THE WOLF'S DEN - Tana dei Lupi II

[RomaShield27]

Also, on Totti's absence tonight due to flu, I wonder if that was not a blessing in disguise. Not because it means we play our strongest forward-line, but because in a tough away game like this the logical thing to do would be to start Totti from the bench and bring him on if needed (like Rube often do with The Waterboy), which could of led to unnecessary pressure put on Ranieri's selections and the risk of further disgruntlement from Totti. Some of it understandable, of course, in that Totti wants to play in all the big games, but seeming how he can't seem to accept a substitute or rotation role for games like this even though it is the sensible option its probably best he's out (even though it would still be nice to have him on the bench, but what can you do).

[maro]

I imagine had Totti been available that he'd have started for sure and that either Menez or - more probably - Vooch would have been held back for the second half to run at tiring legs.

[RomaShield27]

I'm not so sure that holding our best players on the bench just so they can come on the second-half and use their pace to run at tiring legs in the best course of action. Surely we have to select our best 11 from the start, no, and have Totti come on in the second to add something?

[maro]

lol.

[red]

Play Vucinic and get him running into the space Maicon leaves when he goes forward.

Neither Ranocchia or Cordoba are anything like as comfortable as Lucio when it comes to dealing with pace in wide areas.

The other side of that, though, is Maicon is back to going forward with the sort of purpose that he used to, so I don't know if just leaving Riise to play him is enough or if special plans are required.

[maro]

I suspect it's why some of the papers are expecting Simplicio to start from the bench - if Taddei and Perrotta start with DDR in the midfield three, Perrotta will be inside-left and will have some responsibilities in helping out double-up on Maicon. I suspect we may see something similar down the right, but with Taddei trying to help Cassetti out with Eto'o.

[RomaShield27]

latest line-up has both Menez and Perrotta in the starting line-up, with Taddei on the bench, and are suggesting it will be a 4-3-3. I think that formation could be the way to go for tonight, as like Red said Vooch can get at Maicon once again and Menez can do likewise down the right. It could leave us vunerable at the back, particularly Riise and Cassetti, but feck it, go for it. We can go back to third place if we win. Also, after all our talk of been overloaded up front earlier in the season and looking to trim down the squad, its ironic that we could have no recognisded forwards on the bench.



Heading into town to watch the match, meeting up with Jeff. Here's hoping we bring us some good luck. Forza forza.

[pocari_fenrir]

nice touch on the Waterboy tag there, Shield

and welcome to our board Yeeppa

[maro]

Football's such a shit game. I think I'm probably more angry with myself for giving a shit than with last night's game itself.

[RomaShield27]

Why are you so upset, Sheepushagerus? Despite the result, what a spectacular game of calcio that was. Met up with Jeff and watched it Murrays in town where there was a load of Italian romanisti watching it which made for a good atmosphere (and better than sitting in front of a computer). Jeff's a sound bloke – aside from being a 6'7 transvestite in stilettos and a beard and illuminous pink hair – but hey each to their own, and we had a good few pints and chats about all things Roma and beyond. We were unlucky. As always, red cards change games, and the last man tackle rule is so unforgivingly cruel. If not for that Burdisso blunder I think we would of won this game, or at least got a draw. But thats the way it is, it was a great game which ultimately was decided by mistakes on our part. Burdisso's tackle was sloppy but I find it hard to blame him in that instance as it was more instinct. Riise backed off Eto far too much and didn't close him down for their second. JS was as much at fault for letting that one in and was juggling hot spuds all night long. Despite those blunders and despite our dodgy defence (Mexes's absence was huge) it was a super performance from our boys and we showed great spirit and character all throughout this game. I hope the lads take a lot of the positives from the performance and build upon it, and I'm sure Ranieri would be stressing that in the dressing room.

Full match added to the , several different versions available.

[maro]

I'm glad you had a good night with Goffredo, that he confirmed all your expectations, and that you found the game spectacular.

[RomaShield27]

Thomo, if you're not getting any action, go take a bath or whatever it is you do, relieve yourself, chill the fuck out. What's the matter with you? Are you telling me you did not find that game spectacular, despite the result?

[maro]

In isolation, the first 45 minutes were spectacular; as part of the 90 minutes, they revealed so much that is shit in football.

[maro]

(in my opinion - as I say, I'm glad you enjoyed the occasion.)

[RomaShield27]

lol, what was shit in football, exactly? The pathetic antics of that prick Motta? Sure, he is a wanker, there are wankers in the game, this is soccer after all, its not GAA or rugby, it is far from the perfect sport, but deal with it. I enjoyed the game I watched last night, as I said, despite the result. I was also very glad we did not collapse at any stage of the game. We were playing the better football and doing a lot more with the ball than Inter could manage, and yet they turned around and scored from a great long-range shot and a fuck up from our defence, which really could of fucked us up mentally, but the lads showed great spirit to keep going. Then again when we went down to 10 men and went down 4-1 we really could of thrown in the towel, but we did not and managed to pull two back to set us up for a thrilling finale. Even fucking Loria did well, for feck sake.

[vtec]

it's a shame that roma couldn't hold inter with lucio, samuel and chivu all missing. with benitez out, they are once again a scary team and it's only a matter of time before they're back in first.

it seems like the difference last night was goalkeeping, though, with cesar making some spectacular saves while sergio was ushering the balls in.

also, not a good sports day for giovanni

[maro]

I am dealing with it, threadzo, just not in your way. From Motta to Taddei, from Ranocchia to Burdisso: two simple, illustrative narratives that confirm, for those who are willing to read them, much of the shittiness that lies at the heart of football. Enjoy your enthusiasm; respect, too, though, that others may not share it.

[maro]

Agreed on the goal-keeping, 'tec. JS was poor; JC was outstanding. We should have gone in ahead at half-time.

[RomaShield27]

[vtec]

find me a sport that doesn't have cheats and assholes