Tag: as roma corner

0 Viewpoint: The Kolarov saga

24 luglio 2017
Stefano Sale
· As Roma Corner

Hello everyone! AS Roma Corner is back, ready to restart with the new season, talking about our beloved Roma.

We have left this space with the the last game of the season still in mind, the last game of Francesco Totti with the Roma jersey. Totti-Day was remarkable, emotional and we cannot still believe it’s all over. We are slowly trying to get it over, 25 sensational years with our Captain at the helm, the greatest Roma player of all time and arguably one of the greatest footballers ever seen in Italian football history.

What’s happened since Totti quitting? Lots going on. First and foremost, Francesco Totti is soon to become a Roma Director. What will be doing? We don’t know yet, and the man himself said he does not know yet. He said he will step in and figure what, slowly but surely. In the meantime, the team is in the US playing a number of friendlies at the International Champions Cup. We have new additions such as Gonalons, Moreno, Karsdorp, Pellegrini, Cengiz Under, Defrel and latest signing Alexander Kolarov coming into the frame. New Sporting Director Monchi is looking to bring another player name, Riyhad Mahrez. We will see what happens there.

Meanwhile the purchase of former Lazio Kolarov is a big debate because of his Lazio past experience. One may disagree, but we would like to clarify the following.

1. From the technical point of view, little to complain about, such a quick and experience is needed on the left-hand side.

2. He said he will give 100% and Lazio from now is an enemy on the field.

3. His decision to come to Roma is proof that he does not really care much about Lazio, instead, it is a great deal to Lazio fans!

4. If some Roma fans do not want him then why didn’t they question about Zeman, Fuser, Peruzzi or Mihajlovic?

5. Kolarov is not a Lazio fan, nowhere near the likes of former player Lionello Manfredonia, this is nothing in comparison. The romanticism is nearly over in world football. Francesco Totti was the last emblem representing that kind of romance. Today there are only professional players out there, and Kolarov is one of them, looking to make an impact and give 100% to our Club. That’s why we say welcome Kolarov and Forza Roma!

Stefano Sale @AS Roma Club Ireland

0 Chievo-Roma 3-5: “Almost done”

21 maggio 2017
Flavia Miglietta
· News · Primo Piano 2 · Rubriche · Stagione 2016-17

“It did not start so well, at all. Twice down, the wrong attitude and a lot of mistakes in defense. Embarrassing. Chievo’s goals exposed Roma’s defense as something to be worried about. Many of us we thought of the worst to come, the typology of the game and the history of Roma football club in that sense. It was a relief in the second half, when Roma rolled up their socks, and superiority eventually prevailed. El Sharaawy was still decisive scoring two, same as Salah, and a great goal of Dzeko to make five.

Second place target nearly almost done, despite Napoli win over Fiorentina. Roma can still win the Scudetto theoretically, if Juve does not win against Crotone and Bologna. But we know that will not happen. Now close to second place, we have to beat Genoa on the last game of the season, next Sunday.

Meanwhile, the news reports that Spalletti would have told the Club he’s leaving, and so it is likely that Totti will remain, as a director. No official statement yet, however, they will definitely come after Roma Genoa, after mission accomplished, fingers crossed. We cannot fail. Daje Roma!”.

Stefano Sale @asroma.ie

0 Pescara-Roma 1-4: “Easy peasy”

25 aprile 2017
Flavia Miglietta
· News · Primo Piano 2 · Rubriche

“An easy win for the gaillorossi last night. Pescara are really poor, no wonder they got relegated to Serie B last night with 6 games still to play. Roma started very bright from the very start; managed to create 7 clear chances in the first 18 minutes, and had a goal disallowed. But it was only able to break the deadlock at the end of the first half with a double sucker-punch by Strootman and Nainggolan that virtually ended the match.

The second half saw another two goals from Salah and then happens what you don’t expect. 4-0 up and Edin Dzeko get substituted. He does not take it well with the coach, he wanted to score a goal, too. He’s competing for the Serie A top scorers and the European Golden Boot. Whether right or wrong, the coach made a decision, he’s paid for that. You might argue your points with Spalletti and his changing habits with the players, resting or not resting certain players. But he decides, right or wrong, we will see at the end of the season. That’s it.

Monchi: the new Sporting Director was unveiled yesterday. The Sevilla man landed out of the blue at Rome Airport, went to Trigoria training grounds, sign a 4-year deal and headed straight to Pescara to meet the coach and players. He’s bringing a breath of fresh air, and he’s someone who takes decisions. That’s what Roma needs at the moment. He’s at work already, fully operational from today. Spalletti future, Totti and De Rossi’s future, the upcoming transfer market and much more on the table. Good luck Mr. Rodriguez Verdejo”.

Stefano Sale @ asroma.ie

0 Bologna-Roma 0-3: “Reaction”

10 aprile 2017
Flavia Miglietta
· Campionato · News · Primo Piano 2 · Rubriche

“Roma reacts positively after the derby ‘blow’. It does so in a dramatic fashion at the Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, in front of many Roma fans. It was a convincing performance by the Giallorossi. A win with relative ease fuelled with personality despite two glaring chances for Bologna that could reopen the game at some point. But Roma managed to capitalized all that created and controlled the game easily afterwards. Cynical and concrete for once. Goals by Fazio, Salah and Dzeko sealed the win. The opposition saw the usual Mattia Destro with a grudge, but it was not enough this time. So, a clear victory to keep up the race, the chase of Juve still open, despite everything. And tonight a look at Lazio-Napoli, chasing Roma instead.

For the rest, we can only comment on the words of Luciano Spalletti, who still again highlights the fact that Roma could have achieved more this year, was not the numerous injuries, the January transfer window as missed opportunity. The denoted his thought, including a superficial management by the American owners.

Indeed he may be right here, also because despite having failed all of the key games of the season we recognize that he also made a small miracle with 11/13 players to rely upon all season. But at the same time, we thought that with the departure of Sabatini he had more power in choosing players. But then they ended up buy him no one.

One could also mention that those on the bench are almost always remained mostly on the bench. When there was a need and possibility of someone to rest and catch his breath, he hardly made changes. Most of the subs were made towards the end of matches, even when a win was almost certain. When Bruno Peres seemed unfit to be a regular for a long time, he always played him, and only now and realized that is better to leave him on the bench. Not to mention Gerson, Vermaelen, Mario Rui, Grenier and Francesco Totti. Practically almost never used. So, you can ‘say that at least 5 elements were never taken into consideration by the technician, generating a negative impact in the long-term. You’re right dear Luciano, like this you cannot win.

At this stage, the important thing is that a decision has been taken and communicated, so that the new Monchi era can begin, with or without Spalletti”.

Stefano Sale @asroma.ie

0 Roma-Sassuolo 3-1: “Second half, second place”

20 marzo 2017
Flavia Miglietta
· Campionato · News · Primo Piano 2 · Rubriche

“Second half, Roma enter the field, play well, scored two more to win the match. What about the first half? Apart from a couple of chances, and Salah ‘s equalizer at the end of the first half, Sassuolo came and put Roma under pressure big time, scored a goal, and could have doubled the advantage easily with Defrel, Politano and Pellegrini. All Roma related players somehow. Defrel was apparently close to join Roma in January but apparently either Sassuolo did not want to sell or Roma did not come up with a suitable offer. Politano is a Rome born, on loan to Sassuolo but then the Nero Verdi paid the buy out clause to sign him permanently. Pellegrini was another on loan but will definitely come back to Trigoria in the summer.

After the first half in the hands of Sassuolo, Roma came back in the second half, displayed a convincing performance especially after Edin Dzeko came on the pitch. He made the difference and scored another beautiful goal. The team controlled and clinched the result thanks to Dzeko’s incision. Now 21 in Serie A, 34 in all competitions. Great numbers for the Bosnian! Second place is ours again. Napoli kept at bay.

Off the pitch: President Pallotta is in town. New stadium on top of his agenda, Spalletti renewal, plans and programming for the future. We heard the Roma boss talking to the media. We believe his opinions and his way of thinking clash with the Roma coach. Both parties seem far away from each other, you can sense that, unless what we see is not the real story.

Spalletti is not going to renew unless Pallotta plans and programmes include not only invest on new players but also not selling our best ones. He wants to know next years the big one are still here. And rightly so. Pallotta’s comments aren’t reassuring at all. He talks about young players currently on loan (at Sassuolo as well), Primavera and the fact there isn’t a need to do big spending. The coach is not impressed, we can see that. The fans are not impressed, either. There is a real possibility Spalletti will leave Roma at the end of the season, both parties might already know that but aren’t talking because of the current open championship and Coppa Italia still to fight for. But we hope they have talked, and clarified so everyone can move on, regardless.

International duties next, then, Empoli in two weeks time. Time to break. Forza Roma!”.

Stefano Sale @ ASROMA EIRE

0 Sampdoria-Roma 3-2: “Setback”

30 gennaio 2017
Andrea Fagnano
· Primo Piano

Let’s clarify something: The free kick that led Muriel’s winners was an invention by the referee. Then, Dzeko was never offside, should have been a penalty in the last minute. The final result definitely decided by the match officials. Roma were 1-2 up but at the end suffered a 3-2 defeat to Sampdoria.

It was an agonising afternoon. Spalletti surprised everyone with Vermaelen from the start with Manolas out. Another change that reminded us Gerson playing from the start against Juve. It did not pay off, again. Why change?

Roma did not play well, Sampdoria capitalised. Despite Peres early goal, Roma was quite poor especially in midfield with De Rossi and Strootman, Nainnggolan did not make his usual mark. Despite the goal, Peres was awful again. Dzeko missed the usual good chances to finish off the game.

Overall, a poor performance, nevertheless still 1-2 up. Then, the referee makes its mark. Roma did not play well, but could have grabbed a draw at least. Every year, the same. Juve will probably go 7 points up after their game against Crotone; Napoli will probably beat Palermo and will join Roma in second place. Next 5/6 matches will see the Giallorossi facing tough tests, Napoli will have fairly easy instead. Scudetto will be very difficult now, but we cannot give up now, there are still many games left to play. Psychology will be important from tomorrow, must react! Fiorentina next Tuesday week. Cesena this coming Wednesday, Coppa Italia quarterfinals. Can’t see us not going to the semis. Agree?

Stefano Sale @asroma.ie

0 Udinese-Roma 0-1 “Closer to the Top”

16 gennaio 2017
Andrea Fagnano
· As Roma Corner · Primo Piano

Another victory. Six in the last seven games.

Radja Nainggolan scored on the turn with a great pass by Kevin Strootman only after 10 mins. Edin Dzeko missed badly a penalty, firing over the bar. Wojciech Szczesny saved well from a couple of good chances from Cyril Thereau and Rodrigo de Paul. In the end, three points well deserved.

The Giallorossi were forced into changes, as Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Rudiger were suspended, Mohamed Salah on international duty and Diego Perotti injured. Stephan El Shaarawy and Juan Jesus stepped in. The former did not play too well, the latter was one of the best at the back, together with Fazio. Francesco Totti came on as a substitute, he was influential right away with his great passes. He has now played in 25 calendar years for the Club.

@OfficialASRoma

Perhaps the only negative thing is that Roma failed to convert a number of good opportunities to make it 2-0 in the second half, yet the team showed good resilience to concede little and wrap up the match. We were most happy to see Kevin Strootman back to his best, Palmieri’s confidence on the left flank and Fazio’s dominance in defense, quite solid with Manolas and Jesus.

We are now one point behind Juventus, who lost to Fiorentina tonight. We are getting closer but they still with one game in hand. Also, Napoli and Lazio are only within 4 points behind. It would be very important to sign a couple of players at least, as soon as possible. In February Roma will play nearly 3 matches a week, so it is paramount to replace Salah and Iturbe, at least numerically. This team can go all the way in all competitions but no way it will happen without adding 2 or 3 players right away. Let’s wait and see. Cagliari next. Forza Roma.

Stefano Sale @ASROMA.IE

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0 Genoa-Roma 0-1: “Minimum effort”

9 gennaio 2017
Redazione CZ
· As Roma Corner · Primo Piano

Christmas and New Year, plenty of English premiership to watch on TV and no Italian football due to the usual long holidays.

Today Roma were back to play in the Italian Serie A, a nasty fixture away to Genoa is the worst way to restart, against a team who beat Juve, Milan and Fiorentina on their home soil. But it went well. A one nil win thanks to an own goal by the Genoa defender.

It was a good match to match, both teams looked sharp; Roma started strong having wasted a couple of opportunities upfront by Dzeko and Nainnggolan. Then after the goal Genoa started to come closer to the Roma goal but it took an excellent defense to keep their attacking force at bay. Without Manolas, the backline with Fazio, Rudiger and Jesus guarded well our goalie.

@OfficialASRoma

The midfield was directed by Radja Nainnggolan as usual, always looking strong on the ball. Another solid performance by Edin Dzeko helping out at the back while creating goal opportunities. Genoa only threatened at times, but it was a deserved one at the end.

It was a cynical display, a “Juve type” of win. The one we were looking for. And it came on the day we restart the campaign. NapolI won too, Juve and Milan play tonight. The chase is on. New players will arrive at the January transfer window. We must keep going! Daje! Forza Roma!

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0 Roma-Chievo 3-1: “Mission accomplished”

23 dicembre 2016
Andrea Fagnano
· As Roma Corner · Primo Piano

It was not a great performance but a decent one. The Giallorossi fell behind to De Guzman’s header but turned it around through El Shaarawy and Dzeko goals, with Diego Perotti’s late penalty.

Chievo went ahead with the only attempt in the first half, courtesy of Bruno Peres incredible mistake that allowed a diving header by De Guzman. Roma gad squandered many chances before, before El Shaarawy curled a free kick into the top corner just seconds before the break. In the second half, Roma wasted too many opportunities, before Dzeko eventually put the giallorossi side ahead. Leading 2-1 though was not safe enough, and it was not until the last few minutes that a penalty was awarded and converted by Diego Perotti. Yet gain, Roma had wasted too many chances before that to bury the match to be on the safe side. At least, this time, the opposition never really threatened the Roma goal, so it did not turn out to be another night of late suffering.

Team ups and downs: El Sharaawy man of the match, always involved actively with Dzeko upfront and scoring the beautiful equalizer. Nainggolan again in great form. Emerson and Rudiger ok. Vermaelen needs more time to reintegrate in defense. Bruno Peres display was the one to forget. Never looking sharp and confident, appalling in some defending circumstances like in the occasion of the Chievo goal. Good thing was the free kick he took that hit he crossbar. But overall he was yet again very disappointing. On the same line Mo Salah, never looked sharp, also missing the last pass or closing to the goals, he failed to shine.

@OfficialASRoma

Spalletti: they are already taking about his contract renewal; he said we will leave if he does not bring results. He wants to win, of course, so he’s looking at the potential of this team, can we do it with the current squad? No doubt Spalletti is looking to sign some new players and offload who did not deliver so far. Or maybe he’s aware there is no budget available so he’s not going to get any new players? Or maybe he’s resigned to the fact the club cannot resist to sell players like Manolas or Nainngglonan? We will see what the January transfer window will bring.

Lulic: The Lazio player escaped a hefty sanction for the racist comments against Rudiger after the Derby. It was meant to receive 20 games ban, as by the Sporting Judicial rulings, instead he got 20 calendar days!! Meaning he will only miss one game after the Christmas break? We know that President Lotito is very influential in the Italian FA but to able to pull the strings like this it’s a farce. Welcome to Italian Football. And Merry Christmas to everyone.

Stefano Sale @ASROMA.IE

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0 Juve-Roma 1-0: “Back to Reality”

18 dicembre 2016
Andrea Fagnano
· Primo Piano

Discipline, responsibility, determination and confidence – versus – passion, enthusiasm, transportation and love.

Too much love? Once again this is Juventus vs. Roma. A game that we all hoped would take a different direction this time, instead, here we are reporting the same outcome every time we go to the Juventus stadium. Weak approach, mentally fragile and frightened. We have said this yesterday. The mental and physical approach is fundamental; you must go out and send a strong signal to the opposition. It went exactly the opposite.

Juve started strongly, a 10-minute siege that went to create a constant panic in the Roma defense. Higuain’s goal was easily allowed to get past the Roma skittles in defense. The worst possible start scenario. Spalletti’s decision to field the young Gerson is quite controversial. The 18 million youngster was hardly ever used until now, the coach publicly saying he’s not ready yet. This decision proved costly, Gerson was outclassed by the Juve mastiffs, and Roma effectively played with ten men in the first half. With Salah and El Sharaawy on the pitch things improved, but it was only in the last 15 mins that ventured out to look for an equalizer, they nearly did it, but it was too late. On the break, Juve nearly went to double the advantage, only for Szczęsny to make some great saves. He was man of the match.

@OfficialASRoma

In the end, this is another disappointment for a team who wants to compete to win the Scudetto. With Juve at -7 now it will be hard to catch up. We disagree with those who claim this is the best we could do. Juve are a powerhouse in Serie A but beatable. We need to put hands up for now. We agree with Szczęsny completely: There isn’t a difference in quality, but there is a difference of mentality. We need to become more men and less kids. We need to stop loving ourselves after beating minnow teams or by just winning the Derby. Mentality is something you acquire, players like Fazio who has won trophies in Europe he did not get scared last night, unlike some of his teammates. We need to have 11 Nainggolan, last night he was simply amazing, fighting like a brave!

We need to roll our sleeves up. WINNING MENTALITY is the key.

Chievo next. Forza Roma, always.

Stefano Sale @ASROMA.IE

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