Explore how Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma are tactically evolving in 2025. Defensive structure, attacking style, and league ambitions analyzed.
Tactical Breakdown: Jose Mourinho’s Roma in 2025
Since taking over at AS Roma in 2021, Jose Mourinho has steadily reshaped the identity of the club. Known for his pragmatic and often polarizing approach, Mourinho has turned Roma into a side that thrives on organization, discipline, and a results-first mentality—often in contrast to the attacking flair of Serie A’s traditional giants.
Now in 2025, Mourinho’s Roma has matured into a side capable of challenging for silverware while balancing European ambitions. But tactically, what defines this version of Roma? Is it vintage Mourinho? Or has “The Special One” evolved with the demands of the modern ACE66 league?
Here’s a deep dive into the tactical structure, standout players, and strategic direction of Mourinho’s Roma in the 2024/25 Serie A season.
🧠 Mourinho’s Core Tactical Philosophy in 2025
At the heart of Mourinho’s philosophy remains one principle: control the space, not the ball.
Key Tactical Identity:
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Formation: 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2, with fluid transitions to a low block
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Focus on structured defending and counter-attacks
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Emphasis on individual roles and defensive discipline
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High reliance on set-pieces and direct play
Despite criticism for a perceived lack of possession or attacking fluidity, Mourinho has stayed consistent. His Roma might not dominate the ball, but they often control the rhythm of the game through positioning and tactical patience.
⚙️ Defensive Structure: The Mourinho Blueprint
Roma’s foundation is built on defensive solidity. Mourinho uses a back three system, with wing-backs providing width but always mindful of retreating into a five-man defense when out of possession.
Defensive Pillars:
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Chris Smalling – The experienced Englishman leads with calm and aerial dominance
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Gianluca Mancini – Physical, aggressive, and vital in man-marking assignments
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Diego Llorente – Mourinho’s trusted ball-player to start transitions
When defending, Roma often drops deep into a 5-3-2, allowing minimal space between lines. They focus on:
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Narrow defensive lines
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Forcing play wide
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Blocking half-spaces to reduce key passes
In fact, Roma ranks among the top three teams in the league for least shots conceded inside the box.
⚔️ Transition Play & Counter-Attack Strategy
Mourinho’s Roma are lethal in transition. Rather than committing many players forward, they focus on explosive bursts through narrow central corridors.
Key Transition Triggers:
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Ball recovery in midfield
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Diagonal switches to wide outlets (usually the wing-backs)
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Vertical balls to Dybala or Lukaku to initiate the counter
Statistics (2024/25 so far):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Possession | 43% |
| Goals from Counters | 9 (Top 2 in league) |
| Passes per Goal | 3.2 |
This direct and efficient approach frustrates possession-heavy teams and allows Roma to maximize output with minimal risk.
🔑 Key Players & Tactical Roles
⚡ Paulo Dybala – The Creative Brain
Playing behind the striker, Dybala floats into half-spaces, connects midfield to attack, and delivers set-piece quality.
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Chances Created: 41
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Goals + Assists: 12
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Expected Assists (xA): 6.3
🦍 Romelu Lukaku – The Target Man
On loan but central to Roma’s identity, Lukaku combines hold-up play with brute strength in the box.
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Goals: 14
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Touches in Opposition Box/Game: 7.1
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Aerial Duels Won: 4.6/game
🛡️ Bryan Cristante – The Shield
Cristante sits in front of the defense, breaking up play and offering cover when wing-backs push forward.
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Tackles/Game: 3.1
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Interceptions: 2.6
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Pass Accuracy: 87%
🚀 Leonardo Spinazzola – The Wing Threat
Spinazzola is vital for width and overlaps. His stamina allows him to act as both winger and auxiliary fullback.
🧩 Midfield Balance & Compactness
Mourinho emphasizes midfield compression, with players like Paredes and Cristante tasked with screening, pressing, and cutting passing lanes.
Unlike possession-dominant teams, Roma’s midfield is more reactive than proactive, excelling in:
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Breaking up transitions
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Forcing turnovers
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Initiating counters through one-touch releases
This keeps Roma compact and difficult to break down, especially in high-pressure league matches.
📈 2024/25 League Performance Overview
| Stat Category | Value |
|---|---|
| League Position | 5th (Matchweek 26) |
| Points | 47 |
| Goals Scored | 39 |
| Goals Conceded | 28 |
| Clean Sheets | 10 |
Roma has consistently challenged for top-four finishes under Mourinho and is again in contention for Champions League qualification.
🔥 Set-Piece Superiority
Under Mourinho, Roma has become one of the most dangerous teams in the league from dead-ball situations.
Set-Piece Breakdown:
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Goals from Corners: 8
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Goals from Free-Kicks: 4
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Dybala’s Key Role: 8 assists from set plays
This has made Roma especially dangerous against compact teams who don’t allow space in open play.
🧠 Is Mourinho Evolving or Sticking to His Roots?
While many managers have embraced pressing and positional play, Mourinho remains faithful to structure, shape, and scenario-based tactics.
Yet, in 2025, there are signs of evolution:
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More fluidity in transitions
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Willingness to trust creative players like Dybala and Aouar
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Better game management in second halves
Still, his philosophy is grounded in defensive control, emotional discipline, and tactical adaptability—a blend that’s proving effective in a highly competitive league.
🎙️ Expert Opinions
“Mourinho hasn’t changed—he’s refined. Roma plays his game, and it works.”
— Gianluca Di Marzio
“They don’t need the ball to win. That’s peak Mourinho, even in 2025.”
— Paolo Bandini
“Jose’s Roma is a reflection of his maturity—disciplined, efficient, and still dangerous.”
— Fabrizio Romano
🔮 What Lies Ahead for Mourinho & Roma?
If Roma secure Champions League football, the project may evolve into something bigger. Rumors suggest Mourinho wants one final push for a league title, and with the right reinforcements, 2025/26 could be the year.
However, much depends on:
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Keeping Dybala fit
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Retaining Lukaku (or replacing him effectively)
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Depth in midfield
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Stability off the pitch, including contract clarity for Mourinho himself
📣 Support Roma’s Tactical Renaissance. Support the League.
Love or hate his methods, Jose Mourinho continues to make Serie A more compelling. His Roma side blends old-school grit with just enough modern adaptation to remain dangerous.
Whether you’re a tactician, a Roma loyalist, or simply a football purist—support the system, support the identity, support the league.
