GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
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
0 Comments
Roma got back to their high-scoring best on Saturday morning with a win over Rieti in the first of two friendlies played today.
In the morning match, Roma defeated the local Serie C side 7-0, despite only being 1-0 up at half-time. New signings Leonardo Spinazzola, Gianluca Mancini and Amadou Diawara were on display again, but it was a familiar face from last season who opened the scoring, in the shape of Nicolo Zaniolo. After an own goal doubled the lead in the second half, Davide Santon, Cengiz Under, Alessandro Florenzi and Patrik Schick (2) scored to complete another comprehensive victory. Many players got at least an hour on the pitch as the intensity of their workload begins to increase (with those who didn't likely to play a major part against Ternana tonight). Thanks to that extended gametime, we learnt even more about what to expect from the players next season. Central Santon lifted by captaincy It seems unlikely that Santon will be a starter this season. Having been utilised in several different positions in pre-season so far, it appeared that Paulo Fonseca viewed him as more of a utility player. But he showed against Rieti that he still has a big part to play. Fonseca handed him the captain's armband as he was deployed in central midfield again, from where he looked solid and created a couple of chances - including a through ball to Juan Jesus in the second half. Even if he is just a rotation player, Santon's versatility and experience could come in handy this term. Roma not afraid to be patient Rieti proved quite hard to break down in the first half especially, suffocating the space for Roma with a compact formation. However, Roma didn't panic, and adapted their game accordingly. The Giallorossi weren't afraid to keep moving the ball so the could start fresh, with the increased time in possession undoubtedly being beneficial. The approach was about waiting for the right moment to pounce, and Roma did that, punishing their opponents when they began to grow tired in the second half. At any level, that ruthless edge is the difference between a good side and a great one. Nzonzi building up a rhythm Steven Nzonzi still looks likely to leave Roma this summer, but he put in another positive display. He was the bridge between defence and attack, getting on the ball and showing composure as the play went through him. If one of his passes went awry, he quickly rectified the mistakes by closing down the opponent and regaining possession. The Frenchman could still become an important player for Roma if he shows the right desire and commitment. Set piece struggles In a game that was broken up fairly often by fouls, Roma struggled to capitalise on their chances from set pieces. From one of their first free kicks, Zaniolo and Justin Kluivert made their plans too obvious, with the latter rolling the ball across to the former, whose shot was blocked. It was too easy for the onrushing opponents to read, meaning it was a good chance wasted. Likewise, from corners, Roma rarely hit the right areas, with many of Kluivert's crosses in particular going too deep. If the coaching staff can think of a way to vary up the set piece routines, Roma may have more success. Schick's finishing something to build on Patrik Schick will be causing Fonseca a headache at the minute. He has got on the scoresheet frequently this pre-season, but has struggled to get involved in the build-up play. In his shorter cameo against Rieti, he managed two good goals, through which he showed he can be a clinical finisher. It gives Fonseca something to work with; now the coach needs to work out how to integrate him better into the system and to play to his strengths. Of course, Schick may have to make some adjustments to his game too, which could be seen in more detail in tonight's game against Ternana. Player Ratings: Olsen 6; Karsdorp 5; Mancini 6; Bianda 6; Spinazzola 8; Nzonzi 7; Santon 8; Zaniolo 7; Antonucci 7; Kluivert 6; Defrel 5 Subs: Fuzato 6; Florenzi 7; Fazio 6; Jesus 6; Kolarov 6; Diawara 6; Cristante 6; Under 7; Pastore 7; Perotti 6; Schick 7 Man of the Match: Spinazzola 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. |
samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
All
Archives
October 2019
|