Four Serie A teams who will qualify for the Champions League

3. Roma

Roma will likely face a tougher fight for a Champions league spot than they did last year. Losing Alisson will obviously be a blow, especially since Robin Olsen is a clear downgrade as his replacement. However, if Roma’s defense continues to play at the same high level as last year then it may not matter who is in goal for them.

Losing Radja Nainggolan left Roma looking to replace a key midfield piece, but they more than handled that loss this summer. The additions of Javier Pastore and Bryan Cristante should be enough to fill Nainggolan’s shoes if Pastore can stay healthy. If not, Roma made another signing this summer that provides them with an intriguing option.

Bringing in Steven Nzonzi will be a huge help in stabilizing this midfield. He’ll ensure that Roma can continue to have a strong defensive midfielder in front of the back 4 even if Daniele De Rossi begins to decline at 35. He’ll also give Roma the option to start 2 defensive midfielders when the occasion calls for it or potentially as a permanent move if Pastore gets hurt. Overall, the three midfield additions should be more than enough to improve Roma’s midfield even after losing a key piece of last year’s.

Edin Dezko should once again pour in goals, Justin Kluivert will inject more creativity into the attack, and Cengiz Under will likely improve in his second season in Serie A. Their center back pairing, Aleksandar Kolarov, Nzonzi and De Rossi should be able to provide cover for Alessandro Florenzi’s lackluster defending on the right. Roma were stout defensively last season, allowing Serie A’s second least goals, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t continue.

With an eye on another run in the Champions League it will be difficult for Roma to compete for the league title, but they should still secure a spot in the Champions League once again. It will be a much closer race than Roma and their fans would like, but Roma will hold onto 3rd place for another year.