AS Roma: Lamela’s move to Spurs sparks Serie A domino effect

Roma have moved for Serbian Adam Ljajic of Fiorentina to replace Lamela (Getty Images)

Ljajic’s versatility will be a huge asset to Rudi Garcia as he sets about stabilising a club who are in the midst of deep transition. The Serb’s ability to play in a variety of withdrawn positions will see him support main striker Francesco Totti, either from the left or in behind the experienced striker, in Garcia’s favoured 4-3-3, or should the French coach turn to a 4-3-1-2, Ljajic will be just as comfortable supporting an attacking duo of Totti and Marco Borriello.

The 21 year old will join an attack that yields a variety of options to Garcia, adding to Gervinho, Rodrigo Taddei, Marquinho, Miralem Pjanic and the two young talents of Gianluca Caprari and Mattia Destro as Roma aim to build an era of stability under their new coach.

There will be concerns over Ljajic’s notable unwillingness to help track back defensively or his potential for explosive indiscipline that saw Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi, Montella’s predecessor, sacked for punching the 21 year old after he was sarcastically clapped for subbing the Serb off in May 2012.

Though there will be an assurance within the Giallorossi, who experienced problems with Erik Lamela’s erratic behaviour in his early days in Rome, that the vast potential and talent of Ljajic will outweigh the player’s indiscretion as he further matures with age.

With Ljajic having finally departed following stalled contract talks, Fiorentina have moved for Croatia’s highly-rated teenager Ante Rebic as a replacement, signing the 19 year old on a five-year deal from RNK Split.