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Roma boss Gigi Del Neri has ruled out a January swoop for Juventus stopper Nicola Legrottaglie.
The latter has been linked with the capital club after failing to break into Fabio Capello’s Turin plans.
But Del Neri, who bossed the defender at Chievo Verona, insists he won’t arrive in the New Year.
"A few players could join in January like Siena’s Rodrigo Taddei," he told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
"As for Legrottaglie, he is an excellent player but he is somebody that we don’t need at this moment in time."
Although a transfer to Roma now looks unlikely, Legrottaglie is still expected to leave the Old Lady.
Whispers suggest that he could quit Serie A altogether with apparent interest from English and Spanish clubs.
However, Legrottaglie is understood to have rejected a move to Feyenoord. The Dutch team wanted him on loan until the summer.
Meanwhile, another Bianconeri defender in the shape of Igor Tudor is set to depart the Stadio Delle Alpi.
The Croatian – who can also be used as a central midfielder – is wanted by Standard Liege, Bologna and Cagliari.
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The Sensi family claim they will be able to keep hold of Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano, but dubbed Emerson a “traitor.”
Much has been said on the future of Roma’s captain after he warned he would move on unless the team was competitive enough for a title chase.
“Totti has the same hopes and desires for this club as we do,” said director Rossella Sensi, the daughter of President Franco Sensi.
“We do need to adjust our spending, but that doesn’t mean we can’t handle an important contract renewal. I really can’t imagine a Roma side without our captain and Cassano in it.”
Both players are nearing the end of their current deals with the Capital club and there are strong reports of interest from Real Madrid, Juventus, Milan and Inter, but Sensi assures there will be no revolution.
“My Father sacrificed half his estate to save Roma from bankruptcy and he did it all for love. From December 27 we will have paid off our outstanding taxes and the situation has been sorted out. He will remain the President and we haven’t received any offers for the club.”
Part of the Giallorossi’s change of direction has been renewed transfer links with old rivals Juventus, who were considered off-limits only a few months ago.
“Our strategy remains the same,” maintained Sensi. “It was Milan and Juve who changed their minds and came towards us.”
The two sides continued a bitter public battle over the future of Emerson, as the midfielder threatened to sue Roma for unpaid wages and refused a more lucrative move to Real Madrid so that he could join Fabio Capello in Turin.
“We have no regrets over selling Emerson,” said a surprising Rossella Sensi. “In fact, Juventus did us a favour by taking him away. He did not love Roma and disrespected my Father.”
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Scorers: Cassano 10, 49 (R), Totti 29, 58 (R), Bovo 45 (P), Montella 52 (R)
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Pietro Carmignani's Serie A debut on the Parma bench was a 5-1 hammering, but despite Francesco Totti making history, there was some very bad news for Roma. Vincenzo Montella was booked and will miss the Derby della Capitale.
Roma were hopeful of making it three wins in four games by welcoming penultimate side Parma to the Stadio Olimpico, but the Gialloblu were boosted midweek by their UEFA Cup qualification and the arrival of new Coach Pietro Carmignani.
Francesco Totti returned from suspension to join the trident attack with Vincenzo Montella and Antonio Cassano, while Alberto Aquilani stepped in for the injured Simone Perrotta. Both goalkeepers were out with fitness problems, so teenager Curci was given his Serie A debut. Matteo Ferrari faced his former teammates for the first time since a summer move to the Capital.
Totti had a great chance after seven minutes only to see Sebastian Frey stick out a strong hand, while the move continued and his assist towards Cassano was intercepted.
Frey later fumbled a Totti free kick and Roma-owned defender Cesare Bovo cleaned up the danger, but it was Cassano who broke the deadlock with a fantastic solo effort. He controlled Totti's floated pass, cut back to leave Ferronetti standing before curling a splendid finish into the far corner.
Bovo required a goalline clearance to prevent a dipping Montella chip slotting in at the top of the net, but there was bad news for Parma as Giuseppe Cardone limped off with an injury.
Frey was kept busy on Montella and Daniele De Rossi, but it had to be captain Francesco Totti who entered the history books with his 107th Serie A goal for Roma. He is now the club's all-time hitman, leaving Roberto Pruzzo's 106 behind.
It was a chaotic move involving Cassano and Montella until Totti eventually squeezed his finish through a sea of legs, although Parma were angry as Ferronetti was on the ground injured throughout. He was booked for taking off his shirt and underneath there was a message to the fans: '107, only with you.'
It took a crucial Daniele Bonera challenge to prevent Montella tapping in Cassano's pass after a brilliant long ball from De Rossi. From the resulting corner Christian Panucci's header came off the post and Montella almost fell on to the ricochet with his arm, but the referee booked him for that handling offence and Montella will now miss the Rome derby on Jan 6.
Parma saw a goal disallowed soon after, as Daniele Bonera's header went in with two players - above all Morfeo - standing in an offside position very close to goalkeeper Curci.
The visitors did eventually get back into the game on the stroke of half-time. Morfeo's sweeping shot was well saved and on the resulting corner Bovo's header beat Curci for 2-1.
Coach Carmignani gambled in the second half by switching to a three-man defence, but it was Roma who made it 3-1 early on. Totti won back the ball from Bovo in midfield and immediately threaded through for Cassano to slam in his second of the game.
The Giallorossi put the result beyond all doubt with a classic counter-attack finalised by Montella's trusted left foot as Parma were hopelessly unbalanced.
It was 5-1 by the hour mark as Totti controlled Leandro Cufre's pass and unleashed an unstoppable half-volley from the edge of the box.
Parma's dreadful day was completed when Pisanu saw red for a second bookable offence. Gilardino had the last real chance, bringing a good save out of Curci with his header.
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Roma: Curci; Mexes (Scurto 79), Dellas, Ferrari, Panucci, Aquilani, De Rossi, Cufre; Montella, Totti, (Corvia 86) Cassano (De Martino 78)
Parma: Frey; Ferronetti, Cardone (Cannavaro 17), Bovo, Bonera (Contini 46); Grella, Simplicio; Pisanu, Morfeo, Degano; Gilardino
Ref: Racalbuto
Sent off: Pisanu 75 (P)
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Roma will fancy their chances of netting their third win in four games as they entertain crisis hit Parma. The Giallorossi, who themselves have had a difficult campaign to date, will be eager for victory as they look to play themselves into contention for a top-four finish. Despite having their worst start to the season for 26 years, Roma are remarkably just two points adrift of fourth placed Cagliari and just one behind unbeaten Inter.
The capital giants go into this game with a win after a late Mancini penalty secured a 1-0 victory at Brescia last week. Antonio Cassano returned to the side after injury and did shine which bodes well. The home team will be further boosted by the return from suspension of Francesco Totti. He’ll be looking for a goal to make him the all-time Serie A top scorer in the club’s history. Boss Gigi Del Neri is likely to stick with his 3-4-3 formation, even if he’ll probably still be without the likes of Tommasi, Chivu, Perotta, Pelizzoli, Dacourt, Candela and Dellas.
Parma are now second from bottom after collecting just 12 points from 15 games. The 2-0 loss to Livorno last weekend saw boss Silvio Baldini axed. It’s unclear what sort of team, with regards to personnel and formation, will now turn up at the Stadio Olimpico following the appointment of Gedeone Carmignani. Marchionni, Zicu, Grella and Savi are all injury doubts.
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Roma (probable): Zotti; Panucci, Mexes, Ferrari; Mancini, De Rossi, Aquilani, Cufrè; Montella, Totti, Cassano
Parma (probable): Frey; Ferronetti, Bonera, Bovo, Contini; Rosina, Simplicio, Bolano, Bresciano; Morfeo; Gilardino
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Daniele De Rossi has concerns that some of his more illustrious Roma teammates could leave the club.
"I do fear that some major players may depart but that is always the case," he told a capital radio station.
"However, I have the sensation that Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano will stay here for some time to come.
"I’m worried that players like goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli and Vincenzo Montella may decide to go elsewhere."
It’s been a tough start to the season for Roma but the midfielder is confident about the future.
"We’re approaching the end of the tunnel and the win at Brescia proved that we now have a little bit of luck on our side," he added.
"The Christmas break will do us well and I’m very optimistic that we can end the season by qualifying for the Champions’ League."
The young Italian international was also asked to comment on his own recent performances that have disappointed some.
"My form has taken a visible dip and I can’t deny that fact," admitted the 21-year-old starlet.
"I’m not in great shape right now but there are thousands of players who are looking to use the festive period to recover."
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In the interview Mexes mentioned that during the Christmas holiday, he will go back to France with Carla and Enzo to visit his parents. He also said that he won't give Enzo all the Christmas's presents because he want him to learn how to save money. The rest Mexes was talking about how much he loves Carla, I bet you fans wouldn't wish to know it. Lol!
Thanks Stefy for translation!
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While newspapers in Italy believe he’s already agreed a deal with Milan, Alberto Gilardino admits he’s still got his eye on a move to Roma.
“There was the chance to join the Capital club this summer,” revealed the 22-year-old who will face the Giallorossi this Sunday, “but then I decided to stay at Parma for another season and I think it was the right choice. I definitely won’t leave in January, but we’ll see what happens in June.”
The Italian international shot to fame as the replacement for Adriano in the second half of last season and he has been on the wish-lists of most top clubs. Juventus and Milan were touted, but throughout he had one club in mind.
“I don’t know if the Roma move has been shelved for good. It’s a wonderful city with a big club and passionate fans. This year my Under-21 international teammates Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Pelizzoli and Matteo Ferrari pressured me to join them and negotiations were in place, but for a series of reasons we couldn’t reach an agreement.”
Gilardino would above all relish the opportunity to create a world class and all-Azzurri trident attack at the Stadio Olimpico.
“Francesco Totti is one of the best players in the world and Antonio Cassano is just unique! Vincenzo Montella is doing great things with Roma now, so I don’t think they really need me.”
The European Under-21 Champion was also linked to some foreign giants, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, but rules out a Premiership move. “I would definitely choose La Liga if I were to go abroad, as it’s just too cold in England.”
Meanwhile, the chilly striker is looking ahead to a new experience with Coach Pietro Carmignani at the Stadio Tardini.
“We spoke and I immediately understood where he was coming from,” concluded Gilardino. “We tested out the system we used last year with Domenico Morfeo supporting me and that can be a real boost for our attacking potential.”
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Ivan Pelizzoli is confident that Roma can again qualify for the Champions’ League this season.
The capital outfit, who have already been eliminated from Europe, have had a disastrous start to the campaign.
But the Giallorossi are now just two points away from a top-four spot and the ‘keeper is remaining optimistic.
"The three points against Brescia last week were vital and if we can stay on this road then we have a chance of finishing where it matters," said the international.
There have been visible signs of improvement for the side over the last few weeks and they’ll be hoping for another victory in Week 16.
But although they will be highly fancied to beat struggling Parma, Pelizzoli respects the Gialloblu.
"We need to win the game but we know that it won’t be very easy for us at all," added the former Atalanta player.
"They have just changed their Coach and all of the players in their squad will be keen to do well."
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Simone Perrotta has added to Roma’s injury woes with a thigh strain, while Fiorentina lose Cristiano Lupatelli for a month.
The Giallorossi midfielder limped off during the early stages of Sunday’s 1-0 win at Brescia and has now been diagnosed with a right thigh strain.
Medical staff have ruled him out of this week’s clash with Parma at the Stadio Olimpico, but are hopeful the Italian international will be back to full fitness in time for the Rome derby on January 6.
Olivier Dacourt is also set to make his comeback in that all-important tie, as he began full training today for the first time since suffering his muscular problem.
Fiorentina also had some bad injury news today, as goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli will be out of action for at least a month.
The former Roma man did not come out for the second half of their 6-0 drubbing at the San Siro on Sunday due to a recurring knee problem.
Lupatelli underwent exploratory surgery on the meniscus ligament and is not expected back on the playing field until mid-January, though he could return in time for the big game with Roma in Week 20.
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Scorer: Mancini pen 93 (R)
Stadio Rigamonti
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Amantino Mancini converted a penalty with literally the last kick of the game as Brescia gifted the win to Roma.
The Giallorossi's main problem this season has been inconsistency, while captain Francesco Totti, goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli and defender Traianos Dellas did not even make the trip out to the Stadio Rigamonti due to injury, but Daniele De Rossi returned from a ban. Brescia, on the other hand, were on a high thanks to their 3-1 win at Reggina.
Antonio Cassano was a major doubt until the last moment, but was able to start and wasted a golden opportunity after seven minutes when he turned Christian Panucci's cutback over the bar from six yards.
Brescia fought back and Andrea Caracciolo got hold of a Stankevicius cross only for his header to go high, then Guana's low drive skimmed the woodwork/
At the other end Cassano again went close, this time his close-range volley palmed over the bar by Luca Castellazzi's fine save, while the goalkeeper got his fingertips to a Montella strike.
There was more bad news for Del Neri, as Simone Perrotta limped off with an injury after just 30 minutes to be replaced by Gaetano D'Agostino.
De Rossi has only just returned from a suspension and was fortunate not to be red-carded before the break after an elbow on Markus Schopp.
Brescia were livid when a free kick was awarded in a promising position, but referee Dondarini then blew the whistle for half-time before it could be taken.
Omar Milanetto drilled wide for the home side and there was controversy when Leandro Cufre's handling offence on a Schopp lob was ignored. The two players were close together, but the arm movement did seem to go towards the ball.
The Rondinelle now had the better of the play and Schopp's effort floated over the bar. Montella was visibly irritated when he was substituted in favour of youth team player Daniele Corvia.
Corvia exchanged passes with Cassano to rush into the box, but he hesitated and turned it wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
At the other end Brescia's counter-attack went nowhere as Mannini couldn't finish off Del Nero's run.
Brescia had the better of the play, but in the final minute Mareco stupidly stuck out an arm and blatantly handled the ball to stop it reaching substitute Mido. Amantino Mancini converted the penalty with literally the last kick of the game. Mareco was distraught and left the field in floods of tears.
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Brescia: Castellazzi; Di Biagio, Stankevicius, Mareco; Martinez, Schopp (Del Nero 78), Guana, Milanetto (Domizzi 73), Dallamano; Caracciolo, Sculli (Mannini 71)
Roma: Zotti; Panucci, Mexes, Ferrari; De Rossi, Perrotta (D'Agostino 31), Cufre', Mancini, Aquilani; Montella (Corvia 62), Cassano (Mido 83)
Ref: Dondarini
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Roma have been massively inconsistent and Gigi Del Neri defended himself against criticism, but has Antonio Cassano back for today’s Brescia test.
“Cassano is fine now,” explained the Coach after his ankle and thigh injuries, “but we’ll need a late fitness test to see whether or not he can start.”
The Italian international is particularly valuable for this match seeing as captain Francesco Totti is suspended, while Ivan Pelizzoli and Traianos Dellas have not even made the journey. Despite this crisis, summer signing Mido will find it difficult to break into the side.
“Mido can become useful, but certainly not in the starting line-up. He says he wants to play and we believe in him, but he has to prove that he is worthy of Roma.”
Instead, youth team product Daniele Corvia has now been permanently promoted to the first team after some impressive performances, including the midweek 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid, but the number of teenagers in the side is causing some concern.
“It is a tactical choice as these players are doing very well,” insisted Del Neri. “Motivation has nothing to do with it. Right now we need points and we’ll have more time to work on my tactics over the Christmas break.”
There has been some controversy over the system used, as almost all the players have publicly come out in favour of the 3-4-3, whereas Del Neri continues to stick with his beloved 4-4-2.
“I prefer Amantino Mancini as a winger and not as a striker,” he explained. “Apart from the system, Roma must put out the best qualities it has at its disposal and those include grit, the willingness to make sacrifices and teamwork.”
The Giallorossi will need all of those elements if they are to get a result away to on form Brescia this afternoon.
“Brescia are confident after their win at Reggina and they are extremely aggressive at the Stadio Rigamonti. Andrea Caracciolo and Gigi Di Biagio are back in the side, so it will be a tough test for us, but I want six points before Christmas.”
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Just when Roma seemed to have turned a corner they ran straight into another poor performance, so it’s anyone’s guess which side will turn up at the Stadio Rigamonti.
Francesco Totti’s late penalty – and the crossbar – rescued them from a shock home defeat to Sampdoria last week and Gigi Del Neri’s problems are clearly far from over. Cristian Chivu, Philippe Mexes, Mido, Gigi Sartor and Damiano Tommasi are still sidelined, while captain Totti is suspended. The return of Antonio Cassano from a bruised ankle gives Del Neri the opportunity to bring back the 3-4-3 system that had proved so successful in the 4-0 destruction of Siena. But the former Chievo boss looks set to stick with his favoured 4-4-2 instead with Daniele De Rossi back from his ban.
Brescia’s confidence was given a massive boost with their 3-1 victory away to fellow relegation battlers Reggina. Before that result, Gianni De Biasi was under pressure as his side had not scored in three games and was sliding towards the drop zone. There has always been an intense and often violent rivalry between the two clubs, so expect fireworks and the key figure could be former Roma veteran Gigi Di Biagio.
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Brescia (probable): Castellazzi; Martinez, Di Biagio, Mareco, Stankevicius; Schopp, Milanetto, Guana, Dallamano; Sculli, Caracciolo
Roma (probable): Pelizzoli; Panucci, Dellas, Ferrari, Cufre; Mancini, De Rossi, Perrotta, Candela; Montella, Cassano
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Romanian striker, suspended at the present after being found positive to taking cocaine, is in rehab. But on his return from the ban will wear the giallorossi shirt. An agreement between the new agent of the player, Alessandro Moggi, and the club was formally reached.
Mutu, in fact, decided to leave the his old agents, Becali and Pretti, to join part of the group GEA. Roma, now look to a future without Cassano (and Totti?), decided to targetthe Romanian champion, who will want to prove himself following his unfortunate English experience.
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Antonio Cassano, Vincenzo Montella and Francesco Totti will play no part in the game against Real Madrid.
The Roma trio are amongst numerous first team regulars who have been omitted from the squad, as the Giallorossi are already out of the Champions’ League.
"I’ve left out a lot of players who need to recover and I hope to have them back for the Brescia trip," explained boss Gigi Del Neri.
"However, I’m sure that we will honour the fixture and give it our best until the very end of the game."
The capital club will also be without Christian Panucci, Mido and the suspended Daniele De Rossi.
"We aren’t going into this game as victims," added the Coach. "Tomorrow’s clash will be an opportunity for those who play to prove themselves.
"We don’t lack motivation even if it is useless to talk too much about the match on Wednesday night.
"I just ask my boys to play with pride and fight against a superb side like Real Madrid. They are good but they’ll allow us some chances.
"What counts is that we can continue with the way we played in the second half against Sampdoria."
Under-21 international Alberto Aquilani is set to play a key role in central midfield. "Although this game isn’t worth anything to us, playing Real is always stimulating," he stated.
Squad: Pelizzoli, Zotti; Sartor, Cufre, Dellas, Ferrari, Mexes, Candela, Briotti; Mancini, Aquilani, D’Agostino, De Martino, Virga, Perrotta; Corvia, Delvecchio, Cerci, Simonetta.
Probable line-up: Pelizzoli; Mexes, Dellas, Ferrari; Cufre, Aquilani, Perrotta, Candela; Mancini, Corvia, Delvecchio.
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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2004/2005
ROMA-REAL MADRID
CONVOCAZIONE
30 AMANTINO
23 AQUILANI
32 CANDELA
11 CORVIA
26 CUFRE'
21 D'AGOSTINO
31 DELLAS
24 DELVECCHIO
8 FERRARI
5 MEXES
22 PELIZZOLI
20 PERROTTA
7 SARTOR
12 ZOTTI
26 CERCI
27 BRIOTTI
29 DE MARTINO
28 VIRGA
35 SIMONETTA
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Francesco Totti is confident that Roma will soon be playing Champions’ League football again.
The Giallorossi face Real Madrid in their last match of the competition on Wednesday, given that they are already eliminated.
Some expect that clash to be their final European Cup tie for some time because of their struggles in Serie A.
But the captain insists that his side has time to recover and end the campaign in the top four - subsequently qualifying for the next Champions’ League.
"Hopefully Wednesday’s game will simply be an ‘arrivederci’ until next season," he told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
"We must make sure that we leave this tournament with honour against Real even if we could be back soon. The season is a long one and we are improving."
Meanwhile, Totti also looked back at the weekend when he became the club’s joint record all-time scorer in Serie A with Roberto Pruzzo.
"I would have wanted to celebrate reaching the 106 mark with a win but we were unlucky against Sampdoria," he stated.
"I never thought that I would reach this figure so soon when you consider that my first goal was 10 years ago at Foggia.
"I promised myself a few weeks ago that I would beat Pruzzo’s tally before the end of this year.
"I now only have one game against Parma to do that as I am suspended for the Brescia trip next weekend."
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Scorers: Pagano 81 (S), Totti pen 84 (R)
Stadio Olimpico
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Francesco Totti's penalty makes him Roma's joint all-time top scorer in Serie A, but also saves them from an embarrassing defeat to Samp. It's a precious point for the Blucerchiati, who stay ahead of them in the table.
Roma hoped their 4-0 thrashing of Siena represented a turning point in their season, but there was bad news as the star of that particular show was injured. Antonio Cassano set up all four goals and suffered a bruised ankle during training this week, so late fitness tests failed and he was not even on the bench. Under-21 international Gaetano D'Agostino stepped in to make it a 4-4-2 system.
Sampdoria opted to stick with Fabio Bazzani and Aimo Diana despite Coach Walter Novellino warning them that another sluggish display would not be tolerated. Both Cristiano Doni and Daniele De Rossi were suspended.
The Giallorossi had a strong start and Totti's volley was wide, but Samp also gave them a scare with Max Tonetto's strike at the far post.
Aquilani was in for De Rossi and his impressive solo run nearly found the net, but his finish let the youngster down. Ex-Roma goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli showed good reactions to smother Totti's powerful effort from ten yards, then Giulio Falcone was able to clear the loose ball from Montella.
Totti was booked for a cynical and rather pointless tackle from behind on Tonetto, so he'll miss next week's trip to Brescia.
There was also a scare for Ivan Pelizzoli, as his palms were stung by a Francesco Flachi snapshot from distance after Aquilani had been dispossessed in midfield, while Totti drilled a long-range effort off target.
Flachi's fierce free kick was smothered by the defensive wall, some desperate Leandro Cufre' defending cleared danger from the lurking Bazzani and D'Agostino was booked for dragging back Cristian Zenoni as Samp began to push forward.
A free kick was not cleared effectively and Palombo had two opportunities charged down, yet Roma should have taken the lead just before the break when Totti's through ball reached D'Agostino, but the chip was weak and easy prey for Antonioli.
Soon after Totti set Simone Perrotta running down the right side of the penalty area and his cutback just couldn't reach Montella.
Samp had the first chance of the second half, as Fabio Bazzani latched on to a corner kick and his header was dealt with by Pelizzoli.
At the other end Antonioli flapped at a cross and then nearly allowed Aquilani to turn in the resulting corner. Totti fired another promising opportunity over the bar as both teams seemed to be lacking in confidence.
Dellas aimed a weak header wide of the target from a deep corner kick and Aquilani sliced at a good chance. Del Neri finally made a substitution to implement a trident attack as Daniele Corvia replaced the disappointing D'Agostino.
There was controversy on the hour mark as Montella was free on goal and dribbled past a defender and goalkeeper, but he fell under what he claimed was a trip and the referee waved play on. Replays suggest there was contact on his knee, so this will be a debated incident.
Totti was one of Roma's only impressive players and ran through the centre with barely any challenge, but his powerful low drive was pushed off target by his old teammate Antonioli.
Moments later the duel continued as the former Roma goalkeeper rushed across the face of goal to palm away a fantastic Totti free kick that had dipped mercilessly over the wall.
It looked as if the Giallorossi were the only side capable of victory, but instead it was Sampdoria who took the lead ten minutes from time. Substitute Biagio Pagano got in front of Mancini and nodded in Bazzani's flick on to silence the Stadio Olimpico.
The finale was more fiery than the entire previous 80 minutes put together, as soon after the referee pointed to the spot for Bazzani's debatable push on Dellas. Totti stepped up and thumped home the penalty to draw Roma level and match Roberto Pruzzo's all-time Serie A record of 106 goals for the Capital club.
Yet there was so nearly a final sting in the tail, as with literally the last kick of the game Francesco Flachi surged forward on the counter-attack and his missile rattled the underside of the crossbar.
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Roma: Pelizzoli; Panucci, Ferrari, Dellas; Cufrè (Candela 90), Aquilani, Perrotta, Mancini; D'Agostino (Corvia 57), Totti, Montella
Sampdoria: Antonioli; Zenoni, Falcone, Castellini, Pisano; Diana (Edusei 61), Volpi, Palombo, Tonetto (Pagano 74); Flachi, Bazzani (Rossini 85)
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Antonio Cassano is almost certain to start against Sampdoria this evening despite an injury, as Gigi Del Neri hopes to make it two wins on the trot.
“Francesco Totti will definitely be in the starting eleven, while Cassano is 90 per cent,” revealed the Roma boss. “We’ll perform a late fitness test, but I am counting on his presence.”
Both players limped out of a training session with injuries on Thursday, though Cassano was the worst hit with a bruised ankle. These were problems Del Neri did not need after losing Mido, Philippe Mexes, Cristian Chivu and Olivier Dacourt for this match.
“Sampdoria are a tough squad,” warned the former Chievo Coach. “They really are built for battle. To win this, we will need the same attitude shown against Siena last week, with everyone united for a common aim. That’s the only way we’ll get back on top.”
That 4-0 victory at the Stadio Artemio Franchi could be a turning point for the troubled club, especially with the new 3-4-3 tactical system.
“The players are starting to understand me and I am beginning to understand them. At last, Roma are turning into a team.”
Del Neri aimed a final sideswipe at Juventus following the doping trial verdict that cleared the club despite finding their chief of medical staff guilty.
“Before making any comments on the Bianconeri, we should wait for the trial to conclude with the appeals process. At Chievo we were repeatedly given surprise tests, but they found nothing but hard work and sweat. If one of my players was using drugs, I’d throw him out immediately. That won’t happen, as I know what my medical staff are doing.”
Roma (probable): Pelizzoli; Panucci, Dellas, Ferrari; Mancini, Perrotta, Aquilani, Cufre; Totti, Montella, Cassano
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Sampdoria may be one point better off than Roma but it’s the Giallorossi who look the more likely to win at the Stadio Olimpico.
Although the capital outfit did lose four games on the trot, they returned with a 4-0 trouncing of Siena in Week 13 when Antonio Cassano set up all four of his side’s goals.That victory also seemed to underline that boss Gigi Del Neri has finally figured out how Cassano, Francesco Totti and Vincenzo Montella can co-exist in the same side.
Roma are now using 3-4-3 tactics which may aid them in their quest to finish the campaign in the top four at the very least.
The tactician might be without the injured Chivu, Dacourt, Panucci, Tommasi, Mexes and Mido. Meanwhile, star midfielder Daniele De Rossi will not feature after he picked up a yellow card at Siena and is subsequently suspended.Samp won their first game for a month when they beat Parma with a very late penalty from Francesco Flachi last week.
That was the club’s first goal after going four matches without rippling the net. They may struggle on Sunday again as creative ace Cristiano Doni is suspended.
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Philippe Mexes has admitted that he is finding it tough to cope with life at Roma right now.
The youngster joined the club from Auxerre in the summer but he’s struggled to live up to his potential."This is the most difficult period of my career," he told French newspaper L’Equipe.
"When the team struggles, then individuals often struggle too."I can’t say that I am satisfied with what is happening but I hope that we can now start to win games with some consistency."We have a very young squad and that was one of the reasons why I accepted Roma’s offer.Perhaps we just need a transitional year to get to know each other a little better."
The capital club have had a disastrous term so far, appointing three new Coaches following the departure of boss Fabio Capello in the summer.
"I had lunch with Capello and he told me that the fact I was talking to him meant that he intended to stay. Then he joined Juventus the day after," added Mexes.
The French international also admits that he’s taking his time to adapt to the Italian championship."It is a League which is very difficult for defenders," he continued. "I have learnt a lot on a physical and tactical level but I’m not enjoying myself as I did at Auxerre."
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