GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
When news initially broke of Roma making contacts with Leicester over a possible move for Riyad Mahrez, and that the price could be somewhere in the region of just 30 million euros, it seemed like a no-brainer to close the deal. However, as time has progressed, it has become clear that the Foxes are holding out for a much larger sum of money than what was first thought – a fee that would be much too large.
At the right price, Mahrez would have been a fantastic addition for Roma. With Mohamed Salah having departed for the Premier League in June, the club needed a right winger of similar qualities: a left-footed player with pace and skill, able to cut inside and create goals for his team. Mahrez – who was named PFA Player of the Year in Leicester’s title-winning 2015/16 season – is indeed a player of this mould. The Algerian international is a player of the high quality needed to properly replace Salah’s input to the team, not just to get by without him – and that is important for any genuine Roma attempt at winning a trophy this season. With some rumours that Mahrez has agreed a deal in principle with the Giallorossi, the move seemed to be making even more sense. It was reported that Mahrez wants Champions League football, and was willing to take a pay cut in order to push through the transfer. However, Leicester don’t appear to be as keen on letting their star player go so cheaply. Recent reports indicate that 30 million is a long way from Leicester’s valuation of the player, which is closer to 50 million. So, is it really worth spending that much on him? The answer is no. Whilst the other names suggested as targets for Roma in that position so far have not been quite of Mahrez’s level, there is enough capability in this current squad to thrive without actually adding anyone. Two of Roma’s summer signings, Gregoire Defrel and Cengiz Under, are comfortable playing on the right wing. Defrel was believed to have been signed as back up to Edin Dzeko, but having played out wide more often in training, he was selected on the right wing in last night’s International Champions Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur. Having worked under Eusebio Di Francesco at Sassuolo, he already understands the coach’s demands, and will adapt to the same system at Roma with relative ease. The money Roma would save from not signing Mahrez could then be used to buy another striker to compete with Dzeko, now that Defrel would be used as a winger instead – or the club could simply trust Sadiq Umar, who has got on the scoresheet twice in pre-season. Meanwhile, Under appears to be something of a hot prospect. A natural winger, the Turkish international could be a handful for Serie A defences this season, as they are less likely to know about his game. The youngster impressed at Istanbul Basaksehir last season, and looks eager to carry that forward into the upcoming year as well. Coming on as a substitute against Spurs, Under scored on his Roma debut, an accomplishment that will have his name in the minds of fans in the near future, in anticipation of what he can achieve with this team. In his first interview with the club, he declared, “My aim is to earn myself a regular starting berth as quickly as possible.” It is clear then, in Under’s mind at least, that he has the potential become a starter on the right wing for Roma this year. And lest we forget, there is another member of this squad more than capable of making the right wing position his own. Though currently sidelined, Alessandro Florenzi could excel in a more advanced position, which is where he is expected to be used under his new head coach. Florenzi will take time to return to top form after two ligament injuries last season, and being right-footed may have to adapt to Di Francesco's tactic of wingers cutting inside, but he remains the long-term future of this team. He is Roman through and through, a player who gives his all for the club when on the pitch – and it is only right that the club should return that, and put their faith in him when he is not on it. Florenzi, almost certainly a future Roma captain, must not be forgotten, or frozen out of the team before he can return. Roma shouldn't spend 50 million euros on a transfer that could damage one of their most popular player's chances of regaining a spot in the starting eleven. A place must be reserved for him until he is ready to come back at his very best, and that place may well be on the right wing. And until that day, Defrel and Under are more than capable of stepping up to the plate and delivering the goods for the red and yellow of Rome.
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Two days after it was confirmed that Francesco Totti will remain with Roma in an off-the-field role, following a remarkable 25-year career with the club, let's take a look at the ten best goals he ever scored for his one and only team. Do you agree with the list? Leave a comment below to have your say! 10. vs Juventus, 2013 Il Capitano never stopped scoring meaninful goals, even in the twilight of his career. In 2013 he sealed victory for Roma over Juventus with a long-range thunderbolt. He struck the ball perfectly with his first touch, and it shot like a bullet into the top corner, over a helpless Gigi Buffon. 9. vs Lazio, 2015 Yes, that goal. A derby strike that would circulate Totti's name around the football globe once again. With Roma trailing to their rivals 2-1, Totti latched onto a deep cross from Jose Holebas, throwing himself acrobatically at the ball. He volleyed it back across the keeper to become the all-time leading scorer in Rome derbies, and immortalised the moment with a rather famous selfie... 8. vs Torino, 2002 Torino proved to be a popular opponent for Francesco - who could forget his brace from the bench against them to turn the match around in 2016? Earlier in his career he scored another standout goal against the Granata, beating the goalkeeper and defender as he kept the ball close to his feet, setting himself up for an easy finish. 7. vs Sampdoria, 2004 Another example of Totti's extraordinary dribbling ability, with this goal he took the ball from near the halfway line all the way to the goal, with the defence left dumbfounded as to how to stop him. He had only one thing on his mind as he moved down the pitch. To top it all off, he chose a cheeky chipped finish across goal that, as many of his goals did, left the opposing keeper stranded. 6. vs Genoa, 2016 Totti was in fantastic form in 2016 and won the team many important results. With the Giallorossi drawing with Genoa, he took responsibility for the team's chances of victory, and delivered. Rolled the ball by Daniele De Rossi from a late free kick, Totti thundered the ball into the back of the net to secure the three points for Roma. 5. vs AC Milan, 1996 A goal from before Totti became Roma's number 10, and one that proved he had the skill to don that famous number in the future. With the Rossoneri goalkeeper stranded outside of his box, the young Totti, who had seized possession from him in the first place, pulled off a sublime finish to capitalise on the opportunity. Using the outside of his right foot, he curled the ball into the far bottom corner of the empty net, showing great technique and control of the ball. 4. vs Lazio, 2002 Il Capitano loved a derby goal, and they didn't come any better than this one. With exquisite technique, he chipped the ball over the Lazio keeper - who wasn't even that far off his line - from outside the box. He proceeded to perform another infamous celebration, revealing the '6 Unica' t-shirt dedicated to Roma's fans, in one of the greatest derby results of recent memory. 3. vs Udinese, 2000 Only a handful of players are able to execute world class finishes with their weaker foot; Francesco Totti was certainly in that group. Watching the ball all the way as it came towards him in the air, he sent it flying into the roof of the net with a tremendous left-footed volley. His run was timed to perfection so that the ball dropped right into his path, and after the ball had fallen across his body, he let fly and scored one of his most famous goals. 2. vs Inter Milan, 2005 Another famous cucchiaio of Totti's, this one scored at the San Siro. He emerged successful from challenges by Inter defenders, whose teammates further down the pitch were clearly fearful of Totti's ability to keep the ball. Hence, he was able to run into dangerous space, and completed his wonder goal with a beautiful chip over Julio Cesar. His perfectly placed effort went down in Roma history, and will live long in the memory for years to come. 1. vs Sampdoria, 2006 It would take something truly special to beat the Inter strike, and Totti's spectacular volley against Sampdoria in 2006 was definitely that. Like the Udinese volley he had scored a few years prior, it was scored with his 'weaker' left foot (although as we came to establish, Totti was a genuinely two-footed player). He confidently dispatched the ball from a near impossible angle following Marco Cassetti's cross; it flew past the keeper due to the huge amount of power he struck it with. Totti's precise technique was one of the strongest points of his game, evident in many of his goals - this one being a prime example. Leaving even the Sampdoria fans in applause, it was the greatest of the 307 goals he scored for Roma. Yesterday Roma took part in their first pre-season friendly of the summer against amateur side Pinzolo Val Rendena. Emerging as 7-0 victors, a few young players stood out for their performances. For example, Marco Tumminello scored a brace from up front, generating discussion about his potential. But there was one other young player who stood out in particular, alongside Tumminello in the attacking trident: Riccardo Cappa.
While several Roma fans would have already been fairly familiar with Tumminello’s name, Cappa was a less well-known inclusion in the line-up. Despite this, he impressed in his 45-minute outing, adding one goal himself and creating several other chances. Roma fans may be eager to find out more about this young player after his impressive display. Here is what you need to know. Riccardo Cappa was born on the 29th April 1999 in Latina, meaning he is currently 18 years old. He is a left-footed forward and was yesterday deployed on the right wing. As is customary with Eusebio Di Francesco’s wingers, he came inside to get involved with the team’s attacking play, but also appeared comfortable playing directly down the wing towards the byline, making assists for his teammates from such areas. This was seen in Roma’s fifth goal yesterday, when he set up Matteo Ricci from the touchline with the outside of his left foot, an impressive piece of quick thinking and technique. Cappa’s goal – Roma’s third – came from a central area, a position he is also often found in. But it was not just yesterday that people at the club have seen his potential. In 2013/14, Cappa helped Roma’s Giovanissimi Nazionali academy side (Under 15s) win the Scudetto, scoring a couple of goals along the way beyond the regular season. He continued to contribute goals from a centre forward position as he progressed through the age ranks, though often his opportunities came from the bench. He was clinical enough to make the most of whatever time he got on the pitch, ensuring he still made a valuable contribution to the team. An important moment came in February 2015 for Cappa, as he wore the iconic number 10 shirt in an Under 16s derby against Lazio. The responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt for a Roma player is huge, but Cappa rose to the occasion, helping the team to a victory with a goal and an assist. The next season, Cappa went on to impress further. Scoring 20 goals in 29 matches, he was a key player for the Under 17s (Allievi Nazionali). He scored important goals in the Final Eight, as the team reached the semi-finals. His impressive goals-to-game ratio did not go unnoticed and he was keen to continue his upwards trajectory. During an international break in November 2016, Cappa, now with the Primavera, had the opportunity to train alongside some of Roma’s first team, with the rest of his Under 19 teammates. A 75-minute friendly match ensued, with Cappa’s Primavera up against a Roma XI that featured the likes of Radja Nainggolan, Kevin Strootman, Diego Perotti and Federico Fazio. Seemingly unfazed, it was Cappa who scored the Primavera’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat. He was now playing his part alongside some major footballers, as well as progressing at the top youth level. A late addition to the squad list for the Pinzolo training camp, Cappa has certainly made the most of his opportunity so far, drawing praise from head coach Eusebio Di Francesco. After yesterday’s match, Di Francesco said that he “enjoyed” Cappa’s performance, complementing all the youngsters who have made the trip as being “receptive” to his methods. Should Cappa continue to impress, he may have a chance to go with the squad on their pre-season tour of the US. If not, he will be in line for a big Primavera season under coach Alberto De Rossi, as he will look to continue to stand out and carve out more opportunities for himself. He is certainly an exciting prospect, and we may become accustomed to seeing more of Riccardo Cappa in the future. At 18 years old, in the 2015-16 season, Sadiq Umar set himself out as a very talented prospect. Born in Nigeria, the player had impressed at youth level with Spezia, prompting Roma to acquire him on loan. Under Rudi Garcia, the striker became hot property, scoring two goals for the senior team. Since then, his progress has been stinted, but with the 20-year-old training with Roma again, could he make an impact?
Much of Sadiq's initial fortune came due to Edin Dzeko's miserable first season in the capital. With the Bosnian striker misfiring, failing to live up to his expectations, Sadiq was given a chance, as the club's only other out-and-out centre forward. After firing a hat trick for the Primavera against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Youth League, and scoring four in a domestic youth game versus Napoli, he had shown he was worthy of being handed an opportunity. His debut came in November 2015, against Bologna, as he replaced Juan Iturbe late on. Garcia would go on to give him further opportunities, his faith in the youngster repaid with goals against Genoa and Chievo. But the French coach's time was soon up, and the picture changed for Sadiq. Following Garcia's January departure, the Nigerian would make only one more appearance for Roma - and that was as a 90th minute substitute. With Luciano Spalletti seeing Diego Perotti in a false nine role as a more suitable alternative to Dzeko, Sadiq would not get the chance to prove himself again that season. Despite this (he completed just 188 minutes of Serie A action all season), he still attracted the interest of the likes of Arsenal. Roma ensured they made his loan deal permanent. Sadiq went on to impress at the Rio 2016 Olympics that Summer. He scored four goals in six games as his country secured the bronze medal, reminding the football world of his various qualities. His height is an obvious advantage, as is his pace and mobility both on and off the ball. Strength is also a major part of his playing style, making him difficult to defend against. However, it seemed Roma weren't willing to keep him in the first team, and hence, he joined Bologna on a season-long loan deal. With the chance to impress at a decent Serie A standard, Sadiq could have increased his progression greatly. But it wasn't to be. Sadiq made his Bologna debut in October 2016, against his parent club's rivals Lazio. Three weeks later, he would make his fifth appearance - and first start - of the season, this time against Roma. It would also turn out to be his last start of the season. Having missed five games toward the start of the season with a bruised ankle, he would undergo surgery on that area in November 2016, making him miss nine games. Beyond this injury he made just two more appearances. What could have been a breakthrough season was wasted. But now, Sadiq has returned to Roma, injury-free, joining up with the squad for the pre-season training camp in Pinzolo. Having made just seven appearances last season, he will be eager to get more playing time on the pitch. He showed glimpses of talent when he broke out at Roma, but will now need to deliver more consistently if he wants to maintain his place in the squad. Sadiq could be a viable option as back up for Dzeko next season. He is still very young and therefore does not have the pressure of expectation weighing him down. Eusebio Di Francesco is noted for his success with young players, so he may indeed have more opportunities in mind for the Nigerian if he impresses in pre-season. Other young forwards, like Ezequiel Ponce, are being loaned out, reducing the competition that he would face if he were to remain. However, Sadiq himself may still follow suit. Di Francesco has confirmed this week that he wants another signing to be made as back up to Dzeko, and he perhaps intends to use Perotti in a more central role again as well. Thus, Sadiq may not have a future at Roma after all, or would at least be pushed far down the pecking order. But with Champions League football returning to the Olimpico this year, a large squad is needed, and Sadiq might just be a worthwhile option to provide depth in attack for the Giallorossi. His name is one that Eusebio Di Francesco may wish to bear in mind. Over two years ago now, a young Italian forward showed glimpses of talent as he found himself playing for Roma’s first team. Wearing the number 53 shirt, Daniele Verde made a decent impression at the age of 18, making seven appearances under Rudi Garcia. Just what has happened to the Neapolitan winger since his breakout season with the Giallorossi?
Let’s go all the way back to the start. In 2010, he joined Roma’s academy, spending the next four years there honing his talent and becoming a winger (he had been spotted as a full back at Pigna Calcio). The culmination of his journey was a key role in Roma’s 2014-15 UEFA Youth League campaign with the Primavera. Guided by manager Alberto De Rossi, Verde scored in both fixtures against CSKA Moscow in Group E. The team featured the likes of Arturo Calabresi, Elio Capradossi, Antonio Sanabria and Lorenzo Pellegrini, now a first team squad member at Roma. The young Lupi finished second in that group, advancing to the knockout stages. Verde was not involved again until the semi-finals, where Roma crashed out against a strong Chelsea side that included Dominic Solanke, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen. Verde was impressing enough to be given a chance in the first team, where he would compete against the likes of Juan Iturbe, Adem Ljajic, Victor Ibarbo and Gervinho for a place in the team. None of those players are still at the club; perhaps this makes it understandable why he was given a chance. Regardless, Verde was an exciting prospect, and wanted to prove himself on the pitch. He made his senior Roma debut against Palermo in January 2015, and it wasn’t to be his last opportunity that season; the squad was heavily affected by injuries, pushing Verde higher up the pecking order. On 8th February, he was entrusted with a starting berth against struggling Cagliari. Several of his Primavera teammates were also included in the matchday squad for the trip to Sardinia. Roma won that game 2-1, and it was young Verde who set up both goals, as Adem Ljajic and Leandro Paredes scored. Verde was beginning to make an impression. He went on to make a total of 10 appearances in all competitions for Roma that season, his only other start coming against Feyenoord in the Europa League. 22 times he was included in the matchday squad but did not play. Throughout the season he was selected to represent Italy for UEFA U19 European Championship qualification, scoring one goal in six appearances as his country failed to progress beyond the Elite Round. In the summer of 2015, Roma added Mohamed Salah and Iago Falque to their squad, creating extra competition for Verde. Subsequently, the youngster was loaned out in order to gain further experience. The chosen destination was Frosinone, who had just been promoted to Serie A for the first time in their history. However, he struggled to make an impact at his new club, making just six Serie A appearances and failing to score or assist any goals. In January, he stepped down to Serie B to finish the season on loan at Pescara. He helped the team win promotion via the play offs, as the team returned to Serie A for the first time in four years. In 10 appearances in all competitions, he contributed three goals and one assist. Also progressing nationally, he made his debut for Italy’s U21s in September 2015, replacing current Fiorentina star Federico Bernardeschi in the match against Slovenia. He was in very good company – the line up also featured Andrea Conti, Daniele Rugani and Marco Benassi. The winger, no longer a teenager, would spend the next season in Serie B as well, as Avellino took him on loan. In the 2016/17 season, Verde scored eight goals in 32 league games, also making five assists, as Avellino finished 17th out of 22 teams (they would have finished in 14th had they not been deducted three points for their involvement in match-fixing in 2014). Consistency had been added to Verde’s game and he had begun to show that he can create and score goals for his team. Verde proved to be quite popular among Roma supporters and some may have been disappointed not to have seen his name on the squad list for the pre-season training camp in Pinzolo which will take place from tomorrow. Two other youngsters who had spent 2016-17 away on loan have been included on the list, after all: Matteo Ricci and Sadiq Umar. Several Primavera players have also been included and will take great value from the experience of training with the club’s head coach. But, what is going to happen to Verde? That question may have been answered overnight. The expectation is that he will join Hellas Verona on loan with an option to purchase. Roma will then have a counter option, should Verona exercise that clause, to bring him back to the capital (very similar to the deal between Roma and Sassuolo for Federico Ricci last season, which has resulted in the Neroverdi purchasing the winger outright). Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Verde is to extend his contract with Roma until 2020 today, before the loan move is formalised. With Verona returning to Serie A for the new season, it will be an opportunity for Verde to test himself against the best once again. Hopefully, the loan spell is beneficial to him, and he can be of use to Roma in the future again. Let’s not forget, he performs better in a 4-3-3 formation, the exact preferred system of Eusebio Di Francesco. Still only 21, he should have a long career ahead of him. In the future, Verde may just have a chance to carve out an opening for himself in the Eternal City. |
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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