GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Saturday sees Roma take on Lazio in the hotly anticipated second Derby Della Capitale of the season. It's a game like no other, where time stands still and full commitment is needed from all players. It's a game where a hero can emerge, sometimes out of nowhere, and be the man to lift his side to victory against their bitter rivals. Over the years, it hasn't taken long for some players to make their mark on the Derby. And what better way is there to endear yourself to your new fans by scoring the first time you face their enemies? Here are 10 players who did just that by scoring in their first Rome Derby appearance. Rodolfo Volk (1929) The legendary striker - one of only six players to have scored more than 100 goals for the club - wrote his name in eternal folklore by scoring the winning goal in the first match ever played between Roma and Lazio. The game, which took place at Lazio's Stadio Rondinella, ended as a 1-0 win to Roma, thanks to Volk's 78th-minute strike. The first ever Derby had been won by the red-and-yellow side of the city. Fulvio Bernardini (1930) One man who wasn't involved that historic day was Fulvio Bernardini - although the iconic midfielder returned in time for the reverse fixture, in which he scored the Lupi's first goal. Roma's first ever home Derby, contested at Campo Testaccio, also ended in victory, this time by a 3-1 scoreline. Piero Pastore had put Lazio ahead, but Bernardini levelled things up to ensure Roma did the double over their opponents at the start of a historic rivalry. Arne Selmosson (1958) Swedish striker Selmosson was one of the few players brave enough to directly cross the city divide, joining Roma from Lazio in 1958. He quickly got his new fans on side though, by scoring less than 10 minutes into the first Derby of the season in November. At the time, he was the only player in history to have scored for either side in the Derby - an achievement which went unmatched until Aleksandar Kolarov's goal for Roma against the Biancocelesti earlier this season. Pedro Manfredini (1959) Pedro Manfredini was a goal machine right from the beginning of his time with Roma. The Argentinian came to the club in 1959 and hit the ground running. When Roma hosted Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in October that year, Manfredini opened the scoring just two minutes in - before adding a second 40 minutes later. He even went one better the next season, becoming one of just five players to ever score a hat-trick in the Derby in a 4-0 win. Vincenzo Montella (1999) The Italian forward always stepped up for the Derby - only three players have scored more in the fixture over the years than him - and it was no different in his first. After joining the club from Sampdoria in 1999, Montella scored a brace as Roma thumped Lazio 4-1 at the Olimpico. It was the first of eight Derby goals for L'Aeroplanino - four of which, of course, came in one match, in March 2002. Mancini (2003) Roma left it late to beat Lazio in the first Derby of the 2003-04 season, but they did so in some style. Summer signing Amantino Mancini opened the scoring, and it was no ordinary finish. He found the net with an exquisite backheel as he latched onto Francesco Totti's free kick. It remains one of the best goals ever scored in the Derby, and set the Giallorossi on their way to a sweet victory. Julio Baptista (2008) Once again, the bragging rights went to Roma in the season's first Derby in 2008-09, and another new arrival was the difference. 50 minutes in, Julio Baptista rose to send the ball into the bottom corner with a deft header back across goal. The stadium erupted as the deadlock was broken, and Roma held on to clinch all three points. Edin Dzeko (2015) Edin Dzeko's first season at Roma was a shadow of what he would go on to achieve with the club, as he struggled for form in front of goal. However, he did put the right foundations in place to become the Roma legend that he later would, by scoring in both Rome Derbies that season. His first goal was in the 2-0 win in the 'home' fixture, coming from the penalty spot 10 minutes in, before Gervinho wrapped up the victory. Stephan El Shaarawy (2016) In the reverse fixture the next April, Roma ran riot, outclassing their rivals in a 4-1 win. Stephan El Shaarawy had begun his life in Rome on fire, having sealed a January move to the capital. He continued his fine goalscoring run by giving his side the lead in the 15th minute, before Dzeko, Alessandro Florenzi and Diego Perotti (also playing in his first Derby) went on to round out the impressive triumph. Lorenzo Pellegrini (2018) After returning to his boyhood club in the summer of 2017, Lorenzo Pellegrini would have been looking forward to featuring in a Rome Derby. Unfortunately, he was an unused substitute in both clashes with Lazio that season. However, he finally got his chance in the seventh matchday of the present campaign, and he certainly took it. On the stroke of half-time, the midfielder opened the scoring in Roma's favour with a cheeky backheel after finding a space beyond the goalkeeper. What a way to make your mark on the Derby Della Capitale. Who's next? Nicolo Zaniolo didn't take part in that Derby, but has now established himself as a key part of the team. He's quickly proving himself as a sharp shooter, so will he be able to bag his first Derby Della Capitale goal at the weekend? Or - as has often been the case in these games - will an unlikely hero emerge from elsewhere? Could Justin Kluivert rise from the shadows to put Lazio to the sword? Or perhaps a more defensive player, like Rick Karsdorp - if he is fit enough - might be the one to make a difference? It could be anyone's game, but looking at this list of players, the squad will need little inspiration as they once again look to take all the points from their greatest rivals.
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On Saturday 23rd February, 2019, Daniele De Rossi wore the Roma captain's armband for the 200th time.
Roma ran out 3-2 winners over Frosinone thanks to a late Edin Dzeko goal. The reverse fixture back in September had been De Rossi's 600th game for the club, and once again, a match against Frosinone was a significant occasion for the Rome-born defensive midfielder. It marked another impressive milestone for the club legend, who stands second in the Giallorossi's all-time appearance charts. De Rossi has dedicated his entire career to Roma, and for most of that time, he has been a crucial part of the team's leadership hierarchy. De Rossi's performance against Frosinone was far from his best. However, he did play a pivotal role in the winning goal, sending a superb long ball over the top with his weaker left foot, which went right into Stephan El Shaarawy's path. The winger crossed for Dzeko, who bundled it home. Even when he has been off the pace, De Rossi can still find a way to inspire his team to much-needed victory. He is a born winner and refuses to give up. That's what has made him such a great leader over the years. De Rossi's achievement of wearing the armband 200 times is even more remarkable considering he has only technically been the official club captain for one-and-a-half seasons now. The presence of Francesco Totti in the team meant that, despite De Rossi's strong leadership characteristics, he was always, naturally, second in command. Given the nickname of 'Capitan Futuro' long before he assumed the role of captain, De Rossi was always the go-to man when Totti was absent - particularly in the later years of the King of Rome's career. Few players in football history have served so honourably as a vice-captain for such a long period of time. The n0ble De Rossi understood his position. He complimented Totti's leadership style and helped the team to have a big voice in all areas of the pitch. De Rossi first wore the captain's armband in March 2006, at the age of 22. It was the second leg of Roma's UEFA Cup Round of 16 tie with Middlesbrough. Luciano Spalletti's side had lost the first leg 1-0, and went behind in the second leg as well. Mancini scored a brace to give Roma the win on the night, but they were eliminated on away goals. Nevertheless, that day will still go down in Roma history, as the first time one of the club's all-time greats led the side out. A little over two years later, De Rossi got to captain the side in a cup final, as the Lupi beat Inter to win the Coppa Italia for the second year in a row. Unlike the previous season, Totti was not involved in the match, so it was De Rossi who got to act as the club's symbol at the Stadio Olimpico, leading the side to a 2-1 triumph. Unfortunately, to this day, it remains the last trophy that De Rossi and Roma won. A great leader deserves to have won more honours after all the commitment he has given and quality he has shown, but that doesn't lower him in the estimations of his supporters. He remains a club idol. As the years went by, De Rossi continued to ensure that Roma were not without leadership in the absence of Totti. Having such a loyal pair together for so long is something that every Roma fan should be proud of being able to witness. One day, the time would come for the latter to move on from his playing days. It was a bittersweet time for De Rossi, who finally got to shed the 'Futuro' part of his nickname, but would no longer be playing with his long-time teammate and friend. De Rossi is a model professional though, and he inherited the armband with class. His first competitive game in his new official role was the 1-0 win over Atalanta at the start of the 2017-18 season. His performances that year varied in quality, but in the second half of the season, he really started to step up and use his leadership to take Roma into uncharted territory. He was a crucial part of the side's run to the Champions League semi-finals. On the miraculous night of the 3-0 win over Barcelona in the second leg of the quarter-finals, De Rossi was immense. He set up the opening goal for Edin Dzeko with a trademark aerial pass, before holding his nerve to score the second from the penalty spot in front of the Curva Sud. True leaders step up when the pressure is at its highest, and De Rossi has always known how to do that. This season, he has continued to flourish as captain, more than a decade on from when he first wore the armband. Now with over 600 Roma appearances to his name, he has cemented himself as a club legend, and one of the Giallorossi's best ever captains. In the game prior to the Frosinone win, against Bologna, De Rossi had come on as a substitute. Captain for the day, Alessandro Florenzi, threw the armband in his direction, but DDR sent it straight back with a look of disgust. De Rossi doesn't need an armband to lead. After all those years as a vice captain, it should have been obvious. De Rossi isn't arrogant enough to demand the armband. He's still a humble servant who puts side before self. And that only adds to the respect that he commands. But nonetheless, it still looks a whole lot better when the armband is on De Rossi. Even now, the team tend to function much better with him in the starting lineup. He remains the beating heartbeat of the team, even if he has the odd off-day. He continues to fight for every lost cause, to inspire his teammates to work harder, and to step up and take responsibility when his team need him most. He guides his hometown club with passion, grit and determination. In many ways, De Rossi is the epitome of what it means to be a captain. Edin Dzeko has a great chance of finally scoring his first home Serie A goal of the season tonight, as Roma play host to relegation-threatened Bologna.
The Bosnian attacker has not enjoyed as prolific a season as his previous two, and has scored just five league goals so far - all coming away from Stadio Olimpico. However, with Patrik Schick ruled out of the squad, Dzeko is certain to start the matchup against a side who have conceded 35 goals all season. Justin Kluivert may start alongside him, with the young Dutch winger set for a first start since the win over Torino one month ago. Diego Perotti and Stephan El Shaarawy have both been passed fit, but it is likely to be Nicolo Zaniolo joining Dzeko and Kluivert in the attacking trident as a right winger. Robin Olsen is expected to return in goal despite Antonio Mirante's competent displays recently, while Steven Nzonzi could come back into the midfield after coming on as a substitute in the midweek Champions League win over Porto. Former Roma striker Mattia Destro is absent for the visitors, but Lukasz Skorupski will feature in goal. Bologna will be managed by a former Roma player in Sinisa Mihajlovic, who recently replaced Pippo Inzaghi in the role and inspired a 1-0 win over Inter. Roma have a major motive to get three points today. In the reverse fixture, Bologna condemned the Giallorossi to a 2-0 defeat - one of just three times the Rossoblu have won in Serie A this season - so it is important for Eusebio Di Francesco's men to put that right. If Roma do get the win, they will find themselves just one point behind Milan, who currently occupy fourth place. The game kicks off at 7:30pm UK time and will be shown live on Premier Sports. Roma are set to name more Italians than foreigners in a starting lineup for the first time this season when they take on Porto in the Champions League Round of 16 tonight.
The Giallorossi’s midfield is expected to comprise of Daniele De Rossi, Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini, with Nicolo Zaniolo and Stephan El Shaarawy likely to occupy the wings. Further back, Robin Olsen faces a late fitness test, meaning Antonio Mirante has a chance of keeping his place in goal, while at right-back, a muscle injury to Rick Karsdorp means either Alessandro Florenzi or Davide Santon will come in. Roma reached the knockout stages of the UCL after finishing second in Group G, behind holders Real Madrid. They will be hoping to emulate their achievements in the competition from last season, when they defied all expectations to come within touching distance of a first European final since 1991. It was a major improvement on the previous season’s showing in the Champions League, when they were dumped out in the play-off round by none other than tonight’s opponents, Porto. There have been several personnel changes since then, with only Juan Jesus, Diego Perotti, Edin Dzeko, Kostas Manolas and De Rossi remaining from the starting lineup that lost 3-0 in the second leg. Manolas could return to the lineup for tonight’s clash, after a brief injury lay-off. The other good news for the Giallorossi’s defence is that Porto will be without key strikers Vincent Aboubakar and Moussa Marega , while winger Jesus Corona - who scored the final goal in the last meeting between the two sides - is suspended. Nonetheless, it should be a competitive affair. Roma have never beaten Porto in four previous meetings, and the Portuguese side were on fire in the group stages, only dropping two points. Domestically, they are top of the Primeira Liga, although they have drawn their two most recent matches. Roma’s goalscoring prowess gives them cause for optimism though - the Lupi have reached the last eight of the competition whenever they have scored over 12 goals. Having already netted 11 in Europe this season, Roma will be hoping that the tradition isn’t broken this year. The game gets underway at 8pm UK time and will be shown live on BT Sport 3. Antonio Mirante will be handed a rare start in goal for Roma against Chievo on Friday evening with regular keeper Robin Olsen ruled out with injury.
Mirante, a summer signing from Bologna, will be selected instead of Daniel Fuzato due to his superior experience. The veteran Italian has only come back from an injury recently, but will occupy the goals in the clash which puts Roma up against the bottom side in the league. Chievo are nine points from safety having only won one game all season, although they did take points from Roma in their meeting at Stadio Olimpico earlier in the season, which ended as a 2-2 draw. Eusebio Di Francesco will see this game as a chance to correct the mistakes from the reverse fixture and also build on the draw with Milan last weekend. Also missing from the game will be Kostas Manolas, who has picked up a slight knock. Ivan Marcano is likely to come into the side to replace him at centre-half. Meanwhile, Lorenzo Pellegrini is ruled out with suspension, but Steven Nzonzi and Bryan Cristante return from their one-match bans. Di Francesco confirmed at his press conference that Nicolo Zaniolo will start in midfield again, but insisted the youngster has even more scope for improvement despite his impressive displays recently. The coach said: "Zaniolo will start tomorrow as well. He's looking fresh, mentally and physically. He still needs to improve - there are times when he could be even more decisive - but he's still very young." The game kicks off at 7:30pm UK time and will be shown live on Premier Sports 1.
A goal from Nicolo Zaniolo early in the second half helped Roma to a point against AC Milan on Sunday, making it five league games unbeaten for the Giallorossi.
With Eusebio Di Francesco switching back to a 4-3-3, Roma found themselves on the front foot again after the disappointment of the Coppa Italia loss to Sampdoria, and the decision nearly paid full dividends as the Lupi went close to snatching all three points. Here's how Giallorossi Yorkshire rated the players out of 10. Robin Olsen - 6 The goalkeeper could have done better for Milan's goal, although it wasn't entirely his fault. Olsen didn't look comfortable with the ball at his feet, but again, he can't take all the blame for this. If it's clear that he doesn't want the ball, then why are the defenders giving it to him? Overall, Olsen was definitely the worse of the two keepers in action, but did pull off a couple of decent saves. Rick Karsdorp - 8 Has he really been injured that long? Karsdorp has slotted into the team seamlessly since his long-awaited recovery. Patience is paying off, and the Dutchman was a force to be reckoned with until his substitution, teaming up well with Patrik Schick on the right-hand side and putting in some very good deliveries. His resurgence is shaping up to be one of the stories of the season.
Kostas Manolas - 6.5
Manolas was coming up against one of the most in-form strikers in world football in Krzysztof Piatek, and to some extent kept him quiet, but the Pole was allowed a few chances. Manolas has put in stronger performances before and needs to rediscover the dominance that makes him such a key component of the backline. His yellow card in the first half was foolish and meant he was walking a tightrope for the remainder of the match. Federico Fazio - 6 Primarily at fault for Milan's goal, Fazio allowed Piatek to drift in front of him and get a shot away. Such lapses in concentration can prove costly and Piatek duly punished Fazio's error. The centre-back has dropped off from his high levels of performances from the previous two seasons, but on the plus side, he was occasionally good in possession of the ball. His through ball for Karsdorp in the build up to Roma's goal was delightful. Aleksandar Kolarov - 6 It's been a difficult week for Kolarov. Despite scoring in the Coppa defeat, the Serbian was torn to shreds by Federico Chiesa in midweek, leading to vandalism from ultras near his house. Whistled at times during the game, Kolarov had to get in the right mindset, and he was still some way short of his best. Daniele De Rossi - 9 Simply magnificent. De Rossi came back into the side and dominated the midfield. Effective both in and out of possession, the captain gave Roma a fluidity that hasn't been seen in his absence. There were some doubts over whether he would be able to last 90 minutes, but he didn't just see the whole game out - he excelled right until the final whistle. Roma's clear man of the match. Nicolo Zaniolo - 7.5 It was a tale of two halves for Zaniolo. In the first period he was heavily involved, seeing a powerful shot expertly saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. He's sometimes over-eager when defending, but at least he's putting effort in to help the team. The intelligence he showed to get into a goalscoring position for the equaliser was superb, although he did fall out of the picture a bit after that. It's understandable though - the young man has played a lot of football recently and probably ran out of steam.
Lorenzo Pellegrini - 5
Another player who was heavily involved in the midfield was Pellegrini, although more for the wrong reasons. Playing in a slightly deeper role, he wasn't as effective as he has been recently. Perhaps lucky not to be sent off, the Italian made a few poorly timed challenges and lacked a bit of quality. His looping header that hit the post would have been a lovely antidote though. Patrik Schick - 8.5 A really satisfying run out from Schick, who went about his business on the right wing with no complaints. Diving into tackles and racing into better positions, this was one of his most hard-working displays. He went close to scoring in the first half, as Donnarumma saved his header after he had drifted inside. This level of performance would have made Schick man of the match nine times out of 10, but De Rossi was just that good, that Schick misses out on the accolade. Edin Dzeko - 6 Given a place in the starting lineup despite his midweek red card, Dzeko didn't get involved as heavily as usual. He had a couple of chances in the first half, one where he cut inside and another where he was thwarted by Donnarumma on the rebound from Schick's header. Dzeko needs goals at this stage to rebuild his confidence. Alessandro Florenzi - 7 Given a rare opportunity to play as a winger, Florenzi tried his best coming in from the left, but the quality wasn't always there. One of his shots in the first half was straight at Donnarumma. He wasn't great, but perhaps was unlucky to be substituted. Di Francesco should have considered removing Pellegrini and putting Florenzi into central midfield instead. Subs: Stephan El Shaarawy - Didn't get too many opportunities, but helped change the dynamics of the game by adding more pace on the wing. Couldn't get a goal against his former employers. Justin Kluivert - Will have been disappointed not to start given the lack of options on the wings, but didn't do his credentials too many favours in his quiet, brief cameo. Davide Santon - Brought on in a strange like-for-like switch with Karsdorp, Santon didn't get long on the pitch and will be hoping for more opportunities in upcoming matches. Coach: Eusebio Di Francesco - 6
The decision to revert to a 4-3-3 paid off, but Di Francesco's substitutions weren't the smartest. Schick was one of Roma's most dangerous players yet was withdrawn with 10 minutes to go. Karsdorp and Florenzi also had arguments for staying on longer. Had those three stayed on, Roma could arguably have grabbed a winner. However, he shouldn't be criticised for everything. Di Francesco got the balance right in freshening things up and keeping some form of stability in his selections, and must have instilled a positive message to his players given the reaction they showed.
How did you rate the players and coach? Leave a comment with your views below!
Roma came from behind to clinch a 1-1 draw with AC Milan on Sunday night, in the side's first game since their 7-1 drubbing at Fiorentina.
Understandably, there were a few whistles and protests from the fans, but across the 90 minutes, Roma put in a good enough performance to earn a point - possibly more - and showed a positive reaction. It wasn't Roma's best performance in recent memory, but it was a solid outing with only a few individual errors. The draw is surely enough to keep Eusebio Di Francesco in his job for a little longer. EDF reverts to 4-3-3 After a few weeks using a 4-2-3-1, with varying degrees of success, Di Francesco went back to his usual 4-3-3 formation, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolo Zaniolo playing either side of Daniele De Rossi in an all-Italian midfield. For the most part, this helped Roma to cover ground effectively and combat Milan's physicality in the middle of the park. If Di Francesco continues with the 4-3-3 once Steven Nzonzi and Bryan Cristante return from suspension remains to be seen, but the switch showed a reaction to adversity and offers the Giallorossi another important option. De Rossi rolls back the years Seriously, how good was De Rossi? At 35 years of age, making his first start for more than three months after an injury, the captain came straight back into the side and was the calming influence that Roma have desperately needed. Without him, Roma become disjointed and frantic, so his presence on the pitch was a welcome relief. He won all of his duels and gave Roma momentum by playing more long balls forward than anyone else on the pitch. In total, De Rossi covered an unbelievable 12.1km over the 90 minutes. He's been sorely missed over the last few months, but last night, De Rossi proved that age is just a number.
Schick's best performance for Roma?
When the team sheet was announced and Patrik Schick and Edin Dzeko were both named in the starting lineup, it led to debate about their roles. Ultimately, Schick was shifted out to the right wing, with Dzeko starting centrally. Some attribute the lack of confidence in Schick's previous displays to his deployment on the right wing, an unfamiliar position before his arrival at Roma. However, against Milan he made the role his own. He hustled throughout, creating chances and tracking back to help out right-back Rick Karsdorp (who impressed again himself). Why he was replaced by Di Francesco is a serious question - Schick was a positive influence throughout and deserved the chance to stay on for the rest of the match. If it wasn't his best performance yet for Roma, it was certainly the best he's ever done out on the wing. Donnarumma's excellence shows Roma are creating chances While De Rossi and Schick impressed for Roma, there was one clear candidate for Milan's man of the match. Gianluigi Donnarumma answered his critics by producing an amazing display in the Rossoneri goal. The 19-year-old pulled off a number of saves that weren't just great, but world class. His double stop on Dzeko and Schick in the first half was a standout moment. On another day, Roma would have had plenty more goals, but Donnarumma gave one of his best performances of the season to keep the Giallorossi at bay. Nonetheless, having 17 shots and creating 1.79 expected goals proves that Roma are still creating chances and finding ways to penetrate defences. Every player needs to celebrate like Zaniolo Zaniolo showed hunger, desire and primal striking instinct to give Roma the equaliser early in the second half. The timing of his movement in the box was perfect, arriving late at the back post so he could fire home. And even though it was an empty net by the time he got there, he wasn't taking any chances - fully pummelling the ball into the net. His ferocious strike from yards out was a release of nervous energy among the team and his consequent celebration shows just how much scoring means to him. He stood under the Curva Sud, pumping his fists in the air. He may not be a Romanista, but you'd be forgiven for thinking so if you didn't know any better. The passion he embodies in every performance and celebration is a textbook example of how all players should show their commitment to Roma. Roma have the chance to leapfrog AC Milan and reclaim fourth spot when they face the Rossoneri on Sunday evening.
The race for Champions League qualification is hotting up, with Roma and Milan just two of arguably five sides who have a chance of joining Juventus, Napoli and Inter in the top four. Milan occupy the final Champions League spot at present, but that could change tomorrow. However, it is Milan who will go into the game more confident, with the two sides having contrasting fortunes in their midweek Coppa Italia matches. Whilst Roma were humiliated by Fiorentina, Milan knocked out Napoli after a brace from Krzysztof Piatek on the Pole's first start for the club. Piatek also scored in his only appearance against Roma yet, when the Giallorossi beat Genoa in December, and no doubt he will be a danger man again. Milan also brought in Lucas Paqueta in the January window, and the Brazilian has hit the ground running, starting all five games since he joined. Roma have limited options to combat him in midfield, with Steven Nzonzi and Bryan Cristante both ruled out through suspension. Daniele De Rossi is in the squad again, and despite only recently returning from injury, he may have to start alongside Lorenzo Pellegrini in one of the deeper midfield roles. Wingers Diego Perotti and Cengiz Under are also absent from the squad, although Primavera players Alessio Riccardi and Gianmarco Cangiano have been called up - the latter coming off the back of a hat-trick in the U19 game against Milan today. The reverse fixture at San Siro ended as a 2-1 win for Milan thanks to Patrick Cutrone's late winner. The last time the sides met at Stadio Olimpico also saw Milan win, with goals from Cutrone and Davide Calabria. Roma will be looking to put that record right as they look to turn their form around in their bid to finish above Milan for the sixth season in a row. Some reports have indicated that a Roma loss could signal the end of Eusebio Di Francesco's time as head coach, but other sources suggest he will be given until the end of the season regardless. Either way, it's an important opportunity to bounce back and answer his critics. Can the Giallorossi disrupt the momentum that Milan are slowly building? Roma fans in the UK can watch the game on TV via Premier Sports 1 from 7:25pm. Roma Women have the opportunity to extend their longest winning run to five games when they take on league leaders Juventus on Sunday afternoon.
Betty Bavagnoli's side are going from strength to strength at the minute, and haven't tasted defeat since 1st December. They now have a six-point cushion in fourth place, and can really start to look up in the table as they aim for as high a finish to their debut season as possible. If they are to make it five wins in a row for the first time ever on Sunday, they will need to overcome the side who handed them their biggest defeat yet in the reverse fixture. When the two sides met at Stadio Tre Fontane in October, defending champions Juventus ran out as 4-0 winners, thanks to a hat-trick from former England striker Eni Aluko. Roma have come a long way since then, only suffering one defeat since. Most recently, they beat Roma CF in the first leg of their Coppa Italia quarter-final 6-3, giving them a major advantage in their bid to end their first campaign with a trophy. Roma will have to negotiate tomorrow's fixture without midfielder Claudia Ciccotti, who has sprained the MCL in her right knee. As a result, Manuela Coluccini may retain her place in the side, having scored in the Coppa in midweek. She is likely to be joined by Vanessa Bernauer, who sat out the win over Roma CF, and Giada Greggi, who has been in tremendous form recently. Greggi scored two goals from the bench in the 6-3 win, a reward for her impressive displays in January. Juventus are on a 10-match winning streak, so it won't be easy. However, Roma showed in midweek that they can respond well to going behind, and their positive mentality gives them a good chance of securing a better result than they managed in the reverse fixture. |
samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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