GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
The Paulo Fonseca era began with a 3-3 draw for Roma at home to Genoa in their first game of the new Serie A season.
Roma led three times, with Cengiz Under scoring a wonderful solo strike, Edin Dzeko making it 2-1 with virtually a mirror image of the opener, and Aleksandar Kolarov hitting a free kick that crossed the line by the barest of margins. However, after each goal, Roma were pegged back, with Andrea Pinamonti smashing home, Juan Jesus giving away a needless penalty, which was converted by Domenico Criscito, and Christian Kouame getting in between the defenders to head home the final equaliser. It's the first time Roma have not won their opening league game since 2015, when Alessandro Florenzi levelled things up against Hellas Verona for Rudi Garcia's side. As for current coach Fonseca, it's the first time he hasn't been victorious on matchday one since his Pacos de Ferreira side were beaten by Benfica in 2014. The game still felt like an extension of pre-season, and in reality, raised more questions than it answered. Here are the biggest talking points. Contrast between attack and defence In the first half in particular, Roma were linking up in attack with more fluidity than they have managed in years. Edin Dzeko was key to the process, as the striker acted not only as a focal point, but dropped deep to glue together the play. His goal was well deserved, and an important statement after the faith the club put in him by offering him a long-term contract. Likewise, Cengiz Under - another player to renew recently - featured in several neat combinations with his teammates, while Lorenzo Pellegrini picked out some Totti-esque passes, including one that nearly set up Under for a second goal. However, the mistakes made at the back cannot be ignored. Pinamonti was given far too much space for Genoa's first goal, with the gap between Federico Fazio and Jesus unacceptable. In front of them, Bryan Cristante watched on while marking a midfielder, whereas he could have prioritised the danger and put pressure on the on-loan Inter striker. The second goal, as mentioned above, came from Jesus' poorly judged foul in the box, while the third goal again showed a lack of co-ordination at the back. Fazio and substitute Gianluca Mancini were too preoccupied with Pinamonti at the near post, while Florenzi was stretched too wide at the backpost. As a result, when Paolo Ghiglione played a perfect cross, Kouame was free to head home with ease. Mancini's positioning was particularly bad, as he had no need to push towards where Fazio was. Instead, the summer signing was caught ball-watching, perhaps showing why Fonseca had been reluctant to start him. Movement fades in second half The energy Roma displayed in the opening 45 minutes took the game to their opponents, causing them problems by setting a fast tempo with smart link-up play. After the break, that intensity dropped off somewhat, and even when fresh faces were brought in to change the dynamics of the attack, with Javier Pastore taking the trequartista role, the sparks had gone. The movement from the front four had all but disappeared, with limited numbers pushing to get in the box. That may be a sign that Roma's fitness still needs to improve, having only just finished their pre-season workouts. It may also be a suggestion that more depth is needed in attack. Midfield headache for Fonseca Roma have worked on changing the complexion of their midfield this summer, with Steven Nzonzi and club legend Daniele De Rossi making way for Amadou Diawara and Jordan Veretout. But it was two of the retained faces who started in Fonseca's 4-2-3-1, with Lorenzo Pellegrini partnered by compatriot Bryan Cristante. Fonseca will surely have liked what he saw. Cristante's passing was much improved on its usual standards, while he also displayed positive energy. Pellegrini was largely the same, threading through balls and creating chances, while also being tenacious in the defensive phase. They have made it hard for Fonseca to drop them now. Diawara and Veretout will undoubtedly be pushing to be involved in future games, but the Italians have made their mark on the midfield. Cengiz Under the microscope One of Pellegrini's best moments was the aerial through ball he picked out Under with shortly after the Turk's opening goal. To give Roma the lead, Under had skipped past Criscito and Cristian Zapata, before executing a powerful finish to Ionut Radu's near post. It was a positive sign, continuing from pre-season, that Under can thrive in this system as a regular goalscorer.
When he received the pass from Pellegrini moments later, he found himself through on goal with only Radu to beat. Unfortunately, he pulled his shot agonisingly wide of the far post. It was a game-changing moment. Had that gone in, Roma would have been 2-0 up with barely 10 minutes played, and could have gone on to dominate the match. It was a fine margin that helped decide the result, and something he will need to improve if he is to manage somewhere in the region of 20 goals this season. It's a tally he can be capable of, but he needs to put away chances like that if he is to do so. Some players thrive off instinct, scoring from opportunities like that where they haven't had to think much. Cengiz is not quite that player yet - as shown by the goal he did score, he works best when he has time with the ball at his feet, and decisions to make. If he can become a more natural, instinctive scorer, though, Roma will win games like this, and he will reach double figures before the spring with ease. Zappacosta's late impact The last change Fonseca made was to replace captain Florenzi with summer signing Davide Zappacosta. Florenzi had done OK, but no better, nearly catching out Radu with a sensational acrobatic volley from outside the box after Kolarov had perfectly set him up from a corner. Obviously, the defensive side of Florenzi's game showed its usual frailties, while his crossing continued to flatter to deceive. When Zappacosta came on for his late cameo, he put in a couple of deliveries that were well-judged. He showed he could clip in an aerial cross, or whip a ball low and hard into a dangerous area. While he wasn't really tested in defence, if he can replicate that kind of impact - minus his air shot when the ball fell awkwardly to him on his weaker side in a golden chance for a winner - over a full 90 minutes when back up to full fitness, then he will be the starting right-back in no time. Player Ratings: Lopez 6; Florenzi 6; Fazio 5; Jesus 4; Kolarov 7; Cristante 7; Pellegrini 8; Under 8; Zaniolo 6; Kluivert 6; Dzeko 7 Subs: Mancini 4; Pastore 3; Zappacosta 6 Coach: Fonseca 6 Man of the Match: Pellegrini
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A clearer message could not have been sent. All the rumours and speculation, months of claims he would be leaving, ready to quit - all of that can be cast aside. Edin Dzeko is a part of Roma.
There had been growing optimism that the striker would be staying with Roma this season, despite intense interest from Inter Milan, but the manner in which his stay has been announced was eye-catching to say the least. The thought had been that Dzeko would see out his final year of his contract, or sign a single-year extension, ready to leave next summer. Instead, Roma have made an emphatic move. Granted, some eyebrows may be raised over the length of the deal, with Dzeko now on contract until he will be 36. But in doing so, Roma have shown a justified faith in their Bosnian hero. This is the boldest move that Gianluca Petrachi has made yet in his short time as sporting director, and will be one that could make or break the early judgement of him. But whether you agree with the length of the agreement or not, the 50-year-old has to be praised for the strength he has shown to complete this negotiation. Previous directors at Roma have buckled under the pressure to sell, leading to the likes of Mohamed Salah being sold for far less than their realistic value. In the case of Dzeko, though, Petrachi set his stall out early on, demanding not a cent less than the €20m he deemed Dzeko to be worth. And by extending his contract until 2022, Petrachi has sent a further strong message about the Bosnian’s future. Those rumours will not be allowed to persist.
Dzeko’s quality has been given the appreciation it deserves here. At times last season, he was made a scapegoat, as an experienced player performing far below his normal level. But Roma know him well enough to understand that last year was not a true reflection of his quality. Again, in the past the club have been somewhat short-sighted by moving on players at the first sign of decline. Now, they have gained a better appreciation of the value of leaders like Dzeko, recognising the quality is still there, waiting to be unleashed. And unleashed, it should be. Dzeko is made for Paulo Fonseca’s system, and was a class above the rest in the pre-season outing against Real Madrid recently. The 33-year-old’s best years with Roma came when he was the focal point of Luciano Spalletti’s 4-2-3-1 system, helping him to break club records that had stood for nearly a century. Under Fonseca, he will be able to occupy a similar position, thriving on what he does best: getting involved with the build-up play before arriving in the right positions to create danger in attacking zones. His leadership will also come to the fore, with his level of commitment shown through this renewal being an indication of the passion he feels for the club. Sometimes his body language on the pitch may not have suggested that last season, but whose did? Dzeko has been re-inspired, and will be using his vast experience to help guide the younger players. He is a silent leader, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Dzeko leads by example rather than voice; a contrast to the way Daniele De Rossi captained Roma, but a valuable aspect of a winning team nonetheless. Francesco Totti, for example, was never a fist-pumping, shouting, motivational leader. But he wore the armband with fierce pride for the best part of two decades. Dzeko will never reach the levels of admiration that his former teammate did, but he will be a similar vital focal point for a team undergoing a period of transition.
Yes, his signing means Roma can all-but end their dreams of signing Mauro Icardi, but that was always an unrealistic ambition. Dzeko has shown that he can be just as effective, and maintaining him provides Roma with the stability they need. While Icardi is the more highly-rated striker, keeping Dzeko can be just as beneficial for Roma as if they had landed the former Inter captain. Some big leaders have left Trigoria this summer, so keeping the experienced Dzeko can help ease the transition as the new faces settle in. He already knows the surroundings and will be able to kick on straight away - whereas any new addition would have required time to settle, just like he did when he first arrived. Four years on, though, Roma is Dzeko’s home. He has already written his name in the history books thanks to his record-breaking 2016-17 and the role he played in Roma’s quest to the Champions League semi-finals the year after. Having outscored the likes of Marco Delvecchio, Rudi Voller and Giuseppe Giannini, he is now breathing down the necks of Roma’s 100 club. Dzeko has every chance of passing that landmark this season, needing just 13 more goals to bring up his century for the club. It’s a tally he should reach with ease, given that Roma are competing in the Europa League group stages. The last time he played in the competition for Roma, he finished as the tournament’s joint-top scorer, despite Spalletti’s side being eliminated with three rounds remaining. With the Giallorossi likely to get a favourable draw this time around, it would be foolish to bet against Dzeko thriving on the biggest stages for Roma once again. It's time for Dzeko to truly become a legend.
Paulo Fonseca's first game in charge of Roma at Stadio Olimpico ended with an unusual trophy on Sunday night, as a penalty shootout win over Real Madrid earned them the Mabel Green Cup.
Roma had to come from behind twice (although Madrid's second goal should not have stood, due to an offside), but were actually on top for large portions of the game. Diego Perotti and Edin Dzeko got the goals in normal time, but both had been brought off by the time the penalties came around. Nonetheless, Roma scored all their spot kicks, with Marcelo's miss meaning it was victory for Fonseca's side - who got their hands on a lovely tree as a prize.
This was the penultimate friendly before Serie A kicks off in a fortnight's time - with a match against Arezzo just being announced - so here's what Roma can take into the new season from it. Much more fluid in possession In the last friendly, against Athletic Bilbao, Roma's insistence on playing out from the back was at times problematic and dangerous. Against Madrid, though, they got it spot on. Starting from Pau Lopez, Roma were extremely efficient at keeping possession of the ball, both in their own half and in attacking areas. The players linked up very well, keeping the ball moving at all times. Edin Dzeko was vital to the process. Perhaps the better playing surface helped them, but all in all, there were positive signs that Roma are starting to play the way Fonseca wants them to. The return of Zaniolo He's been inconsistent for the last six months, but Nicolo Zaniolo was back to his best against Real. In some ways, it was back to where it all started for the 20-year-old, who made his Roma debut against the same opponents in last season's Champions League. He impressed even more than he did on that occasion, catching the eye with his assist for Perotti. Zaniolo determinedly powered down the right wing before expertly placing his through ball in between Raphael Varane and Eder Militao, and into Perotti's path. It was eye-of-the-needle stuff. Marking in the midfield If there was one criticism of the display, it would be that the marking in the midfield wasn't tight enough. Real's first goal came from a splendid turn and pass from Luka Modric, before Marcelo beat Alessandro Florenzi and curled the ball past Lopez. Modric's quality was no hidden secret - he's the reigning world player of the year. It's important for Roma to ensure they don't give players of that level the time and space to create danger so easily. Fazio in the final phase Say what you like about his lack of pace, but when Federico Fazio recovers the ground, there are few better players in world football at last-ditch defending. The Argentine was a man of the match candidate thanks to his impressive blocks and interceptions, once again showing how well he reads the game. Roma are still looking to bring in a new centre-back, but Fazio will remain a good option in games where his teammates' backs will be against the wall. Options from the spot Roma's regular penalty takers, Perotti and Lorenzo Pellegrini, had been taken off before the shootout came around. It gave Fonseca a chance to analyse his other options from 12 yards out, and all five takers impressed. Aleksandar Kolarov and Leonardo Spinazzola's penalties were both perfectly placed in opposite corners - the former's being slightly more convincing than the latter's - and Bryan Cristante, Cengiz Under and Mirko Antonucci's efforts were equally impressive. Roma may find themselves in need of a hero from the spot in any of the three competitions they will be involved in this season, so it's reassuring to know that those options run deep. Player Ratings: Lopez 8; Florenzi 6; Fazio 8; Jesus 6; Kolarov 7; Cristante 7; Pellegrini 7; Under 8; Zaniolo 7; Perotti 6; Dzeko 8 Subs: Spinazzola 6; Diawara 6; Antonucci 5; Schick 5; Kluivert 6 Man of the Match: Dzeko
Roma came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night, in what was probably their toughest test of pre-season so far.
After Iker Muniain had put the Basque club ahead with a poacher's finish, Aleksandar Kolarov pulled things level in the second half with an extraordinary free kick from 30 yards out. Late on, each side converted a penalty, with Raul Garcia scoring for the visitors and Lorenzo Pellegrini coolly dispatching a spot kick which had been incorrectly awarded to Roma, after the ball had actually come into contact with Nicolo Zaniolo's hand, rather than an opponent's.
Although still just a friendly, there were some warning signs for Paulo Fonseca to pick up on before the Serie A campaign kicks off. Over-commitment to playing out from the back Fonseca's philosophy is starting to become more and more apparent, with the coach clearly favouring an approach which sees his side play out from the back. However, there needs to be some flexibility. Often, Roma put themselves under pressure by starting too deep, with Athletic ready to pounce by deploying several players in the Giallorossi half. The new rule which states that the ball does not have to go out of the box from a goal kick worked against Roma in some regards, as it invited the La Liga side to press them higher up the pitch. Fonseca wants to see Roma play a courageous game, and that's a good thing, but the players need to fine-tune things a little more if his style is to be successful. Roma slow to spot the switch When Roma got in more advanced positions, the possession-based game still lacked the appropriate dynamism. Often a full-back or winger would be open on the opposite side of the pitch, but the ball rarely travelled straight to them. Instead, Roma got the ball out wide via another player in between, which slowed down the pace - and thus reduced the danger - of the attack, by allowing Athletic to get across into the correct defensive positions more easily. Someone in the midfield needs to be brave enough to pick out the switch, skipping out that extra pass, so that Roma can play on the front foot. No closer to a striker solution If someone had suggested at the start of the summer that Gregoire Defrel would have been starting a pre-season game as Roma's sole centre-forward just over two weeks before the campaign got underway, they would have sounded ridiculous. However, that was the case, and the Frenchman continued to struggle. In fairness, he was committed, but he lacks the clinical edge to be a Roma player. When Edin Dzeko came on in the second half, it was fitting for him to be given a warm reception by his fans, with plenty of cheers and chants in his honour. Who knows if it was Dzeko's last outing for Roma, as a move to Inter gets closer, but the directors really need to consider how they can replace the Bosnian - or if they can at all - if he does depart. Unless Roma can somehow pull off a coup and sign someone of Mauro Icardi's stature, the names that have been linked are unappealing, and sooner or later the club need to think if getting rid of Dzeko would be a wise idea after all. How Fonseca is using Pellegrini After returning late for pre-season due to international duty, Lorenzo Pellegrini finally got his opportunity to play a full 90 minutes, and it was a performance of highs and lows. For the most part, the Roman was successful, playing positive passes and showing high energy. However, there was a 20-minute spell at the end of the first half when he veered away from his usual standards. Later on, he was also to blame for the second goal, as he wasn't strong enough when turning away from his box - leading to him being dispossessed, and Roma consequently giving away a penalty due to Gianluca Mancini's hand-ball. Pellegrini has been utilised as part of the deeper central midfield pairing by Fonseca, where it appears he will continue to play. Some of his better performances last season came as a trequartista, in the number 10 role, but that position already has Zaniolo, Javier Pastore and maybe even Mirko Antonucci competing for it. Pellegrini can adapt well to the deeper role, as it should allow him to get on the ball more and dictate play, but he needs to stay sharp for 90 minutes. The first signs that Roma will miss De Rossi Extending things further, it wasn't just Pellegrini who blew hot and cold in the midfield. Amadou Diawara was sloppier than in previous displays, for example - while Steven Nzonzi didn't travel with the squad. There was no drive in the middle of the park to push Roma on, and this moment was going to come soon enough: It was clear they missed someone like Daniele De Rossi. Of course, they don't make players like De Rossi any more, but how Roma could have done with him against Bilbao. The midfield is such a critical area, which needs someone to hold it together and to drive what happens in front. Bryan Cristante came closest to replicating that on Wednesday, being more confident on the ball, but he has some way to go to reach the levels that De Rossi consistently did for most of his career - even last season. Roma have other priorities, but perhaps a reinforcement is needed for that position too. Now, if only there had been someone fully committed to the club who could have performed that role to a high standard for this team... Player Ratings: Mirante 5; Florenzi 7; Mancini 5; Jesus 7; Spinazzola 6; Diawara 6; Pellegrini 7; Under 6; Antonucci 5; Perotti 5; Defrel 6 Subs: Lopez 6; Santon 6; Fazio 7; Kolarov 7; Cristante 8; Zaniolo 5; Kluivert 6; Dzeko 6 Man of the Match: Cristante Gianluca Mancini's first two goals for Roma helped seal a 3-1 win over Perugia in the first official friendly match of this pre-season.
As the squad travelled away from their Trigoria training ground for the first time this summer, Paulo Fonseca opted to give gametime to a large number of players again, with those selected in the second half mostly performing better than the ones who started the game. Mancini's brace followed up an instinctive opener from Edin Dzeko, although Roma did concede, when Pietro Iemello pulled it back to 2-1 before half-time. As Roma reacted to playing in front of a crowd again, here's what was learnt from the match. High press starting to take shape Roma's first half performance was rusty, to say the least, but out of possession they showed how they were growing into the image of how Fonseca wants them to play. The pressing was relentless, even in the opposition half. Unfortunately, it could not be matched by the defenders, who were collectively responsible for allowing Iemello's goal. However, the reaction in advanced positions was a positive sign for the coach. Keepers deal well under pressure Roma's main two goalkeepers, Pau Lopez and Antonio Mirante, each got a 45-minute run out, with both being given sterner tests than in the warm-up matches that have been played at Trigoria. Occasionally, teammates put them under pressure with loose passes, but both keepers reacted well. One of the main reasons Lopez has been brought in is because of his ability with his feet, and he started to show why Roma had believed in him with the way he helped conduct play from the back, even when under pressure. Mirante's efforts should not go unnoticed either, as he was alert to the danger, unafraid to come out of his box when needed, which earned him a nosebleed early on. Mancini not ready to be main man Despite his brace, Mancini's defensive performance left a little to be desired. He occasionally gave the ball away, while Roma were often caught out in behind. After the game, Fonseca urged that signing a new central defender is a priority, and he is correct. New arrival Mancini is promising, but showed that he needs to be partnered by a quality, experienced defender. If the Toby Alderweireld track is still viable, Roma must go all out for him. Schick sharper in short bursts Fonseca's affirmation that Roma need a new centre-back was a response to whether or not a centre-forward was needed more. However, Dzeko got his goal, so if he does end up staying, he may be able to revive his best form. As for second half sub Schick, he started the first quarter of an hour of his cameo at an impressive intensity. There were quick turns, sharp shots and decent link up play. The determination was as good as it has been so far from the Czech international. He still lacks something in terms of decision making, though, and needs to replicate that kind of attitude and form for the whole 90 minutes, not just 15. Floundering Florenzi highlights another area of need The worst performer on the pitch was Alessandro Florenzi. Despite making a decent start to pre-season as a left winger, he has been reverted to a right-back role, where he struggled again versus Perugia. The captain's passing was uncalibrated, and defensively he was often targeted, committing fouls or being beaten easily. It should be clear now that he should be operating on the left wing, where there is less risk of him making mistakes. Rick Karsdorp, if he can stay fit, can be a suitable option at right-back instead, as can Davide Santon - even if he has been used more centrally by Fonseca so far. Player Ratings: Mirante 7; Florenzi 3; Mancini 6; Fazio 6; Spinazzola 6; Diawara 6; Pellegrini 5; Under 6; Zaniolo 5; Perotti 5; Dzeko 6 Subs: Lopez 7; Karsdorp 6; Jesus 6; Kolarov 7; Nzonzi 7; Cristante 6; Antonucci 6; Kluivert 5; Schick 6 Man of the Match: Lopez Roma's unbeaten start to pre-season continued on Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Gubbio, who represented a step up in level of opposition.
The last two friendlies, against Tor Sapienza and Trastevere, saw Roma hit double figures, but the match against Serie C side Gubbio was played at a higher intensity, which Paulo Fonseca's side had to adapt to. Gubbio could have caught Roma out on a couple of occasions, but were often unluckily beaten by the offside trap. Nonetheless, there was some concern to be drawn from how they could get in behind the backline. Goals from Federico Fazio, Mirko Antonucci and Javier Pastore, however, sealed the victory, as we learned several more things about how Roma are setting up under Fonseca. Diawara debut The new signings are starting to be integrated into match contention, and the Gubbio clash gave Amadou Diawara his first outing in the red and yellow jersey. The midfielder impressed in his 45 minute cameo, dictating the tempo of the game with his impressive range of passing. Equally comfortable at rotating possession with a simple pass or clipping an aerial through ball into the channels, he was a positive force from the middle of the park. He was seen in intense dialogue with Fonseca during the drinks break, and the coach told Roma TV after the game that he has "much to improve in his playing style", but if anything, that should be taken as a symbol of the coach's high demands. Cristante contrast Diawara's debut was so refreshing when contrasted with the performance of midfield partner Bryan Cristante. The number of occasions the Italian put his teammates under pressure or gave the ball away when playing a forward pass was difficult to keep count of. Perhaps this can be attributed to Gubbio's intense pressing game, which admittedly caught Roma by surprise, but this has been a regular theme with Cristante, even in competitive games. Unlike Diawara, he simply does not have a creative kind of long ball in his locker. He broke up play relatively well, but in reality, that's not what he's there for. Especially given the arrival of Jordan Veretout adding more competition in his position, Cristante has much to improve. Zaniolo eager on return Also making his first appearance of pre-season was Nicolo Zaniolo, who had been away with the Italy U21 side. He looked eager to prove himself, and caught the eye with an incredible first touch to control a ball from the air on the edge of the box, beating a defender in the process and letting fly with an admittedly weak shot. However, the same problems he had last season resurfaced - an over-eagerness to impress and win the ball, leading to needless fouls being committed. Had it not been a friendly, he would have been booked for one memorable cynical challenge. His enthusiasm is good, but he needs to learn when and how to use it. Precise Pastore from deep Another player eager to make an impression, and someone who has more of a point to prove, Pastore put in a second positive display of pre-season. Against Tor Sapienza, Pastore roamed freely about the pitch, getting on the ball as often as possible. The pattern continued against Gubbio, where again he dropped into a deeper position, occupying one of the two defensive midfield roles. It's an interesting use of the Argentine, who struggles last year were mainly tactical in Eusebio Di Francesco's 4-3-3 system. He has always been a number 10, but Fonseca may be trying to reinvent him as a regista. It certainly appears to be working, as he contributed a goal and an assist. Fonseca sending messages? Two more decisions from Fonseca caught the eye - that to hand Edin Dzeko the captain's armband in the first half, when it has normally been worn by Diego Perotti (who, coincidentally, didn't match the level of his other performances in pre-season so far), and to deploy Alessandro Florenzi, who assumed the armband in the second half as usual, as a right-back. In terms of the Dzeko case, is it a message that the striker is part of his plans, amid heavy interest from Inter? Or perhaps it was an effort to make Inter raise their bid; by showing he is still important to Roma, maybe that could increase his value, prompting the Nerazzurri to get closer to Roma's €20m demands. As for Florenzi, who has been impressing as a left winger, maybe it was a sign to Gianluca Petrachi and the board that a right-back needs to be signed, or Roma risk their captain being used out of position again. That may be an over-analysis, as Fonseca is still getting to know his squad and may have just wanted to see what Florenzi was like at right-back, but most people would surely prefer the 28-year-old on the wing after his struggles in defence in recent seasons. Perhaps the club will act on this signal and make a move for wantaway Napoli man Elseid Hysaj. Player Ratings: Mirante 6; Santon 7; Mancini 6; Fazio 5; Spinazzola 7; Diawara 8; Cristante 6; Defrel 5; Zaniolo 6; Perotti 6; Dzeko 6 Subs: Lopez 6; Florenzi 7; Jesus 6; Capradossi 6; Kolarov 6; Nzonzi 7; Pastore 8; Under 7; Antonucci 7; Kluivert 8; Schick 5 Man of the Match: Diawara Paulo Fonseca's first pre-season in charge of Roma continued on Saturday with a comfortable 10-1 win over Serie D side Trastevere.
Gianluca Mancini made his debut in the second half, while fellow new signings Pau Lopez and Leonardo Spinazzola both featured again. There were nine different scorers, with Edin Dzeko notching a brace. Once again, a former Primavera player found the net, with Christian D'Urso making his mark this time. Elsewhere, Cengiz Under, Mirko Antonucci, Patrik Schick and Diego Perotti all scored for the second game running. Like Thursday's pre-season opener, it was a game more about fitness levels and getting players minutes, but there were still some interesting talking points from the encounter. Florenzi always higher up the agenda Fonseca decided to use captain Alessandro Florenzi as a left winger in his first game in charge, after years of seeing the Roman wasted at right-back. He deployed the Italian in the same position again in the first half against Trastevere, and it looks like the 28-year-old is finally being unleashed. He threaded a delightful through ball to Under for his side's third goal, and after being moved to another role, central midfield, for the start of the second half, he set up Patrik Schick for another assist. Double threat down the left Despite his positive start to pre-season, Florenzi still may find it difficult to hold a regular place in his new position, due to the strong impact Diego Perotti has also made. The man who has worn the captain's armband in Florenzi's absence so far, Perotti seems ready to take a step up after an uneventful season on a personal note. He linked up well with left-back Spinazzola, with the duo combining for Perotti's goal. Both are right-footed players, but are showing confidence to go to the byline and use their weaker left feet as well. These combinations and alternative options will keep opposing defences guessing at any level. Bouah's positive impression Playing in Florenzi's old right-back role for the second half was Primavera defender Devid Bouah, who for the second game in a row made a good impression. Only 17 years of age, the Italian enjoyed surging forward and put in some good crosses. Roma have an abundance of options in the position now, so it shouldn't be expected to see him playing regularly come the new season, but he certainly looks like a prospect for the future. Concentration is essential It can be easy for players to get carried away when taking on an opposition of far lesser quality, but there is no excuse for complacency. Some started to creep in from Roma, with certain players trying too many flicks and ultimately losing possession. It's good for them to be creative and try new things, but even though these games are easy, they need to be treated in a manner relative to the kind of matches Roma will be playing in during the season. Those failed flicks will be punished in Serie A and Europe. There was also an error of judgement from Rick Karsdorp that led to Trastevere's goal. The full-back needlessly threw the ball to Federico Fazio, who couldn't control it, before the opposing attacker beat Robin Olsen in a one-on-one. Such risks don't paint a good picture and need to be reduced. Selection issues On the topic of the Swedish keeper, what can be made of the fact that he was playing? He surely has no future at Roma after last season's disaster, so why take minutes away from other keepers who do? Perhaps it has just been to put him in the shop window again, but it would be more beneficial for even a youth keeper to take part in these games instead. Likewise, Edin Dzeko started and put in a much improved performance. Is the striker being re-integrated into first team plans despite all the talk of a move away? If he can replicate that kind of performance against the better teams for Roma, then it would be fine, but it still looks likely that he'll be leaving. Surely the side needs to come first when the lineups are being picked. Player Ratings: Olsen 5; Karsdorp 6; Capradossi 6; Fazio 6; Kolarov 7; Cristante 7; Nzonzi 6; Under 7; Antonucci 7; Florenzi 8; Dzeko 8 Subs: Lopez 6; Bouah 7; Jesus 6; Mancini 6; Spinazzola 7; Santon 6; D'Urso 6; Defrel 6; Perotti 8; Schick 5 Man of the Match: Perotti The Paulo Fonseca era at Roma began yesterday with a 12-0 win over local side Tor Sapienza in a friendly match.
Fonseca selected two entirely different lineups for each half, with new signings Pau Lopez and Leonardo Spinazzola making their debuts. A Roma side featuring the duo, Steven Nzonzi, Gregoire Defrel and Javier Pastore took a five-goal lead into half-time, before Mirko Antonucci took centre-stage in the second half with a hat trick, playing alongside the likes of Edin Dzeko, Alessandro Florenzi and Robin Olsen. Against opposition of little quality, it’s hard to read too much into the performance, but even so, there is a story behind every game. And especially with this being the first in charge for Fonseca, there were some interesting observations to be made. Pastore’s movement This year could be a fresh start for Javier Pastore, who struggled tactically and fitness-wise in his first season with Roma. While last season he was often quite lazy, against Tor Sapienza he roamed freely about the pitch, looking to get on the ball. It was still hardly a display of top level dynamism, but it didn’t exactly need to be against such opposition. Perhaps he can build on this to find a rhythm ahead of the new campaign. Spinazzola’s positive debut The reaction to most of Roma’s signings this summer has been positive, but perhaps the one to have received the most mixed reception was Leonardo Spinazzola. His quality wasn’t in doubt, but fans were concerned over his fitness, and the fact that his arrival meant the sale of Luca Pellegrini to Juventus. However, his debut showed he can become a solid presence for the team at left-back. He even marked the occasion with a goal, in which he cut inside onto his stronger right foot. Notably, he was one of the only players to break into a smile after scoring - another sign that he seems genuinely pleased to be at the club, and ready to kick on and prove himself. Anonymous strikers Both Dzeko and Patrik Schick got on the scoresheet, with the former contributing an impressive assist for Cengiz Under’s goal as well, but besides that, their involvement in the play was minimal. Schick’s two goals were good finishes, but he still looks unsettled in a Roma shirt, struggling to get involved in the play. Dzeko dropped off massively in intensity after getting his goal, wasting a couple of opportunities. Unlike Spinazzola, his head is clearly not with Roma right now. Meanwhile, fellow striker Defrel returned to the right wing, after impressing centrally with Sampdoria last year, and encountered similar problems to the ones he had in his first season at Roma. In patches he was lively, but lacked the conviction to take on some shots as well. He remains not quite up to standard for a club of Roma’s ambitions. Youth's contrasting fortunes Fonseca called up Primavera midfielders Emanuele Spinozzi and Alessandro Bordin - both of whom spent last season out on loan - for the game, with each playing in one half. The former even got on the scoresheet, and looked eager to get forward. The most successful youngster on the pitch, though, was undoubtedly Antonucci. Also returning from a loan, and the only one of the three to have featured for Roma's first team in a competitive match to date, the attacking midfielder took his opportunity by adding three goals and an assist for Florenzi. Whether the 20-year-old has the physicality to compete at a more realistic level remains to be seen, but he was certainly central to Roma's fluidity. Right-back experiments Four right-backs took to the pitch, but only two were used in that role. In the first half, Davide Santon partnered Juan Jesus at centre-back, and while he wasn't tested much, it may be an experiment worth persevering with. Perhaps more significant was the deployment of Florenzi as a left winger in the second period. The captain has played there before, only rarely, yet he didn't look out of place. He's no Stephan El Shaarawy, but perhaps he can revive his reputation by putting in some good performances from the opposite side of the pitch to usual. Player Ratings: (First Half) Lopez 6; Karsdorp 6; Santon 7; Jesus 7; Spinazzola 8; Nzonzi 6; Spinozzi 7; Defrel 6; Pastore 7; Perotti 7; Schick 6 (Second Half) Olsen 6; Bouah 7; Capradossi 6; Fazio 6; Kolarov 6; Cristante 6; Bordin 6; Under 7; Antonucci 8; Florenzi 7; Dzeko 6 Man of the Match: Antonucci If there's one transfer rumour that hasn't gone down too well with fans, it is the one linking Gonzalo Higuain with a move to Roma.
Overweight, 31 years old, a high salary - several factors appear to be stacked against the arrival of the striker in Rome. Not to mention, his past with rivals Napoli and Juventus would further render him a rather unpopular figure if he was to sign up with Roma. Despite a promising start with AC Milan last year, his form derailed, as he scored just one goal in his last 12 games for the club before the deal was terminated. A red card against former club Juventus did little to change the negative perception of his time at San Siro, and it's understandable why Roma would be a little bit skeptical over the proposition of signing him - especially if it would involve Nicolo Zaniolo moving the other way. But there is a bigger question at the heart of this matter. After an underwhelming campaign, Roma find themselves in need of a rebuild, in order to return to the levels they have grown accustomed to in the past six years. As part of that project, then, do Roma need to look at the long-term or the short-term? A move for Higuain would be indicative of the latter. While his spell at Milan showed that he is far from a guaranteed source of goals these days, on his day he remains a potent finisher capable of finding the net even in games in which he hasn't been heavily involved. Contrast that to current Roma man Patrik Schick, who has struggled in the capital - which he has partially attributed to not feeling involved enough in the play. At 31 years old, of course Higuain's best days are behind him. But his career is far from over. He has two years left on his Juventus contract, which shows how far the Bianconeri believed he would keep up his form when they spent big to snatch him from Napoli. If an arrangement would involve Zaniolo heading to Turin, it would surely be a blow for the fans. The teenager was one of the standout players of last season, despite the limited expectations placed upon him. However, he blew hot and cold towards the end of the year. At times, it looked like Roma had picked up a bargain, but in reality, it's still unclear what the midfielder is really worth. Sometimes a club has to take a step back to take a step forward - taking risks in the short-term in an attempt to make an instant return to the top. That may mean potentially regrettable decisions on long-term prospects, but with the financial consequences that come with a lowly finish, sometimes the luxury of keeping hold of them isn't there. It’s an issue that was highlighted in the recently confirmed swap deal with Juventus, in which Roma acquired Leonardo Spinazzola at the expense of losing Luca Pellegrini. Many fans had high hopes for the young left-back, but the reality is that the man that the Giallorossi have brought in is a much more proven quantity at this level, and is far better equipped to be a starter. And that’s what Roma need right now - ready made talent. That said, it would be irresponsible for Roma to fill the squad with veterans. One only needs to look at how Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov underperformed at times throughout the campaign to get a clear idea that sometimes younger blood is more effective. Hence, a blend is needed. Without a few experienced players, it may take Roma a long time to break back into the top four. But without the younger ones, any returns to the highest berths would likely be short-lived. Contrary to what many fans believe, Higuain would not be a terrible signing for Roma - as long as the salary is realistic compared to his output. However, it would be important for him to be supplemented by younger alternatives. His former teammate at Milan, Patrick Cutrone, would be perfect - an instinctive finisher, someone who can still develop but who is more than ready for a role of responsibility in a major squad. Furthermore, some signings in the past have shown that fans should not be prejudiced before their arrival. Many were critical of Davide Santon based on his time with Inter, but after he had put in some good displays for Roma, the general perception of him changed to a more positive one. Similarly, Federico Fazio was hardly the best name fans could have hoped for to alleviate the team's defensive concerns, but he soon won them over, at least in his first season, becoming their 'Comandante’. Gianluca Petrachi will need to find the right balance this summer, but the overriding message will be this - you never know how a player will perform for a club until they pull on its jersey. Higuain's might be a bit larger than those of others, but no signing should be overly criticised before a ball has been kicked. They could turn out to be just what Roma need. Following the news that Gianluca Petrachi has been appointed as Roma's new sporting director, it's time to take a look at what he did in his previous role.
When Petrachi was appointed as Torino's sporting director in 2010, the club were in Serie B, but under his guidance, they worked their way back up to the top flight, and are now regulars in the top half. They even reached the Round of 16 of the Europa League in 2014-15. One of Petrachi's key roles will be bringing new players to the club, after Roma were left with a dearth of quality by Monchi. Here, Giallorossi Yorkshire looks back at Petrachi's five best signings during his decade in Turin. 5. Danilo D'Ambrosio (2010) One of Petrachi's first moves at Torino was the acquisition of Danilo D'Ambrosio from third-tier side Juve Stabia. The full-back, 22 years old at the time, helped his new side work their way back up to the top flight, before sealing a move to Inter in January 2014 - with Petrachi taking young midfielder Marco Benassi to Torino in return. While D'Ambrosio is hardly the best player on Inter's roster, he is still a valuable member of their squad, and Petrachi's negotiation to get Benassi in return was itself a shrewd piece of business, as he was sold on to Fiorentina three years later for more than double the fee. 4. Ciro Immobile (2013) These days, Immobile is leading the line for Roma's rivals Lazio, but it was after Petrachi took him to Torino in 2013 that he really began to show his potential. A Juventus youth product, Immobile had been prolific in Serie B for Pescara in 2011-12, but other than that, had never scored more than five goals in a season. Petrachi took a gamble on him, and it paid off, as he claimed the Capocannoniere award in his sole season with the club before sealing a move to Borussia Dortmund a year later - his 22-goal campaign earning Torino a quick profit. 3. Matteo Darmian (2011) Another full-back who was given his real breakthrough at Torino, Darmian had come through the youth ranks at AC Milan before learning his trade on loan at Padova in Serie B. After playing a part-time role for Palermo in the top flight in 2010-11, Torino gave him his opportunity to become a regular starter back in the second tier. He immediately helped them gain promotion, and grew to prominence enough to make his Italy debut while at the club. In total, he made more than 150 appearances before sealing a move to Premier League giants Manchester United four years later. 2. Kamil Glik (2011) Glik, like Darmian, made his way to Torino via Palermo - where he had been signed by future Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini. However, the Pole's time on Sicily was uneventful, and he was shipped out on loan to Bari. He made just over a dozen appearances, and it was enough for Petrachi to convince Torino to make him part of their promotion project. After getting them back up to Serie A, Glik continued to establish himself as one of the league's most consistent defenders, earning the role of captain in his third season with the club, before making a move to Monaco in 2016, where he became a league champion at the first time of asking. 1. Andrea Belotti (2015) The figurehead of Torino's rise to the top half of Serie A, Belotti was plucked from Palermo in 2013. His only prior Serie A campaign had brought just six goals, but Petrachi saw his value, and paid €7.5m to take him north. Belotti was an instant hit, doubling his tally from the previous season with a dozen goals. In 2016-17, he went even better, scoring 26 goals in a season in which he was eclipsed only by Dries Mertens and Roma's own Edin Dzeko. The big clubs were circling, but Petrachi drove a hard bargain, warding off the likes of Chelsea by slapping a €100m release clause into his contract. Perhaps that was the biggest success of Petrachi's tenure at Torino - not just signing Belotti, but keeping him there. It's a stance which surely wouldn't be lost on the Roma fans still frustrated at the cheap and regular sales of some of the team's prize assets. Whether Petrachi will be able to replicate that work at Roma is another question. One only needs to look at the huge differences between the expectations of his predecessor Monchi and what was actually achieved, to take such appointments with a pinch of doubt. But Petrachi has one thing that Monchi never did, which may equip him better for success - experience in Serie A. Roma will be hoping that Petrachi proves himself to have more know-how than the Spaniard, so that he is able to complete more deals like those written about above. |
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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