We're currently undefeated in our last 6 matches (4 domestic, and 2 CL) and and needless to say the month of November was quite inspirational to say the least. Hopefully we continue this great run of form throughout December as well, starting this weekend against Chievo. We picked up a few injuries last week, namely Mexes, Perrotta, Tonetto, Cassetti, and Pizarro. Meanwhile Aquilani's status (muscular injury) is still questionable in regards to when he'll actually be able to return. Considering how much Chievo has struggled thus far this season, we should be able to do the job even with out a few of our stars. At the same time though, having Loria start on our backline makes me nervous as hell regardless of who we're playing. Hopefully at least Panucci will be fit and ready to go in the event that Mexes isn't able to make it back in time.
I hope Panucci is ready for this game...i would like to see a Cici-Panucci-Juan-Risse back line if Mexes can't play. And i have to agree...Loria scares the sh!t out of me as well...i prefer not to even see him on the bench. Do we know what the status is of the Mexes injury? I hope it's nothing too serious. Maybe he has a nasty bump and a killer headache at the least. At least we get to see Esposito up close and personal...provided he plays.
Mexes is fine, he's training with the team and will be available this weekend. Panucci is also training with the team again and should be back this weekend. Who cares about that loser. He could score 50 goals for Chievo, I don't want to see him and his gut sticking out of a Roma jersey ever again.
If I was the coach this would be a game I'd start Menez, with Mirko resting for CL. However I doubt Spalletti will see it my way.
I agree with you. The CL match against Bordeaux is even more crucial than this match at this point, at least in regards to starting our star players. I don't wanna sound arrogant, because based on how rough the first couple of months of the season went I'm in no place to, but Chievo really shouldn't be a tough match to gain 3 pts from, even if we don't start all our regulars. I would most definitely rest both Totti and Vucinic for this match, and potentially start Baptista, Menez and Okaka in attack. Although Mexes is fit to go, I still don't wanna risk losing him before the match against Bordeaux, so I'd rather start Panucci in his place at CB (help Panucci shake off some injury rust) and start Cici and Riise on the flanks.
In an ideal world, resting Mirko would be the logical thing to do...same can be said for Totti. But, given the position in the table and the recent good form of Roma...i don't see Spalletti interrupting the process. Sub Mirko and Totti by the 75th min or earlier based on the score line. Give Okaka a chance, it been so long since the kid played for more then 5 minutes.
Vucinic missed training due to a problem with his knee and is a possibly doubt for tomorrow's Chievo-Roma match. Aquilani, Tonetto, and Pizarro are still not ready, while Taddei went back to training with the team.
As predicted by my earlier posting, Mirko will miss the Chievo game. Let's hope it's just pre-cautionary and he is 100% for Bordeaux. Here is the squad list: ARTUR BAPTISTA BRIGHI CASSETTI CICINHO DE ROSSI GRECO JUAN LORIA MARANGON MENEZ MEXES MONTELLA PANUCCI PERROTTA RIISE TADDEI TOTTI VIRGA Will the absence of Mirko be enough to earn a start for Menez? On one hand both Perrotta and Taddei have experienced some problems recently, Perrotta actually missing last weeks match. Maybe it would be wiser to sit Perrotta out with Bordeaux around the corner, after all moving him into the trequartista spot atop the diamond doesn't exactly offer that extra spark to the attack. I'd really like to see Menez and Totti playing together. If there was a match to do it, then playing against last place Chievo should be it. In more humours news Esposito has said that he won't celebrate if he scores against us.
^ HA!! I think Esposito should rejoice if he manages to score...it's not every day it's a cold day in hell!!!!!
I think sitting out Mirko is more of a precautionary measure, and a smart move by Spalletti if anything with that match against Bordeaux coming up. What worries me though is that we may have to suffer through another match where we see Perrotta play in the trequartista role. If anything this match would be the ideal opportunity to give Menez a start so he can prove himself, or at least try to increase his market value ahead of the January transfer period. Alas, this may be wishful thinking on my part. At least our defense appears to be fit and ready to go, although I see Spalletti resting either Panucci or MExes. Probable starting 11: ------------------Doni----------------- -----Cicinho-----Mexes------Juan--------Panucci/Riise -------------------De Rossi-------------------- ------------Brighi--------------Taddei/Perrotta ---------------Perrotta/Menez----------- --------------Totti-----------Baptista---------
Formation according to Carlo Zampa who is in the stadium: Doni Cicinho - Mexes - Juan - Riise De Rossi Perrotta - Brighi Baptista Totti - Menez First time Menez gets to play from the first minute with Totti, and a Totti in great form I might add. Hope he can score a goal, I really think that banging just one goal would do wonders for this kid.
Wow, Spalletti really surprised me here! It's definitely refreshing to see Menez get a start up front with Totti, and I for one am excited to see what he can contribute to the attack alongside Francesco and Baptista. I'm also happy to see Cicinho getting the start, as I think that the guy still has more to offer this club than most people are willing to think. It was definitely also a smart idea for Spalletti to give Panucci the day off and save him for the Bordeaux match.
what a play by menez, beating 2 defenders and a 3rd on a fake! he needs to get more playing time. we can see he has potential, but there is never enough time for him to play and have it develop! play menez more!
Fantastic action by Menes, recieved a long pass from De Rossi, ate a defender and played a wonderful ball to Brighi who shot an easy goal at the keeper.
exactly what i expected from a start from Jeremy, only bright spot from the first half, Totti has been playing very well too. Sad to say but i must have seen Baptista loose the ball at least 10 times, poor game from him
Kind of sucks playing a weak team that is terrified of attacking and content to defend the entire match. End up waiting and hoping for an ugly goal so that the match can start.