The yellow-reds form the least prolific strike duo in the entire Serie A, but now the manager needs their goals. Yesterday, words about the two soccer players oscillated between signals and hopes.

The blossoming pair. This must be the tandem formed by Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala, which currently constitutes the least prolific attack duo in Serie A, with just six combined goals to their names. This meager tally partially elucidates the unacceptable situation of Roma in the championship. For this reason, the two goals scored yesterday by the Ukrainian against Sampdoria should only be a small taste of what will unfold in the coming weeks, starting with the challenge against Parma this Sunday at lunchtime. The current market suggests that the pair could more likely explode, but reality instead brings us back only to the field and to the words of Claudio Ranieri. “There is a Rome with him and a Rome without him,” I have always liked quality players and I line him up when he’s well. Right now, he can’t handle three games and I have to manage him.” La Joya is here and will continue to be the added value, about this Sir Claudio has made it clear again. Provided that he also returns to being decisive, since even the numbers this season were dreadful for both goals (2) and assists (0), as well as successful dribbles and expected goals (it is his worst season at Roma in both statistics). The commitment from Dybala has never waned and will never falter. He owes much to this city and to this society; he will give his all until the end, regardless of when that comes. Discovering a Dovbyk in acceptable conditions would undoubtedly also be a help to him. The former Girona player returned to the goal yesterday after a strong 45 days (the knockout in Verona). At home, the last goal he had scored was on October 24 against Dinamo. He made two easy goals against an opponent ranked 15th in Serie B, freshly changed coach and filled with young players and substitutes. Yesterday, Artem also celebrated with a touch of anger. He knows himself that it may not be enough, but it could be a start. When asked the pointed question “Has Dovbyk blossomed?” Ranieri responded, “I certainly hope so.” The boy is not training as he would like. A thousand little problems, ranging from the common flu, knee issues, to various other matters, are proving to be obstacles. Unfortunately, he has a significant structure and needs training. Goals help to regain confidence.” He needs to score, his teammates are aware and indeed they were especially happy for him at the end of the game. But perhaps what’s even more important is regaining a physical fitness that is absolutely essential for someone with that structure. Amidst a battered knee, tendonitis and fever (wherein the Ukrainian was one amongst many), on top of a jam-packed schedule, Dovbyk has never been able to maintain consistency and fully train. Ranieri is managing him, for three matches in a row he did not start, he is following his specific program. It’ll take a little longer to get him to the top. But time is something Roma absolutely does not have: Parma, Milan, and the derby are already knocking at the door. And it’s time for this couple to blossom, not just to celebrate on New Year’s Eve.