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Scorers: Zampagna 12 (M), Parisi 31 (M), Totti 56 (R), Cassano 60 (R), Mancini 82 (R)
Roma completed a spectacular comeback from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Messina 3-2.
Messina made quite a splash just after their promotion when they beat Roma 4-3 in Week 2, a game in which Vincenzo Montella bagged a hat-trick and still found himself on the losing side. The Sicilians had a major slump, but are back on track with three wins in their last four games.
Rudi Voller was still on the bench when the Giallorossi lost that tie and Gigi Del Neri has made sweeping changes, though the defence still looks vulnerable. It was a bizarre encounter for Gaetano D'Agostino, who will join opponents Messina on loan from Monday, and lifelong Roma supporter Marco Storari.
Carlo Zotti was surprisingly chosen to start between the posts and was called into the first save of the game on a long-range Coppola effort.
Messina were more determined and took the lead with a stunning strike from Riccardo Zampagna. The midfielder volleyed in an Iliev cross from eight yards. Zampagna had also netted in the 4-3 thriller in Week 2.
Montella saw a spectacular volley closed down from close range, but it wouldn't have counted anyway as the whistle had been blown for offside.
Francesco Totti's free kick took a touch off Philippe Mexes and Storari managed to punch it out. The tension was high at the Olimpico and Cassano had a furious row with teammate Leandro Cufre' following an error.
One hates to think what Cassano said to goalkeeper Carlo Zotti, as Messina's second goal was certainly his fault. The shot-stopper was well off his line and covering the far post, so Alessandro Parisi saw his moment and fired a long-range strike at the near post from all of 30 metres.
Rehman Rezaei got away with a push on Montella that could easily have led to a penalty, while Zotti flew to palm another Parisi piledriver over the bar.
Roma were extremely sluggish and didn't test Storari once in the first half, so Gigi Del Neri introduced Christian Panucci and Amantino Mancini.
The Capital club was piling on the pressure and eventually pulled one back after 55 minutes. Cassano fought off three defenders to get the cross in to Montella and he hooked it down for Totti's low finish.
Roma fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Chievo a fortnight ago and completed the trick at the Stadio Olimpico. This time Totti turned provider for Cassano's angled strike on the bounce.
Now the momentum was with the Giallorossi and Storari was at full stretch to tip a fantastic long-range missile from Daniele De Rossi over the bar.
Mancini's solo effort was smothered at the near post, then Cassano sprung the offside trap and saw his shot trapped in Storari's legs. The goalkeeper then performed another stunning reaction save on Mancini as Messina were squeezed back into their own half.
The Sicilians struck on the counter-attack and hit the back of the net with Donati, but the goal was disallowed for Nicola Amoruso's push Mexes.
It proved a key decision, as moments later Mancini dribbled past three defenders inside the box to place his finish between Storari and the near post, tying the Messina players in knots.
Roma: Zotti; Ferrari (Panucci 46), Dellas, Mexes; Cufre, Aquilani (Mancini 46), Dacourt, De Rossi; Totti, Cassano, Montella
Messina: Storari; Zoro, Aronica, Rezaei, Parisi; Giampa' (Cristante 64), Coppola, Donati, Zanchi (Sullo 45); Iliev, Zampagna (Amoruso 72)
Ref: Pieri
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Former Portugal international and Liverpool star Luis Abel Xavier is currently on trial at Serie A giants AS Roma.
The 32 year old will undergo a ten day trial period, after which Delneri will decide whether to sign him or not.
Abel Xavier was released by Bundesliga side Hannover 96 last summer, and has not joined a club since.
It appears Roma have selected Xavier as a replacement for Philippe Mexes, in case the young and blond defender gets suspended by TAS as a result of irregularities in his transfer from Auxerre to the Giallorossi.
A verdict is expected early next week.
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Arsenal's French international Thierry Henry launched a campaign against racism entitled "Stand up, Speak up," which aims to make supporters aware of the need to stamp out the problem in football.
Henry had been the subject of racist abuse from Spain's national coach, Luis Aragones, made to one of his players and Henry's Arsenal team-mate Jose Antonio Reyes.
Henry said: "After the recent problems, especially the one with Aragones and the monkeys chants heard during Spain versus England (November 17), I wanted to react.
"Lots of players, like Ronaldinho, have been shocked by those stories. Something needed to be done. It won't perhaps change anything, but doing nothing won't change anything either. Things can change.
"When someone told me (about Aragones' comments), I thought it was a joke but then I heard it on the TV. I reckon he should have been punished more severely by the authorities.
"There is a proverb I like: I forgive but I never forget."
Several initiatives surround this campaign. Two and a half million black and white bracelets are being sold around Europe from February 6, priced two Euros with proceeds going to charity, to raise awareness of the need to stop racism.
Also the national teams of Holland, Portugal, and Russia will play their next friendly matches in special black and white shirts. There will also be a lot of publicity in each of the countries, featuring Henry and Barcelona's Brazilian star Ronaldinho.
Certain countries have representatives on the initiative: Claude Makelele and Philippe Mexes for France, Rio Ferdinand and Ruud van Nistelrooy for England, Adriano and Fabio Cannavaro for Italy, Roberto Carlos and Carles Puyol for Spain, and Otto Addo and Christoph Metzelder for Germany.
Meanwhile FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on January 3 he intended to nominate Henry as an ambassador against racism.
Henry said in Friday's France Football magazine: "If it's really his intention, it's something I would be very proud of and a role I would accept with pleasure."
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Stadio Olimpico
Roma return to the Olimpico to take on Messina in a real six-pointer. After two successive matches on the road, in which the Giallorossi have picked up a useful four points, Luigi Del Neri will be looking to continue this run of form on home turf.
Last season games in the capital virtually guaranteed three points, but the Olimpico has been less kind this year, seeing only four Roma victories to date. Messina are still looking for just their second away victory of the season, and need the points to consolidate their position in mid-table.
The Roma treatment room is still packed with the usual suspects, meaning that Cristian Chivu and Damiano Tommasi all sit this one out. Christian Panucci and Simone Perrotta have both been struggling with injuries, but are hopeful for a return. Amantino Mancini is in Brazil for family reasons but could be back by the weekend.
Messina Coach Bortolo Mutti must manage without Mamede, Riccardo Zampagna and Luca Fusco.
Roma (probable): Pelizzoli, Ferrari, Mexes, Dellas, Cufre, Aquilani, De Rossi, Dacourt, Totti, Montella, Cassano
Messina (probable): Storari, Zoro, Aronica, Rezaei, Parisi, Iliev, Coppola, Donati, Sullo, Amoroso, Di Napoli
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Dino Zoff’s debut on the Fiorentina bench was a 1-0 quarter-final defeat at Roma, but the performance was reassuring for the new Coach.
Ex-Lazio boss Zoff returned to his old hunting ground of the Stadio Olimpico. These two teams had met just three days ago in Serie A, with Roma winning 2-1 in Florence. The tie was originally set to be played behind closed doors due to crowd trouble, but the Capital club won its appeal to bring in the fans.
Zoff’s first change was to adopt a more solid 4-4-2 system, but the Viola were too intent on defending in the first half and invited the home side to come forward.
Cristiano Lupatelli rushed off his line to block Daniele Corvia’s run and replays show he handled outside the area, but the referee waved play on.
The Fiorentina goalkeeper was again forced to rush off his line to close down Corvia and Vincenzo Montella, but the deadlock was eventually broken just before half-time. Gaetano D’Agostino floated in a free kick for the unmarked Daniele De Rossi’s header.
Both sides lost players to injury, as Olivier Dacourt and Daniele Delli Carri limped off during the first half, while the home fans felt they deserved a penalty for Christian Maggio’s handling offence.
Fiorentina introduced Martin Jorgensen for Enrico Fantini and were immediately more dangerous going forward.
Fabrizio Miccoli dispossessed Matteo Ferrari and his fierce half-volley brought a tough save out of Carlo Zotti. From the resulting corner kick, the young goalkeeper again relied on his instincts to palm away William Viali’s free header.
Roma hit back with a cheeky D’Agostino free kick at the near post, but Lupatelli was able to readjust his position in time to block it on the line.
However, Fiorentina were clearly the better side in the second half and Zotti flew to push a curling Miccoli set-piece out of the far corner.
Roma win this first leg, but with such a slender scoreline the quarter-final remains very much in the balance ahead of the deciding match on March 16.
Scorers: De Rossi 40 (R)
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| Scorers: Maresca 20 (F), Cassano 23 (R), Montella 67 (R) | ||
| Stadio Artemio Franchi | ||
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| Vincenzo Montella completed Roma's comeback to conquer Fiorentina's Stadio Artemio Franchi 2-1. Both these teams were having problems going into this tie at the Stadio Franchi. Fiorentina had picked up just one point from their last three games and Christian Rigano' was on the bench after fracturing a finger, so Enrico Fantini supported Fabrizio Miccoli. The Giallorossi made the trip without Christian Panucci, Simone Perrotta, Amantino Mancini - who was on compassionate leave - Marco Delvecchio and Vincent Candela. Under-21 international Alberto Aquilani stepped in to a wide position he is not particularly happy with, while Vincenzo Montella was fresh from scoring four goals in his last two games. There was some panicked defending in the Viola area after just 30 seconds when Francesco Totti found Montella, while at the other end Miccoli's free kick was curled over the bar. Enzo Maresca's attempt was pushed round the post for a corner kick, then ex-Roma goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli had to be aware for a close-range save on Antonio Cassano's effort at the near post. There was controversy on 14 minutes when Cassano saw a goal disallowed for an incorrect offside decision. Moments later Fiorentina had a similar problem, as Ivan Pelizzoli only parried Enrico Fantini's long-range strike into the path of Miccoli, but this was also wrongly ruled out for offside. Miccoli was booked for dissent and will be suspended for next week's game at Cagliari. The deadlock was eventually broken after 20 minutes, though Pelizzoli was certainly at fault. Enzo Maresca unleashed a rocket from 25 metres and the 'keeper only scuffed it as the ball bounced just in front of him. It was not a good day for goalkeepers, as three minutes later Roma drew level. Fiorentina claimed they should have had a free kick for Olivier Dacourt's challenge on Maresca, but Cassano ran on to Totti's pass and placed an angled drive under Lupatelli's body. The Giallorossi then saw two shots charged down from Traianos Dellas and Dacourt, while Aquilani almost scored an own goal when he deflected a free kick past his post. Cassano ran down the left flank after combining passes with Totti and chipped in a cross for Montella's head, but the Fiorentina defence just about managed to clear with Lupatelli stranded. Roma nearly scored a spectacular goal on 56 minutes when Totti saw Lupatelli off his line and thumped it from the halfway line, but the 'keeper just about managed to scramble back for an acrobatic save. Vincenzo Montella had been extremely quiet up until the 67th, but he surprised the Viola defence and Lupatelli to give Roma the lead. He gathered a throw-in, spun round his marker and nutmegged the goalkeeper at the near post for his 17th of the season. Nakata was disappointing again and made way for centre-forward Christian Rigano', but Roma threatened again with a save on Cassano. Miccoli was fortunate not to be shown a second yellow card when he dived in the hope of winning a penalty, then Pelizzoli scrambled a Maresca piledriver clear. Fiorentina nearly snatched an equaliser on 79 minutes, as Miccoli's low free kick shaved the near post by a matter of centimetres. It remained a very open game and Cassano met Totti's pass only to see it pushed out for a corner kick. Despite six minutes of stoppages, Fiorentina were unable to muster enough pressure to get an equaliser. | ||
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| Fiorentina: Lupatelli; Delli Carri, Viali, Dainelli; Chiellini, Nakata (Rigano' 69), Piangerelli, Maresca, Ariatti; Fantini (Valdes 82), Miccoli Roma: Pelizzoli; Dellas, Mexes, Ferrari; Cufrè, Aquilani, De Rossi, Dacourt (Sartor 65); Totti, Montella (D'Agostino 89), Cassano Ref: Ayroldi | ||
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The Giallorossi face another very stern test of their Champions’ League ambitions, as Fiorentina are slowly rediscovering their form.
Fabrizio Miccoli’s stunning strike earned the Viola an important point away to Brescia last week and Christian Riganò returns from a hand injury to bolster their attack force. Enzo Maresca and William Viali are also back following suspension and hope to grab a morale-boosting victory after picking up just one point in their last three games.
Sergio Buso’s job is on the line, so the pressure is on the Stadio Artemio Franchi outfit. It will be an intriguing tie for Hidetoshi Nakata, who never really warmed to the Giallorossi fans during his time there.
Roma are also far from relaxed at the moment, as their 2-2 draw at Chievo highlighted some disastrous defending. Philippe Mexes and Matteo Ferrari were particularly at fault for the two early goals, though Vincenzo Montella confirmed his Capocannoniere status with a spectacular brace to recover from 2-0 down.
Simone Perrotta remains sidelined with a thigh injury, but Olivier Dacourt should now be fit enough to return to the starting eleven after a substitute appearance in that game.
Fiorentina (probable): Lupatelli; Maggio, Ujfalusi, Dainelli, Chiellini; Ariatti, Maresca, Obodo; Nakata, Miccoli; Riganò
Roma (probable): Pelizzoli; Mexes, Dellas, Ferrari; Mancini, De Rossi, Aquilani, Cufre; Totti, Montella, Cassano
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Scorer: Pellissier 15 (C), Tiribocchi 20 (C), Montella 34, 52 (R)
Stadio Bentegodi
Vincenzo Montella struck twice - one a truly spectacular bicycle-kick - as Roma recovered from 2-0 down to earn a point against Gigi Del Neri's old club.
Del Neri returned to face his former club for the first time since leaving for Porto in the summer. Roma were still reeling from the row with a small group of supporters that prompted Francesco Totti to issue his latest quit threats, while Christian Panucci, Simone Perrotta and Vincent Candela were sidelined.
Chievo had even worse problems with a string of dismal results and a trio of suspended stars, Daniele Franceschini, Amauri and Matteo Brighi, while Federico Cossato is injured, so Coach Mario Beretta moved Salvatore Lanna up to a midfield role.
Totti wanted to answer his critics and poured his rage into a free kick which skimmed the crossbar with great power.
Luca Marchegiani performed a fine save on Antonio Cassano and saw Vincenzo Montella tap in the loose ball, but their efforts were all in vain as Cassano was quite clearly standing in an offside position.
However, it was Chievo who took a surprise lead after 15 minutes. The Roma defence was at fault, particularly Philippe Mexes, as Sergio Pellissier was allowed to latch on to Roberto Baronio's long pass and place his finish past Ivan Pelizzoli.
The defence was again a shambles five minutes later when Simone Tiribocchi was given all the time in the world to chest down Pellissier's cross and fired it in from eight yards as Matteo Ferrari was caught ball-watching.
Cassano touched on Totti's cross and Montella was just unable to get the final touch from close range, but Chievo were running riot and Pellissier ran past Pelizzoli, but the angle was too narrow and the ball trickled wide of an empty net.
Roma got back into the game soon after, as Totti's cross was tapped in by Montella at the far post at the end of a fine team move started by Under-21 international Alberto Aquilani.
John Mensah's crucial intervention prevented Montella from scoring and another effort went off target.
Pelizzoli has been criticised of late, but he saved Roma in first half stoppages with a stunning save. Franco Semioli's shot from the edge of the box took a massive deflection off Tiribocchi and the goalkeeper readjusted his position at the last moment.
At the start of the second half Totti's set-piece was deflected just wide by the defensive wall, but Roma drew level on 52 minutes with a magnificent goal. Totti's cross came in and Vincenzo Montella secured his Capocannoniere status with a perfect bicycle-kick.
Totti's missile of a free kick stung Marchegiani's palms, then Salvatore Lanna's counter-attack was charged down by Traianos Dellas, while Cassano sprung the offside trap on Totti's pass and aimed a weak finish straight at the goalkeeper.
Roma really should have taken the lead on 71 minutes when a marvellous Totti solo run sent Montella alone into the box, but he incredibly drilled wide of the target with only Marchegiani to beat.
Cassano wasted another golden opportunity for the Giallorossi's third soon after, as the final stages were a siege on Marchegiani's net. Yet the home side could have sneaked a win with Pellissier's counter-attack, but there was nobody to support his run.
Chievo: Marchegiani; Moro, D'Anna, Mandelli, Mensah; Lanna, Pellissier, Baronio (Malago' 76), Sammarco; Semioli, Tiribocchi (Luciano 66)
Roma: Pelizzoli; Mexes, Dellas, Ferrari; Mancini, Aquilani (Agostino 87), De Rossi (Dacourt 76), Cufre; Totti, Montella, Cassano
Ref: Morganti
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Stadio Bentegodi
Gigi Del Neri prepares for his homecoming party against a Chievo side in turmoil, but can inconsistent Roma take advantage?
The tactician shot to fame when he took Chievo to Serie A for the first time in their history, going on to qualify for the UEFA Cup and maintain regularly comfortable positions in the table. His time at Porto may have been brief, but his Roma spell has certainly been eventful.
The 3-1 derby defeat to Lazio put the pressure on and the side showed just how reliant they are on hitman Vincenzo Montella when he scored both goals in their slender win over Atalanta at the weekend. The midfield should be shored up by the return from suspension of Simone Perrotta, Leandro Cufre and Alberto Aquilani.
Chievo’s form has plummeted since President Luca Campedelli went into negotiations to sell the club and they are sliding down the standings with three consecutive defeats against Fiorentina, Siena and Bologna. Coach Mario Beretta is also forced to do without suspended trio Franceschini, Amauri and Matteo Brighi, so Simone Tiribocchi, Andrea Zanchetta and Luciano should step into the breach.
Chievo (probable): Marchegiani; Moro, Mandelli, D’Anna, Lanna; Semioli, Zanchetta, Baronio, Luciano; Tiribocchi, Cossato
Roma (probable): Pelizzoli; Panucci, Dellas, Ferrari; Mancini, De Rossi, Perrotta, Cufre; Totti, Montella, Cassano
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The Capital club is desperately trying to calm the storm caused by fans hurling bottles at a furious Francesco Totti.
The incident occurred during Thursday’s Coppa Italia win at Siena and prompted the captain to warn he would reconsider his future.
“Francesco confirmed his feelings when we spoke on the phone,” revealed Roma director Rosella Sensi, “but assured me they were directed at the small group of fans and not to the club. Now the real supporters should help us isolate these characters.”
Totti’s rapport with his home town has been all that kept him at Roma for so many years, so his bitter statements led to Inter offering him a new start for next season.
“His anger and disappointment is why he is the real captain of this side,” added Sensi on ‘Roma Channel’. “Francesco represents Roma and asked for the fans to stop throwing objects, so to see himself treated that way was very hurtful.”
Now the Giallorossi plan to reassure Totti by turning on the small group of wayward supporters en masse.
“We are all thoroughly ashamed, myself included, to see a few false fans ruin the image of the club and this city. Totti and I ask the real Tifosi to help us kick these people out of the stadium.”
However, this latest setback could not have come at a worse time, as Totti is still in delicate contract renegotiations with the troubled club. Inter have already made their readiness to sign the Italian international clear, while Real Madrid and Milan are also keeping a close eye on the situation.
To make matters worse, the Roma fans themselves are split on the issue. Legendary player Bruno Conti has defended the captain, but other supporters claim Totti has issued one
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Roma have destroyed Siena in the Coppa Italia during a bizarre match which was suspended for over an hour.
The Giallorossi won 5-1 in Tuscany but only after the referee was forced to stop the game, as a result of the mist created by flares thrown from the Roma section of the crowd.
Away fans ignited so many fireworks inside the stadium that official Morganti brought a halt to the game after 35 minutes.
Roma captain Francesco Totti was even forced to plead with those who continued to hurl lighted flares from the Curva.
Gigi Del Neri’s side had already taken the lead by then thanks to goals from Traianos Dellas and Totti.
The game seemed set to be abandoned before the smoke somewhat surprisingly lifted an hour later.
Siena, who would later see Bruno Cirillo dismissed, immediately got back into the tie when Totti handled the ball in the area on 44 minutes. Massimo Maccarone stepped up to convert the spot kick.
Roma dominated the second half though as Antonio Cassano, Vincenzo Montella and Daniele Corvia ensured a 6-3 aggregate win and a baptism of fire for new Siena boss Luigi De Canio.
Roma now play Fiorentina in the last eight.
Siena 1-5 Roma (3-6 on agg)
Scorers: Dellas (R) 12, Totti (R) 35, Maccarone pen (S) 44, Cassano (R) 46, Montella (R) 49, Corvia (R) 65
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The Giallorossi get back to winning ways, although it proved just how much this team relies on Vincenzo Montella for goals.
The pressure is building on Roma boss Gigi Del Neri following their humiliating 3-1 derby defeat to local rivals Lazio midweek. The Giallorossi had Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani and Leandro Cufre' suspended, though Vincenzo Montella returned from a ban to restore their trident attack. Ivan Pelizzoli was sent to the stands due to a bout of flu, though some believe it was linked with his poor performance in the derby.
Atalanta were still celebrating their first win of the season, beating Fiorentina 1-0, but Gianpaolo Pazzini and suspended duo Demetrio Albertini and Bellini were on the sidelines.
Massimo Taibi was also a doubt with a shoulder problem and he spilled a powerful Francesco Totti free kick early on. The goalkeeper then readjusted his position to clear Montella's angled drive with his feet, though he accidentlly hit his head on the upright.
Antonio Cassano threaded through for Montella, but Natali performed a decisive challenge when it seemed certain he would score.
Cassano dispossessed Natali and allowed Totti to strike just wide, but the deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half-time. Totti was again involved, providing the sweeping cross for Montella to tap in from seven yards.
Montella has been their top scorer this season and was sorely missed, netting Roma's second on the hour mark by redirecting a Totti free kick with a remarkably accurate razor-sharp angled drive.
Marcolini gave Atalanta hope in the final minutes by nodding in Lazzari's cross.
Roma: Zotti; Mexes, Dellas, Ferrari; Mancini, De Rossi, D'Agostino (De Martino 78), Panucci; Totti, Montella, Cassano
Atalanta: Taibi; Innocenti (Lazzari 59), Sala, Natali, Rivalta, Zenoni, Mingazzini (Bernardini 79), Migliaccio, Marcolini, Montolivo (Motta 65), Budan
Ref: Tombolini
Sent off: Lazzari 89 (A)
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The pressure is piling on Roma boss Gigi Del Neri following their disastrous derby defeat, but Atalanta are on a high after their first win of the season.
The Giallorossi were the favourites going into Thursday’s Derby della Capitale, but came out of that clash with a 3-1 defeat and an embarrassing overall performance. Inconsistency has been a major problem throughout the campaign, but they were particularly ineffective in that most crucial of games.
Vincenzo Montella returns from suspension to restore the trident attack, but Del Neri is again forced to reshuffle with Leandro Cufre, Alberto Aquilani and Simone Perrotta all handed one-match bans. This means that we’ll see youth team player De Martino come into the side and Christian Panucci pushed further up the field.
Atalanta may still be propping up the table, but their first victory of the campaign has certainly been a confidence booster. Igor Budan marked his comeback following knee surgery with the winning goal against Fiorentina – the first the team had scored in six rounds – and their fans’ long-standing rivalry with Roma ensures this will be another fiery encounter.
Ex-Lazio man Demetrio Albertini cannot return to the Stadio Olimpico, as he is suspended along with Bellini, so Migliaccio and Bernardini take the reins in midfield.
Roma (probable): Pelizzoli; Mexes, Dellas, Ferrari; Mancini, De Rossi, De Martino, Panucci; Totti, Montella, Cassano
Atalanta (probable): Taibi; Innocenti, Sala, Natali, Rivalta; Zenoni, Bernardini, Migliaccio, Marcolini; Montolivo, Pazzini
Ref: Tombolini
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Scorers: Di Canio 29 (L), Cassano 68 (R), Cesar 73 (L), Rocchi 84 (L)
Stadio Olimpico
Paolo Di Canio's spectacular volley inspired Lazio to a memorable 3-1 Derby della Capitale win over rivals Roma, their first in the last ten editions of this showdown.
There can be few more difficult debut games than the Rome derby, but new Lazio Coach Giuseppe Papadopulo went into this clash as a former Biancocelesti player, so he was prepared for the fiery atmosphere. It was further fuelled during the week by the two club captains trading insults in the press.
Papadopulo was forced to deal with several injuries to Fernando Couto, Oscar Lopez, Antony Seric and Luciano Zauri, so Giuliano Giannichedda moved into a new central defensive position, while Roma were dealt a massive blow by top-scorer Vincenzo Montella's ill-timed one-match ban.
There was a great chance for Lazio after 49 seconds, as Tommaso Rocchi pounced on an Ivan Pelizzoli fumble, but he was unable to make the most of the slip.
As expected, it was a fiery encounter and Emanuele Filippini was booked for going through the back of Mancini within eight minutes.
Lazio were more dangerous in the early play and Pelizzoli only pushed a powerful Cesar snapshot round the post with some difficulty. Rocchi then robbed Matteo Ferrari and almost got his cross in to Paolo Di Canio in an unmarked position.
A scuffle broke out between Francesco Totti and Antonio Filippini when the Lazio man charged in with a crunching tackle, but the Biancocelesti were clearly playing better and it took a spectacular Christian Panucci header to prevent Cesar pushing in Di Canio's chip with Pelizzoli beaten.
Roma hit back on 23 minutes with a Simone Perrotta header comfortably saved, but their defence was again exposed by Cesar and the Brazilian's poor first touch allowed Traianos Dellas to recover.
The goal was in the air, but few expected one quite so spectacular. On the half-hour mark Fabio Liverani chipped up a pass for Di Canio, who got inbetween the two central defenders and hit a perfect volley over Pelizzoli. The returning hero could not have asked for a better way to mark his first Derby della Capitale goal since 1989, even if he angered Roma supporters by celebrating under their end.
The tension rose further with a series of tense scuffles between the players and a list of yellow cards. Totti sprinted forward and drilled his finish wide from the edge of the box, but Lazio again went close with Liverani's deflected free kick.
Gigi Del Neri had to make changes and introduced teenage striker Daniele Corvia in place of defender Matteo Ferrari. Their attitude was certainly different, as within seconds Leandro Cufre's diving header was charged down by Massimo Oddo's body.
Moments later there was some splendid interplay and Totti's deflected effort was pushed away from Angelo Peruzzi by a Mancini handling offence, for which the Brazilian was booked.
Under-21 international Aquilani replaced the injured Perrotta and Roma had an extraordinary opportunity to draw level. Totti's floated free kick took Peruzzi by surprise and Cufre' only had to get his shot on target from eight yards, but scuffed the ball well wide.
There were penalty appeals for Daniele De Rossi's last-ditch challenge on Antonio Filippini, which sparked a furious response from the Lazio fans and play was halted for several minutes as objects and flares were thrown on to the pitch. A firework exploded close to Totti and referee Paolo Dondarini, leaving both dizzy and in need of treatment.
Play resumed and on 69 minutes Roma grabbed an equaliser. Panucci found space down the right flank and put in a mid-height cross for Antonio Cassano's glancing header at the near post. The Italian international had to crouch in order to get the right contact from six yards and showed quick thinking to get on the end of the cross.
However, the scoreline lasted only a few moments before Lazio restored their lead. The defence was again distracted, leaving Cesar all the time he needed to prepare for his half-volley into the far corner of the net.
Rocchi sprinted through the centre of the Roma defence and went round Pelizzoli, but the goalkeeper succeeded in narrowing the angle and the chance went begging.
The result was put beyond doubt with six minutes left on the clock, as Rocchi sprung the offside trap and made the most of Pelizzoli's wayward rush off his line to walk the ball into an empty net.
There were seven minutes of stoppages due to the number of yellow cards and the flare incident, but a disheartened Roma was unable to get back into the game. There was time for Di Canio to be granted a standing ovation from his home fans, something that irritated Dellas.
Lazio: Peruzzi, Oddo, Talamonti, Giannichedda, E Filippini, A Filippini, Dabo (Manfredini 89), Liverani, Cesar, Di Canio (Inzaghi 92), Rocchi (Muzzi 87)
Roma: Pelizzoli, Ferrari (Corvia 46), Dellas, Mexes, Cufre`, De Rossi (Candela 79), Perrotta (Aquilani 58), Panucci, Cassano, Totti, Mancini
Ref: Dondarini
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The Rome derby is upon us and the stage is set for a fiery battle between two teams who need a victory – both for the table and above all psychologically.
Lazio have slid down to 15th position – just four points clear of the relegation zone – with their humiliating defeat at Udinese. That result proved the final straw for Mimmo Caso, who was sacked and replaced by former Siena Coach Giuseppe Papadopulo.
He could not have asked for a tougher debut match at a big club, as the Derby della Capitale has become a watchword for passion and occasionally violence. Last year this tie had to be abandoned at half-time due to crowd trouble and there were appeals to have this evening game rescheduled for an afternoon kick-off to cut down on further problems. This is set to be even more fiery than ever, as both clubs are struggling and need to prove to their fans that their hearts are in the fight.
Nobody typifies that attitude more than Paolo Di Canio, who positively bleeds blue and white. The veteran is leading by example, as shown by his brace in the 3-3 draw with Lecce, and pushed his teammates to resume training a day early in preparation for this showdown.
With Caso gone, Di Canio has even more power within the club and is essentially an assistant manager on the field. Roberto Muzzi is also a Lazio fan from childhood and should partner the former West Ham star in place of Simone Inzaghi. Sebastiano Siviglia, an ex-Roma player, is suspended and makes way for Talamonti in defence.
If the situation at Lazio is hairy, then Roma aren’t doing much better. Gigi Del Neri has failed to give the team any consistency, as they go from stunning 5-1 demolitions of Parma to dismal performances against Brescia, Sampdoria and Reggina.
The real tragedy for them now is that top scorer Vincenzo Montella will be banned from taking part in the most eagerly awaited game of the season, picking up a silly yellow card for a handling offence. Del Neri could shelve the trident attack in favour of a 4-4-2 system with Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano upfront, or push Amantino Mancini further up the field in support, while Mido and Marco Delvecchio – the man who has scored more Rome derby goals than any other – are alternative options.
Lazio (probable): Peruzzi; Oddo, Talamonti, Couto, Seric; A Filippini, Giannichedda, Dabo; Pandev, Di Canio; Muzzi
Roma (probable): Pelizzoli; Mexes, Dellas, Ferrari; Panucci, Perrotta, De Rossi, Cufre; Mancini, Totti, Cassano
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