The two midfielders hadn’t started together from the bench since May 22, 2023, the day of Roma-Salernitana: the match ended 2-2 and, just like last night, they entered the game in the second half.

Against Torino, in the initial line-up chosen by Mr. Juric to face his recent past in a match where a large portion of their future was at stake, neither Lorenzo Pellegrini nor Bryan Cristante were present. Cheered on amidst boos in the Olimpico, they are currently at the center of the fans’ criticisms in this negative moment for Roma. From the Croatian coach’s words in the post-match interview, it will be discovered that the exclusion of both from the starting line-up was due to a tactical decision. But when was the last time the two midfielders (excluding injuries and suspensions) were both relegated to the bench in Serie A? This hadn’t happened since 2023, precisely on the 22nd of May, the day of the match against Salernitana at the Olimpico (528 days ago). The coach then was José Mourinho, and in that case too, the number 7 and number 4 for the Giallorossi entered the field in the second half. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Roma forced to twice recover from the lead established by Candreva and then Dia, thanks to goals from El Shaarawy and Matic. Last night, at least, the outcome was considerably positive and Juric, for now, has saved his own bench, even if he had to give up (at least from the first minute) two of the mainstays of Roma in recent years.