to stardom, as well as other exciting youngsters the club could buy in the summer.
Now or Never for Baroni
Nevertheless, Baroni can only earn his confirmation with a timely uprising that lifts the team from its shambolic state, and this resurrection must begin from the Derby, because as Pioli would attest, it might be too late afterwards, especially when the stakes are this high.
Unlike Pioli, Baroni wouldn’t be sacked in the wake of a Derby defeat, but when the hierarchy makes its assessment at the end of the season (as promised by Fabiani), this could be the factor that tips the scale in favor of managerial change.
I think it should be do or die for him. Im not sure who’s in charge of recruitment but Noslin is NOT good, Dia has been poor, Thcouna as well. Dele-Bashiru has been the best so far but I think misuse him tactically. The tactics have been poor and I think it’s time we make a decision on our future.