When the question “Who is the most successful Roma manager?” flickers across social media or in football bars, the debate ignites — but it’s not a simple question. Success can be measured by trophies, longevity, influence, or rises, AnxiScore will walk you through Roma’s coaching legends, compare their records, and make the case for who truly deserves that title.
Defining “Success” at Roma
Before naming the “most successful,” we must set criteria. With AS Roma, success may mean:
- Trophies (Serie A titles, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa, European silverware)
- Longevity and consistency — multiple seasons, strong league finishes
- Historical impact and legacy — defining eras, transforming the club’s identity
- Cup runs & European performances — punching above weight in continental play
Roma has never been a perennial giant like Real Madrid or Bayern — club managers often toil under expectation and pressure. Only a rare few have etched their names deeply in Roma lore.
Top Candidates for Roma’s Greatest Manager
Let’s introduce the main contenders — men whose achievements or reputations put them in the conversation.
Nils Liedholm
A Swedish tactician beloved by Giallorossi fans, Liedholm is often cited as the club’s most emblematic manager. In his second spell at Roma (late 1970s to early ’80s), he captured:
- The 1983 Serie A title, only the second in Roma’s history
- Multiple Coppa Italia trophies
- A run to the European Cup final in 1984
He built a team known for balance, solidity, and elegance. He stayed for long stretches, earned fans’ trust, and is frequently called the architect of Roma’s modern identity.
Fabio Capello
Capello already had managerial status when he arrived, but his tenure at Roma left a mark. His triumph in the 2000-01 Serie A ended an 18-year title drought for the club. He also added the Supercoppa Italiana in 2001. Though his stay wasn’t extremely long, that Scudetto remains one of the club’s high points in the modern era.
Luciano Spalletti
Spalletti had two important spells at Roma. Under him, Roma won:
- Coppa Italia (2006–07, 2007–08)
- Supercoppa Italiana (2007)
Beyond trophies, he modernized Roma’s tactical approach, optimized the midfield, and gave rise to stars like De Rossi, Totti, and Pizarro in certain seasons. His teams were known for dynamism and technical flair.
José Mourinho
Mourinho’s time at Roma is shorter than most club legends, but his impact is massive. He led Roma to their first-ever European title — the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022 — ending an 11-year trophy drought. That achievement gives him an edge in terms of silverware in European competition, an area where few Roma managers have succeeded.
Other Notables
- Helenio Herrera: Though his Roma tenure was brief, he won a Coppa Italia (1968–69) and added prestige to his résumé.
- Claudio Ranieri: He has had multiple spells, rescuing Roma in troubled times, though without many trophies in Rome.
- Interim or short-term stints: Many coaches passed through Roma but lacked the time or backing to build legacies.
Comparing Their Records
| Manager | Major Trophies at Roma | European / Cup Highlights | Tenure & Legacy Notes |
| Nils Liedholm | Serie A, multiple Coppa Italia | European Cup Final (1984) | Long spells, built identity, fan icon |
| Fabio Capello | Serie A (2000–01), Supercoppa | — | Brought sparkle back in early 2000s |
| Luciano Spalletti | 2× Coppa Italia, Supercoppa | Decent European runs | Modernized tactics, consistency in spells |
| José Mourinho | Conference League | First European trophy for Roma | Short stint, but high-impact and symbolic |
| Helenio Herrera | Coppa Italia | — | Prestige but limited duration |
If you weigh trophies alone, in the modern era Mourinho’s European success is a standout. But overall influence, tenure, and significance often tip the balance toward Liedholm in the eyes of many Roma faithful.
The Case for the Most Successful Roma Manager
Which manager deserves the crown?
Argument for Nils Liedholm
- He combined longevity and silverware: his second spell delivered a Serie A and two Coppa Italia trophies.
- His style and leadership shaped Roma’s identity in the 1970s and ’80s, leaving an imprint beyond trophies.
- He is often fondly remembered by multiple generations of fans — emotional legacy matters.
Argument for Mourinho
- He delivered the club’s first-ever major European title, a milestone unmatched by others.
- In a shorter time, his name carries weight globally, elevating Roma’s status in Europe.
- Some may argue he lacks sustained league success in Rome, but his trophy with European prestige is hard to ignore.
Balanced view
We might lean toward Liedholm as the “most successful” in a holistic sense — combining trophies, years, legacy, and influence. Yet, Mourinho cannot be dismissed: his European breakthrough gives him a unique standing.
Fan Perspectives & Legacy
For die-hard Roma fans, the “most successful manager” label often goes to the heart over statistics. Many older fans will cite Liedholm’s golden era; newer generations cheer Mourinho’s continental triumph. Debate thrives, and the answer can depend on what “success” means to each person — silverware, romance, or sheer impact.
Final Thoughts
The most successful Roma manager may not have a definitive answer, but when measured across trophies, tenure, and legacy, Nils Liedholm claims the top spot for many historians and supporters. Mourinho’s European breakthrough gives him a powerful case in modern times, though in terms of building the club’s identity and enduring appeal, Liedholm remains unmatched.
If you’re a Roma fan or just love football heritage, AnxiScore invites you to dive deeper: explore year-by-year seasons under Liedholm, Capello, Spalletti, and Mourinho — compare their squads, match stats, and emotional highs. And if you disagree or have a favorite, leave a comment — after all, in football, debate is part of the passion.
