The arrival of Ivan Juric on the bench of AS Roma marks a turning point for the club, as they look to inject new energy into their campaign. With Juric stepping in after three solid seasons at Torino, his transition to a top-tier club like Roma echoes the paths taken by several top coaches when they first debuted with major clubs. Given Juric’s tactical acumen and the resilience he’s shown with Torino, many believe that he has a strong chance of succeeding at Roma, even as a mid-season replacement. But how does his debut stack up against the first seasons of today’s elite managers like Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, Luciano Spalletti, and Stefano Pioli?

Juric’s Pedigree: A Steady Rise

Juric’s time at Torino showcased his ability to build robust, competitive teams with limited resources. His high-intensity pressing style and tactical flexibility turned Torino into a difficult team to break down. Now, the challenge is different. At Roma, expectations are higher, the pressure is intense, and the room for error is slim. Despite this, Juric’s calm demeanor and ability to galvanize his squads suggest he could thrive under these conditions. It’s a leap similar to the ones faced by Allegri, Conte, Spalletti, and Pioli when they transitioned to managing clubs with more significant ambitions.

Allegri’s First Season Success with AC Milan

Massimiliano Allegri’s first season at AC Milan in 2010–2011 is an example of how a coach can instantly elevate a club. Allegri led Milan to their first Serie A title in seven years, clinching the Scudetto with two games to spare after a 0-0 draw against Roma. Allegri’s ability to balance a star-studded squad with veterans like Zlatan Ibrahimović and rising talents was key. Juric faces a similar task—harnessing the potential of players like Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku while integrating a disciplined, tactical approach to build consistency. While a Scudetto in his debut season may seem a distant goal for Juric, Allegri’s Milan reign shows that strong leadership can bring immediate rewards.

Conte’s Undefeated Juventus and Tactical Evolution

Antonio Conte’s 2011–2012 season at Juventus remains legendary. In his debut year with the Bianconeri, Conte led his team to an undefeated season and captured the Serie A title, marking the beginning of Juve’s dominance in Italian football. His Juventus side combined defensive solidity with high-octane pressing, reminiscent of Juric’s style at Torino. Although Juric may not have the same star power as Conte did, his commitment to pressing and structured defense could provide the platform for a solid start at Roma, where turning defensive lapses into discipline will be key to a successful tenure.

Spalletti’s First Season with Roma: Close but No Cigar

Luciano Spalletti’s first spell with Roma in 2005 saw him achieve 11 consecutive Serie A wins, helping the team to a second-place finish (later upgraded due to Calciopoli). Spalletti, like Juric, arrived with a reputation for tactical intelligence and innovation. While Roma didn’t win silverware that season, Spalletti’s work laid the groundwork for future success. Juric finds himself in a similar position. If he can bring cohesion to the squad and maximize their potential, his first season could mirror Spalletti’s initial impact—perhaps not winning immediately, but setting the stage for future glory.

Pioli’s Slow Burn to Success

Stefano Pioli’s first seasons with top-tier clubs—both Inter and Milan—show a different trajectory. In his first year at Inter, Pioli finished sixth, and he replicated the same result with Milan in his debut season. Despite these mid-table finishes, Pioli’s steady hand and long-term planning eventually led to Milan’s resurgence as a Scudetto winner in 2021. Juric may also need time to adapt Roma to his system, but as Pioli has proven, patience and consistency can lead to significant rewards down the line.

What to Expect from Juric’s Debut Season at Roma?

Juric takes charge of Roma at a crucial juncture, and while the expectations are high, there’s optimism around his ability to succeed, even as a mid-season appointment. With the foundation of his time at Torino and his ability to work with various player profiles, Juric is well-equipped to handle the challenges at Roma. Like Conte, he emphasizes a well-drilled defense and collective teamwork, traits that could stabilize a Roma side known for inconsistency. If he can replicate Spalletti’s tactical prowess, Allegri’s instant cohesion, or Pioli’s long-term approach, Juric could be in for a highly successful debut campaign.

Roma fans will be hoping that Juric can bring the tactical discipline and intensity that helped him succeed at Torino, combined with the attacking flair that the club craves. Should he manage to balance these elements, Juric could join the ranks of elite managers whose careers took off after debut seasons with top-tier clubs.

The Giallorossi faithful will be watching closely—could Juric be the next great managerial success in Serie A?