THE WOLF'S DEN - Tana dei Lupi I

[aba_bab]

[RomaShield27]

De Rossi was impressive but did make some uncharacteristic mistakes with his passing, and hasn't been looking 100% focussed throughout the preseason. His back-pass against Spurs which led to Darren Bent's goal springs to mind as well. I wouldn't be too concerned about it though as no one would be more annoyed than the man himself for making such errors, and considering the range of emotions he must of gone through the last few weeks it is certainly understandable if he was not fully focussed, but no doubting he will be right as rain for the weekend. Nothing can stop the DDR.

Aquilani was below par last night I thought, especially for a man who is (still) looking for a new and improved contract and wants to be assured of regular first-team football. Pizarro looked like he was walking the entire game instead of jogging or breaking a sweat, but you can still see how crucial he is to this side and how much our defence (including DDR) depend on him to take the ball and make things happen. He showed good composure and awareness on the ball but needs to work on his concentration and cut out those little moments of over-elaboration which lead to a 6-on-2 counter-attack with Mexes saving the day. I was impressed with Baptista's enthusiasm and desire to get on the ball and get involved with play, although he clearly needs more time to settle (but perhaps less than I first believed), while The LitM was nothing short of majestic all night, obviously.

As for our left-back, I hope that is the last time we ever see it start a game for us again. It was ugly, brutal and disturbing to watch. Then when it touched the ball it only got worse. Bring back Tonetto, switch over Panucci/Cassetti, hell, call Candela out of retirement. It must burn (and it probably will).

So shall we make predictions for the last week of the mercato on who, if anyone, shall arrive...? All the talk is off Menez or Suazo, or both. Both would be brilliant and would really make us a competitive side, but both would depend on which we could get on loan as its highly unlikely we would commit to purchasing the two outright. And considering Monaco have reportedly said they want €25 for Menez, that would mean getting Suazo on loan from Inter. It could happen (although it could depend on other factors, like if they really push for Queresma or if Crespo leaves). Menez is the best option being mooted at the moment and it would be savage to get him, and I still think it could be done for around the €15m+ mark, and they are probably just trying to push his pricetag up should an EPL club decide they want to dump a truckload of sterling on their doorstep. Menez would offer a lot to this side right now and we desperately need width.

[romawi]

[Jamoldo]

[g.smiley]

[Frenchesco]

[giallo-rossi.ie]

I swore to myself that I wouldn't get annoyed at the result of this match, yet when you make these self-promises you seem to get the games that bring out the exact emotions you are trying to avoid. We had pulled ourselves back into the game twice, persevered through extra time and put ourselves in the position of only needing to score our fifth penalty to win it. The game could not have been more dramatic, especially with Totti stepping up to take said penalty. I have to say I was a little disappointed in our captain for missing.

But let's not get too focused on negatives here, because by in large I think we have a lot to be positive about. Okaka looks to be an interesting new (and for me, unexpected) addition to the team. Baptista has all the hallmarks of a great signing, and with one more "big" signing on the way, this team is starting to look competitive. The real test will be in squad depth, one area I don't feel we've improved dramatically. We will suffer in the CL if any of the lads get injured or suspended, much like leg one against Manchester last year. I feel that we won't see significant progress in Europe this season, but I am confident about our league hopes. We've been edging closer year after year now, and maybe this could finally be our year.

[Carlo Romano]

I'm a harsh realist by nature and I could say Zanetti did what our Capitan' should have done...

But yes, there were positives to be taken from last night. De Rossi will get it together and we also see a bright star rising in Stefano Okaka. Ideally we need two more players at least to give us a strong first team...a Mancini/Giuly replacement and a first class goal poacher up front! With luck we will get one of those two during this week but that leaves as giallo_rossi mentions, the not so small matter of our squad lacking strength in depth. Sadly there's nothing to be done about that...as things currently stand financially!

Cici and Panucci aside, I still say that Esposito and Brighi, our most often other used reserves are no better than just that unless at least Esposito can find again what he once had in Sardegna! I also want Max Tonetto re-instated as our 1'st choice LB. Riise is only cover as far as I'm concerned!

[aba_bab]

[g.smiley]

ya know, i really wanted us to sign muntari last summer. Of course we didnt, he went to Portmouth, impressed me there, and ends up at Inter. The guy is a qulity player with a rocket shot. We let him slip away a year ago cause we had an opportunity to get him. What else is new?

oh, and I want Suazo.

Did Riise do anything worthwhile yesterday?

[g.smiley]

[Jamoldo]

[Carlo Romano]

[RomaShield27]

[Jamoldo]

[RomaShield27]

[Jamoldo]

[g.smiley]

Huh, missed that carlo. But wait till Balotelli is a full fledged international playing with the big boys...that will be something.

[RomaShield27]

[Totti_10]