TIMCup: Roma-Torino 1-2 “Knock out”

Di Francesco thought even Team B could qualify Roma for the next round, but reality showed a different outcome. Too many changes at the back did not pay off. A complete new defense backline with Jesus and Moreno in the centre, Peres and Emerson on the wings, but they did not impress, especially in the first half.

In the midfield and forward things went sligtly better, with EL Sharaawy very active and unlucky not to score, lethal was that incredible strike to hit the crossbar..Schick worked ahard but did not shine even as a centreforward, and Cengiz on the wing did not sting. Gerson, Gonalons and Strootman looked overwhelmed by the Torino counterparts in the midlle of the park, things were not going to improve unless something changed.

An in fact, the second half was quite different with Perotti, Pellegrini and Dzeko on, but the Bosnian missed a crucial penalty that could take Roma back on track. Why did Perotti not take that is a mystery. Roma had several opportunities to score, eventually Roma grabbing one back with Schick’s first goal, but it was too late..The Torino sub-keeper was superb, the brother of Lazio’s midfielder Milinkovic-Savic, of course.

So, Roma are knocked out the Italian Cup, pity, a wasted opportunity to win a trophy missing now for 10 years. No time to get low, with the Juve clash only two days away. Head up, we must bounce back, we expect a great performance regardless, hoping for a great Christmas present.

Daje Roma! #DublinRomanista

Stefano @asroma.ie