In a dramatic turn of events, AS Roma has officially parted ways with Ivan Juric, making him the second manager to be dismissed this season. The Croatian coach's fate was sealed after a disappointing 3-2 defeat at home to Bologna, the fourth loss in just five league matches, which has left the team languishing in 12th place in the Serie A standings.

A statement from the club expressed gratitude for Juric's efforts during a turbulent time, noting, “We would like to thank Ivan Juric for his hard work these past weeks. He handled a difficult environment with the utmost professionalism.” However, the statement went on to confirm that the search for a new head coach has already commenced, with an announcement expected imminently.

Speculation is rife regarding Juric's replacement, with former Italy manager Roberto Mancini reportedly in negotiations with the club’s ownership, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport. Mancini's experience could potentially bring stability to a club that has faced managerial upheaval in recent months.

Juric’s appointment in September marked him as Roma's third coach in a turbulent eight-month period. His predecessor, Daniele De Rossi, was sacked earlier in the season after a short-lived tenure following the dismissal of José Mourinho, another high-profile managerial departure that shocked fans.

Starting on a positive note, Juric enjoyed initial success with consecutive victories against Udinese and Venezia, showcasing promise in the league and a solid 1-1 draw with Athletic Club in the Europa League. However, the optimism faded quickly, with only one win in his subsequent six league outings.

One of the critical issues during Juric's tenure was his tactical approach, which leaned heavily on man-to-man marking. This strategy clashed with Roma’s traditional preference for possession-based football, stifling the players' creativity. The 3-4-2-1 formation worked well initially but soon became a liability, as opponents figured out how to exploit Roma's defensive weaknesses, leading to significant errors on both ends during matches, particularly highlighted in the loss to Bologna.

The absence of star striker Paulo Dybala, sidelined with a muscle strain during Juric's final clash, was another setback. Despite creating a multitude of opportunities against a Champions League contender like Bologna, the team fell short. Bologna took the lead with a goal from Santiago Castro just 25 minutes in. Though Stephan El Shaarawy managed to equalize, it was not enough to turn the tide as Bologna swiftly regained control with two more goals, leaving Roma fans in despair.

As it stands, Roma has accumulated only 13 points from their first 12 games of the season, marking their worst start in two decades. The urgency for a change is palpable, as both fans and players alike hope that the next managerial appointment can usher in a new era of success. Keep an eye on this space for further updates as Roma looks to right the ship and turn their season around!