With the offseason in full force, many clubs are preparing to bid farewell to players whose contracts expire at the end of June.
Daniele De Rossi and Roma are no exception, with veteran Leonardo Spinazzola set to depart later this month, ending his five year-stint with the club. While he’s played a significant role for the Giallorossi in recent seasons, how much of an impact will his exit make?
Like some of the casinos not on Gamban, clubs constantly wager whether they’re willing to let certain players walk once their deals expire. But let’s dissect the implications of his departure and why the Giallorossi appear comfortable parting ways.
Leonardo Spinazzola: A Dynamic Wingback
Leonardo Spinazzola joined AS Roma in 2019 from Juventus, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic wingbacks in Serie A. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and ability to deliver precise crosses, Spinazzola became a fan favorite.
His performance in the 2020-2021 season was particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in Roma’s impressive run to the UEFA Europa League semifinals.
When at his best, Spinazzola’s prowess provided Roma with an additional dimension, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Although never a defensive stalwart, Spinazzola usually did enough to bother opposing attackers and wasn’t a glaring hole at the back.
However, the defining moment of his tenure came during the summer of 2021 during the EURO 2020 competition. The Italian dazzled for Gli Azzurri, but his tournament was cut short when he suffered a devastating Achilles injury in the quarterfinals against Belgium.
Post-Injury Struggles
While Spinazzola was voted to the Team of the Tournament, he never managed to return to the same explosive level that caught the attention of so many.
To complicate matters, he was among the Giallorossi’s highest wage earners and it’s unlikely any European side comes close to matching his salary—forcing him to accept a pay decrease if he wants to remain in a top league.
Though, a return to the Italian capital seems very unlikely—cemented by Roma’s recent announcement they’ve agreed a permanent deal for former Manchester City and RB Leipzig left back Angelino.
Conclusion
The exit of Leonardo Spinazzola marks a shift for Roma. The club are clearly seeking a reset at left back and luckily already have an in-house replacement.
As for the 31 year-old, it’ll be interesting to see if he’ll seek another pay-day—perhaps joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia—or if he accepts a pay decrease in order to recapture the magic everyone saw in EURO 2020.
