After a rough stretch, things are finally starting to look up again for Roma’s American president. James Pallotta’s joy of reaching the Champions League semifinals last season quickly turned to despair when nine people were arrested in June for alleged corruption involving the club’s long-delayed plans to build a new stadium.

Then, as Roma failed to win more than half of its matches in the first half of this season, Pallotta became the focus of fan ire with banners put up throughout the city telling him to “Get out” and “Go home.” The U.S. ownership was seen as too business-like after selling off the backbone of the squad — goalkeeper Alisson to Liverpool, midfielder Radja Nainggolan to rival Inter Milan, and beloved defensive midfielder Kevin Strootman to Marseille.