Roma goes through comfortably in the Coppa Italia quarter finals by beating Entella 4-0. Next we will play Fiorentina in Florence. Straight Cup tie. All according to schedule.
Entella is a weak opponent, though in the first half they had a couple of chances to equalize, but then the gap was really too obvious, in short, an unreliable test. So, we do not give any opinion on the team, neither about Schick, who scored a double, nor Pastore or the young Riccardi, who by all accounts is already a phenomenon. We’ll see.
But in the meantime, we want to talk about Rick Karsdorp. Dutch International at 20, a full-back with pace and technique, long forgotten. First too many injuries, then disagreements with Di Francesco – but also language problems and poor integration with the group and the Roma world. Being out for a long time did not help him. His countryman Strootman, however, learned’ Italian in a few months, whilst he still does not speak much in almost two years in Rome.
Nevertheless, it seems something has changed. Eusebio put it on the pitch, the right opportunity to evaluate his desire and ability. And he repaid. Commitment and abnegation, pace and explosiveness, technique and arrogance, at times he even reminded us of Maicon. But same as the Brazilian left back, he cannot defend either – clearly – he started his career as an attacking winger. The Club did well to believe in him it and not to send it away on loan. If improves also mentally we have a valid alternative for the various Florenzi, Santon and Kolarov.
For Roma now comes a match cycle that must only bring positive results. It starts again Saturday at the Olimpico against Torino. We are confident, but rest assured the Granatas will not play the same as Entella. Forza Roma!
