THE WOLF'S DEN - Tana dei Lupi II

[DavidP]

yeah but garcia prefers dark-skinned players.

[Lupa]

... and Sabatini prefers young South Americans. There's a way to work it out.

[RomaShield27]

AZZURRI / NEWS / SERIE A / SLIDER / WORLD CUP / JUNE 17, 2014, 1:14 PM
http://www.italianfootballdaily.com/de- ... 6CUbdxqK4k

Daniele De Rossi, now into his third World Cup, has no intention to join fellow veteran Andrea Pirlo in international retirement after this World Cup, confirmed at this evening’s press conference.

The Roma midfielder still has five years on his compatriot and evidently the passion for the blue shirt is just as strong as it was when he elbowed Brian McBride in the face eight years ago, in the same colours.

Despite being slightly more fiery of composition than Pirlo, he is arguably just as important to the squad; but, as he maintains, nobody is irreplaceable:

“It is a a mistaken concept to think that anyone is “irreplaceable”. There are two or three players who can play my role, maybe with different characteristics, maybe even better than me.

The 4-1-4-1 is not impossible without me. Motta does it as well as I do. Maybe he’s less dynamic and aggressive than me but he’s more classy and elegant. He is a defensive midfielder who, as we see at PSG, is one of the best in the world at what he does.

We, the Azzurri, are players that have known each other for a long time, we have significant relationships. The league of course puts us against each other and that’s normal but then when you get to the national team you think about the national team and who ever was your opponent a couple of weeks ago is now your team-mate because we’re focusing on something important.

The team becomes your family. You see this also when you get players like Salvatore Sirigu who doesn’t play much and then suddenly becomes one of the best players on the pitch.

It is an exaggeration to say we’re the best midfield in the world because you’ve only seen one game and because, again, Spain could distract you with their results from what they really are, from the quality of their players.

They were the innovators; tiki-taka has been one of the great things that football has given us in the last few years. We can expand on the concept.

Our style is an invention of the boss who has tried to understand the capacity of his players. We played like that also because of the climate; it’s tiring to maintain a high tempo so if you keep the ball you make the others try and get it off you.

We do have a strong midfield, we have had for years, and Italy has always provided midfielders of high quality. This in particular is one of the richest with different players all with their own traits who complement each other well.

We did run more than England but there isn’t any side that tries not to win the ball back in a hurry. Now everyone understands that winning the ball as quickly as you can, as high up the field as you can, is ideal to trouble the opponents.

But I don’t think that it was just the midfield that enabled us to win the first match because we’re a team who worked together – and had a little bit of luck – but we all played quite well.

We should play a similar game against Costa Rica. England isn’t the England of previous years – they have players who are very agile and very quick dynamic like Costa Rica, so it’ll be a similar game. On top of that, we’re Italy, we have to maintain our identity when we play.

Previously you’d see a team from Costa Rica who all played in half-amateur Costa Rican leagues and now you get players who play in Greece, Holland, all over Europe who you’ll play three or four times a year. So they’re not so far in quality from Italy, Germany, Brazil… No longer does Uruguay-Cost Rica finish 8-0, it’s 3-1 to Costa Rica.

We have to fear them a bit. Everyone says “respect, don’t fear” but it’s a rational fear. We’re talking about a team that surprised everyone with their result. They revealed once more to those who don’t know them that they have some very significant individuals.

We didn’t watch that game – we were in a hotel preparing for England – and so I saw only about twenty minutes. We’ll prepare this evening or tomorrow looking at the videos but from what we understood they’ll play similar against us. They know how to defend as a team and they have important individuals up front, especially their centre forward who I heard had an incredible game.

That’s the Costa Rican style, to get such a result; I won’t say they can’t repeat it.



We’re playing at 1pm in a climate that will probably be more difficult for us than for them, who are more used to playing in tropical conditions.

It’ll be hot. We played at Recife last year too and we were dying. We played somewhere where they said it wouldn’t be so hot and humid – and we were dying. So the time outs could be accepted by both squads, whether they’re suffering more or suffering less. It’s a matter of common sense. So they should also be eager to take the two or three minute break in either half.

It’s a problem but we can’t just go up to FIFA and tell them off. They care more about the interests of television than about the football, about the spectacle itself.

In Italy we play at 9pm in January in Verona or Turin where it’s two degrees and the pitch is frozen over and you play like your boots are ice skates.

Here the spectacle itself is ignored. Teams are slower than they should be, and even in the evening last year against Japan we were almost fainting at the end of the match. But we know that playing at 9pm here would be 2am in Italy and that would be a huge loss to the television companies so we accept it. Could we play better otherwise? Probably, but when it’s hot it’s hot for everyone.

I’m happy where we are. When you’re preparing for such an important event but even with my club I’m not eager for these open-door training sessions, these shows.It’s nice to do them because you give joy to children, and to everyone. But if we can prepare for a match with silence, without you journalists, without fans… I personally quite like that.

Logistically speaking last year we travelled 30, 40, 50 minutes every day on the coach and double if you did two sessions, you’d spend the whole day on the coach. This year from the locker room to the pitch is a two minute walk. For me I think the most important thing is the player and this is the ideal solution for preparing for a World Cup. Maybe the best solution I’ve found in all the competitions I’ve been at.



We were welcomed fantastically and there is a unique affability, the people here live football and you can see it; the children have a this contagious enthusiasm especially when they see Pirlo, Buffon, Balotelli, they were really happy and they transferred us their happiness when we did photos with them.

The Brazilian people is a marvellous people and they received us in an incredible way. So it could be the nicest, most joyful World Cup ever and I hope there won’t be any external problems.

I can’t judge where Italy will get to after one match. People say Spain won’t have a great World Cup because of their first match but I think the opposite because they have great champions who know how to pick themselves up.

It’s not a given that just because we had a good first game we can now cruise to the knockouts. We have to take it step by step. Sometimes the teams who win are the ones who didn’t do so well in the early matches.

I’m not saying where we’re going to reach or even setting a minimum target. In 2006 it’s not like we set out as champions with that team. In Germany we weren’t the predestined winners.

So the minimum objective is the usual one for Italy; to always to get at least to the semi-finals then it depends on the quarter finals draw. But fixing a minimum objective seems a bit mediocre for me.

World Cups are things that stay with you your entire life. Even South Africa I remember like it was yesterday, even though in terms of results it wasn’t so positive.

Consequentially, to spend ten to twelve years in the Nazionale with the same player, sharing the same room, with a lot of personal harmony as well, it leaves a mark on you, and it touches you to think that these days at this World Cup could be the last time Pirlo and I play together.

Pirlo in one word is example. The affection that he receives even outside of Italy he receives also because all of these years, through all the biggest tournaments, he has never let his behaviour slip; he’s composed, he’s elegant he doesn’t complain, he doesn’t dive. This people see and can’t remain indifferent.

The fact that he wants to win it because it’s his last isn’t very relevant because everyone wants to win it, every team has a player that might leave after the World Cup. It would be nice to say goodbye as team-mates at the Maracana with the World Cup in our hands but everyone’s here for that!

As for Totti he has always known how to do well in more technical teams. More physical teams and three or four different generations of Roma have gone by and he has always done well. He would have been able to play his game in this squad as well.

When I announce my retirement it’ll be you that’ll know first but I believe the performances I’m having say that I still have what it takes to play internationally. I feel young, I feel strong, and this season with Roma and the Nazionale has given me even more conviction about my abilities and my physical health. So as long as I can serve this shirt I will keep it.”

[RomaShield27]

Co-Ownerships: Roma Sign Valerio Verre, Nico Lopez Sold To Udinese
/ Friday, 20 June 2014 16:33 / ony Wright

Roma have signed Valerio Verre back from Udinese and sold the remaining 50% of Nico Lopez's rights to the Zebrette on co-ownership deadline day.

All co-ownership agreements have to be resolved by 6pm on Friday, with either one club or the other signing the remaining 50% of the player's rights or agreeing an extension to the co-ownership for another year.

If no agreement is reached, a blind auction will be carried out and whichever club bids the higher price will sign the remaining rights. If the bid is the same or neither club places a bid, the player will remain with his current club.

The most notable transfer involves Uruguayan forward Nico Lopez, who has been sold to Udinese after failing to make the breakthrough in Rome. Lopez scored one goal in one start and six substitute appearances for the Giallorossi.

Other moves include Valerio Verre returning to Roma after one season co-ownership with Udinese, though his season was spent on loan at Palermo, and Stefano Pettinari returning from Crotone.


Luca Antei - Co-ownership renewed between Sassuolo and Roma

Federico Barba - Co-ownership renewed between Empoli and Roma

Andrea Bertolacci - Co-ownership renewed between Genoa and Roma

Gianluca Caprari - Co-ownership renewed between Pescara and Roma

Nico Lopez - Signed by Udinese from Roma

Alessandro Orchi - Yet to be resolved with Catanzaro

Stefano Pettinari - Signed by Roma from Crotone

Matteo Politano - Co-ownership renewed between Pescara and Roma

Stefano Sabelli - To go to blind auction

Simone Sini - Signed by Roma from Perugia

Adrian Stoian - Co-ownership renewed with Chievo

Valerio Verre - Signed by Roma from Udinese

[maro]

Nice words from the kid - evidently he's hoping he may get a chance to return some day:

D’Alessandro: “Roma eri troppo per me”
D'alessandro viene riscattato dai giallorossi e poi girato all'Atalanta per 3 tre milioni di euro.

Corriere dello Sport

di Redazione 21 giugno 2014 | 09.44 |

E’ tornato alla Roma solo per poche ore: Sabatini ha pagato al Cesena il premio di valorizzazione di 500.000 euro e poi l’ha venduto all’Atalanta per 3 milioni. E così, dopo cinque anni in giro per l’Italia, Marco D’Alessandro si stacca in maniera definitiva da Trigoria.

Esterno offensivo classe ‘91, ex esordiente prodigio (a 18 anni ha debuttato con Spalletti), D’Alessandro ha giocato un ottimo campionato di serie B e ora si lancia nella prima vera avventura in A.

Come riporta l’edizione odierna del Corriere dello Sport, romano di Colli Aniene, grande tifoso della Roma, nei confronti della casa madre sente solo riconoscenza «Io non finirò mai di ringraziare la società che mi ha consentito di fare il lavoro più bello del mondo. Se sono diventato un calciatore lo devo alla Roma. E’ chiaro che sarebbe un sogno tornarci, un giorno. E chissà, magari succederà pure. Ma credo che il mio percorso professionale sia stato giusto. E capisco anche la società che dovendo puntare allo scudetto si vuole affidare a calciatori più esperti» .

[RomaShield27]

Mercato Roma, ag. Viviani: “A breve decideremo il suo futuro. Interessa a club inglesi”


Dopo l'ottima stagione in Serie B con il Latina, Viviani è tornato a Roma. Il suo futuro però, potrebbe essere in Inghilterra, come spiega il suo procuratore

di Redazione 25 giugno 2014 | 18.37 |
Dopo l’ottima stagione nella serie cadetta con la maglia del Latina, Federico Viviani è tornato alla base, a Roma. Il suo futuro però resta tutto da decidere, ha provato a fare chiarezza il suo agente Giovanni Ferro in un’intervista rilasciata a Laroma4.it.

Queste le sue parole:

“Federico si sta riposando ed ora è in vacanza dopo aver sfiorato la Serie A da protagonista con il Latina. Quando ritornerà dalle vacanze ci siederemo al tavolino con la società e decideremo insieme. Il Leeds è interessato così come altre squadre inglesi che hanno mostrato interesse per Federico”

----------

Hope Viviani doesn't go to Leeds or England, I'd much rather see him stay in Italy. Even if he hasn't got what it takes to be part of Roma at this point in time, he's still a romanista, still one of a promising generation, and so would rather see him stay closer to home. Does anyone think he's got what it takes to play a part for Roma next season?

[DavidP]

http://www.romanews.us/2014/06/26/jose- ... dley-sale/

[DCGweez]

Who cares what he says. When a guy like Ancelotti who's won 3 CLs starts talking, let me know.

[Italiamia]

http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/R ... 1347.shtml


http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/06/2 ... c-viewing/

[maro]

[maro]

(these things need to get posted in here; otherwise they just get lost.)

[DCGweez]

Zeman's version of history is always interesting. His false pride has always been his downfall. I'm not sure if it's self deception or simply trying to paint a rosy picture for his legacy.

I suspect a bit of both.

[Italiamia]

False pride? Those are the rantings of a lunatic if you ask me. An arrogant, self absorbed mediocrity. I am totally convinced that the man has oxygen deprivation due to his heart issues. Not that I wish to give the liar an excuse. He's always been a complete and utter asshole. I don't think it's too early to predict that he will not last the season at Cagliari.

[Zoff82]

Folks, it is with great displeasure that I write you this post. I placed this here at the Roma forum because I know the "brain trust" of the forum lies here. It has come to my attention that after a very lengthy hiatus, your people do not welcome new, fresh ideas, no matter how ridiculous or outside of the box it is. I come to you as a former "original", to these parts. When we began this forum, we dreamed of growth, prosperity and of expansion to a bigger goal. Based on my recent posts in the "Prandelli" thread, I see that unique ideas and discussions aren't accepted at "RomaForums.com". I understand the Roma community is a tight knit group. I understand I've broken a few chops time and time again but to those that know me, understand it is just "Dino being Dino". I've refrained from entering these parts, partly because I've been terribly busy, have a child and obviously have other duties but it seems when I want to pop in time and time again, a certain animosity still lingers, even months after I've logged in. My ideas, suggestions and topics of conversations aren't accepted here and are met with sarcasm and mocking tone. As an entrepreneur and someone that manages multiple businesses, it is pertinent to the expansion and growth of the forum that these ideas are accepted and discussed in an appropriate manner. Whether it be politics or calico, the focal point of the forums is a place to DISCUSS people's ideas and suggestions. When this "brotherhood" of Romanisti band together to simply mock ideas of others, it destroys a flow of conversation that I noticed are months apart. Fans of other clubs stick to their threads and this isn't a haven for Juve fans. Granted, you may not accept them ( but I know you do) but I speak on behalf of them. This isn't a place for certain fans or a place where people can express their views/opinions. Now, if this dream of growth and expansion still exists, I can't see it happening with the current crop of clowns or changes in how...let's say "service" is being rendered. After all, the service provided here is a place where people can discuss Serie A, calico and current events. As a long time "original", I find it hard nowadays to express such ideas. This isn't goal.com forum days and of course many of us have grown up. Unfortunately, the maturity level isn't uniform, especially of those "moderators" or constant users. Now, I don't log in or comment often but I do visit quite often and read insights on certain things. Coming back after a long time away and seeing there's no progress in an Italy thread (our "Nazionale") makes me disappointed. I come on to give posts ( a focal point of your business, I guess) and show there's some sort of activity, only to be mocked and insulted by certain lemmings of society. Disagreements occur, of course but if the dream of expansion, retaining new members and possibly keeping old ones continues, it is up to you guys to change things. It is sad to me that we were once a very active community, from the shout box to forum threads but look at the Juve thread. It is the same 2 people: JI and Bagg. There's about 2 or 3 new accounts that are foreign to me. The rest have been here for years. Comprehend this letter! If you want growth of the forum, start changing attitudes around here. Exception: the shitbox and socialists. There's no place for political talk or socialists. People said Dino was crazy when Obama was elected. Looks like the American public has buyer's remorse. He doesn't even have the African American support anymore and his approval rating is at an all-time low. So yea, I make sense once in a while, no matter how much chops I break.

[RomaShield27]

I lost interest / comprehension in the above post after the second word, some summarise it for me (in a sentence).

I just wanted to say: give me Alessandro Crescenzi over Cashley Cole any day of the week. What a fucking disaster.

[DavidP]

i apologize to everyone who read that post. if i had known what a poussez dino was, i would have tried a little harder not to offend him.

[Zoff82]

Far from offended David. I'm just a guest in "your world" but I don't blame you or anyone on here. Based on Shield's comments, there's no ambition to grow. That's where the capitalist & the socialist differentiate . Carry on with your pointless jibba jabba. I don't want to interrupt hours upon hours of transfer news research.

[DCGweez]

Ed- has created this site, pushed it on the twitter account, created his own site, made graphics and posted them, run the site, paid for the site, solicited money from us to keep it running.

You- Whined about the inequity on here. Used the site to talk footy. Never contributed anything to it's marketing or building the actual site.

Tell me again which of you is the socialist and which the capitalist?

[Zoff82]

I've been here from the start & way before that. The capitalist is the one laughing at those who invest "x amount" and a ROI of $0. I'm no mathematician, but that tells me it is bad business. Like I said, if you want the forum to grow, a little respect of the opinions of others is required. It is evident that isn't the case since this forum yields 2 new users every 2 year. So if you're looking for someone to throw in a few cents, make it a bit more pleasant around here. I'm not talking about myself, I don't care what a child in school believes or an unemployed chimp like yourself has to say but I'm saying it for new users, especially Juve fans. You could sit there and gloat about donating $10 from your slum paid by tax payers to be a mod on a forum but can't say I don't contribute. Your product is discussing soccer and news related to clubs. The product is obviously poor & yields no new users. Hey, if this is what you guys want? Great. Just my 2 cents. Carry on.

[DCGweez]

Ok thanks. Off you go.