Mancini: “You’re offering how much? Seriously?”

By: chris | January 7th, 2008

Mancini For Human-rights-tainted Blood Money…A @#$%load.

This is one of those rumors that you look at and say immediately “no, it can’t be”. Then you realize the source has a url which ends in “.co.uk”, which means it’s a product of the British media, and is therefore probably complete shyte (I immediately throw anything out coming from that area unless it a) goes along with what I want to happen, or b) from the Times, which has shown me some love – and occasionally the Guardian, but only choice writers).

But then, when the name of team pops up, Manchester Citeh, you realize “hey, they’ve been willing to spend a tonjust to be considered among the big boys”, so it becomes “well, maybe…”. Anyway, I half believe this rumor, but the wording from nearly every publication has caused more confusion than anything else. The number seems to be the same, £16m, but it’s the “plus Rolando Bianchi” which has caused the most confusion. So is it £16m (€21.5m) plus Bianchi? Or is Bianchi’s value a part of that £16m valuation? Big difference, as far as I’m concerned. Although both deals which would require a good looking over (actually one would just be more of a “skim”). So here’s the full text, you judge:

Sven Goran Eriksson has returned to Serie A with a £16million bid for Roma winger Amantino Mancini, according to the Italian club.

And unsettled striker Rolando Bianchi, bought last summer for £8.8m from Reggina, could also be included in the deal.

Eriksson, the former manager of Sampdoria and Lazio, has been promised money to spend at Manchester City in the January market to keep up their challenge for a Champions League place.

Roma rejected interest from Liverpool and Lyon last summer in the 27-year-old Brazilian international.
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But he has failed to recapture his stunning form of last season, when he scored a wonder goal against the French side in the Champions League, and has not renewed a deal which expires in 2009.
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If it’s £16m PLUS Bianchi. Holy crap, where do I sign? That’s like watching a drunken Victoria’s Secret model get undressed in front of you and thinking “oh god she would totally regret this…..WHY CAN’T I GET MY GODDAMN ZIPPER DOWN”. Seriously. Yes. Please.

I love Mancini. But his form hasn’t been exactly making grown men cry and women fawn for his glory, and the contract thing doesn’t help. For somebody so inconsistent, that’s a helluva package, with probably what he’s worth just in straight cash, as well as a studly young striker, a decently sized one to boot, and just what Roma is looking for.

If Bianchi is part of that £16m valuation, I’d say it depends on how much cash is coming back. If it’s the price he was bought for last summer (£8.8m) – which I doubt it is, he hasn’t exactly been earning that fee with a whole 4 goals in 17 games this year – we’d be talking roughly €10m plus Bianchi. Which, I suppose, is pretty damn good considering Mancini’s form. But how good is it compared to what other teams, like Real Madrid for instance, would be willing to pay. Going by track record and that fact that they’ve had a neverending proverbial hard on for Mancini’s stepovers since his childhood, Real would probably we willing to sign over co-ownership of the Bernabeu in return. If this is the case, I guess we’d be talking about €12-15m plus Bianchi.

Even though Sven-Goren Fucktard brought in tons of reinforcements over the summer, it’s not like he asked his Thai dictator to pay wayabove market value for certain guys. Elano looks like a bargain, Bojinov was had for a under Fiorentina’s supposed minimum, Petrov was probably around market value, Castillo just came in on loan, of all things, and Fernandes is supposed to be a complete farkin stud. Which makes me think we’d be looking at the second scenario, rather than a slightly misguided supermodel. (Then there’s the possibility Bianchi would just be a loan, which is also reasonable thinking.)

Either way, considering the circumstances, and as long as the cash is decent, I think you do both deals if no one wants to top it. That cash could be reinvested for a guy like Tranquillo Barnetta or a LWB and you’d still have a young stud to throw in as a backup for either Totti or Vuci, depending on how the depth chart shakes up.

The other key here is the rumors that Spal is willing to switch up to a 3-5-2 with wingbacks next season, if not sooner, which would almost definitely spell doom for Mancini. Not because he can’t play defense (he’s not wonderful, but he was a RB at one point), but because I’m pretty sure that wingback on the left is going to have to have a pretty decent workrate getting back. And you can’t defend with stepovers. (Though I’d be more than willing to see him try.) And, if they are looking to work in a 2 striker option, Spal’s going to need more and he’s going to need good, a couple of roles which Rolando can fill.

Minus Bianchi? I’ll keep it simple: I don’t think £16m sweetens the pot enough, unless Roma is determined to unload Amantino in January, which I don’t think they are.

The Whiteness

I like Bianchi. I actually like him a lot. Despite the relative strange spike at age 24, he was considered a superstud and it’s not like it was totally unexpected. He’s tall, can get into space, get his body parts on the ball, with some decent ground work and does know how to score some goals in Serie A. While he’s not exactly an ideal person to put in the stands, at least from his angle, the guy would be a helluva backup if Mirko is phased over to the left-wing, and especially if we’re looking at a two striker system one of these days.

Who knows what’s going on in Manchester. I saw his debut and he seemed like a real consistent threat, and scored a whole 18 minutes in. (Then I realized I needed to take a shower for watching a Sven coached game and have ceased watching Citeh since.) He changes his mind every 12 seconds about where he wants to be. Including one of my favorite interviews of the season so far, somehow weaving Atletico Madrid and British cuisine. Genius:

“I hope to score at least 10 Premier League goals and I want to win a place in the Champions League,” said Bianchi. “Then I’ll pack my bags again and go in search of new adventures. I’d like to wear the shirt of Atletico Madrid and score 15 goals in the Primera Liga.

I have raised the white flag with English food. I don’t like it. And I think I must be the only teetotal player in the Premier League. My team-mates were surprised when I refused a beer. They looked at me as if I were an alien.”

You know what, screw Roma. I need Bianchi. Here, at the offside. We don’t have somebody providing a smorgasbord of quotable quotations on any regular basis in Rome. I need some Bianchi.

The goals for Reggina:

The Grand Imperial Poohbah Speaks

And loudly…

“It shouldn’t be taken for granted that Mancini will leave,” the Tuscan boss maintained.

“I have never listened to the rumours that Mancini will leave. It’s much more likely that he will stay and that is our main hope.

“He is a great player and he is still improving. He has such promise and he could be so useful to any team.”

Well, that’s a far cry from the “as long as I’m here, Mancini will never leave” we heard a month ago. Which now sounds a lot more like negotiation tactics and posturing than anything else.

I’d give this a Jessica Simpson on the feasibility scale and on the likehood. Can’t really say how legitimate it is, but if so, all are offers Roma would seriously have to consider, no matter how much Spal would like to keep Amantino’s inconsistencies.

* – More stuffs laterer.

Some Related Roma Posts:

Category: Team News

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Len Pennant

Il Romanista's Daniele Lo Monaco, probably their best writer along with Ricky Luna, wrote a piece about this.

http://www.ilromanista.it/?sec...

If you don't speak Italian plug it into a translator and I'm sure you'll get the gist.

The point of selling Mancini now for such a fund would really give Roma power NOW in buying someone in the coming weeks. Money makes impossible deals happen within 48-72 hours these days.

While I agree that Bianchi has so much potential, he is not a late bloomer. He's been a hig profile player since he was spotted as a teen and has always shown great technical qualities. The boy is serious and works nonstop on his game, shooting, fitness. He would be a perfect addition for me, then get a wide player with the nice chunk of that City (thai blood laundered illegal) money.

Toni is the def of late bloomer, ay. No doubting that, Baggio joked that he couldn't tie his own boots and chew gum at the same time when he was younger, like a Giraffe on stilts lol!!!
ilcapitano

This deal should be done...after some questioning of course

Mancini's been great to us, but this season just hasnt been up to par. all of the disruptions seem to be catching up to me at least, so it seems that him leaving and being replaced wont do much to team chemistry.

I dont think he has played a whole game yet. Most of these matches giuly or cicinho end up playing 10-20 minutes anyway, and I feel they are OK guys to play. Start, im not sure...

And Bianchi, thats one of the good parts. Kid has potential. Ive been dreaming the last few days of how he could be a late bloomer like Luca Toni...we all know how that worked out ;)
UL

Lorenzo and I seem to be on the exact same page. It's exactly how I feel. We risk very little for large gains.
Lorenzo

I could be convinced otherwise, but I think at this point, we don't catch Inter with our current squad and we don't win CL with out current squad. If our best chance at improving our team is now (assuming the offer from Man C is real), it may be the best offer we will get for Mancini and we should do it. If we don't you never know if Sven will fill that position with an equally valid player and we won't be able to get nearly as much value for Mancini in the summer. Same arguement for Vargas. Now is the time before the big boys, who are already sniffing around, start dumping cash on Catania. We can offer them Antunes on loan in the package. So we disrupt chemistry a little bit. What will that cost us? I don't think it will cost us that much to be honest. Maybe it will improve our chemistry? If we were in a serious schudetto race, I might think differently. If we had a team with a realistic chance of winning the CL, I would think differently. But in order to reach these lofty goals, this team needs to improve and if an opportunity arises to improve the team (i.e. get 21m euros to spend now or in the summer), I would take it. Just my $0.02.
Loria1

you know it's a slow mercato news day when you read this headline:

Roma, interesse per Bobo Vieri
UL

It's all talk in the end and we can only wait and see. Let's just hope Roma get the best out of any which way this goes.
UL

Vucinic: Great player. Potential? Correct. Does he have faith in Roma and want to bleed Roma? Yes it appears so. Do I want to sell him? No. Is he a good striker? He's a capable striker, but often lacks in finishing. With that aside, we're playing modern football here. Modern football requires a forward that has some size, can guard a ball and who can finish with all parts of their body, a Luca Toni type or Amauri type. Vucinic can score and has showed us he can be excellent, but he's not that consistent. Can this change? yes it can. But we need OPTIONS. We have none. What if our formation changes? What if Vuci goes down? What if Totti goes down? Can a club with serious ambitions really rely on Vucinic as their only striker? Answer: HELL NO. We need options and we NEED a striker. We need a guy who can add a different dimention to our squad, who can be a capable substitute or full timer if need be. We need that Toni/Amauri style striker. A guy who can get physical, use his head and pull away defenders from guys like Totti and can take a beating. Vucinic is not that kinda guy.

We're not saying Mancini isn't a good player or doesn't help the squad, but we have other areas that really need attention if we plan on winning, winning big games, and winning them often.
UL

maro: It's not the greatest deal in the history of transfers with 0 negative effects on the squad, but it's quite incredible considering all the factors.

chris: I was just teasing about another post - I just like your articles.

LenPennant: we're thinking along the same lines.
Caroe

Chris: Will you make a post with the best goals of the season so far ?
Len Pennant

ROTFLMAO! Roberto Pruzzo just said on teleradiostereo that he would swap Mancini for Bianchi even without money involved Roma need a striker so badly. Tells you about valued minds and valued pundits view of this team and how poor Mirko's finishing has been for the last two months.

Let's get it right, ay. Roma want to sell Mancio; and Roma will sell Mancio. The difference when dealing with Man City is they don't muck about with payments, installations, bargaining ... they buy everything high.

Those who said Roma don't need a ST are living in a parallel universe as far as I'm concerned. Vucinic does not give a suitable gol return when he plays for this club up top, although he has had 3 great moments in quick succession. Quite the opposite. The word squander does spring to mind. He reminds me of that cracking Libertines tunes, "What a waster, what a f******G waster ...!!!"
Eric

We are all very focused on the CL this year, but I think that Rosella & Co. are really thinking about next year to be honest. Even Totti made some quote about next year's final when talking about the impending matchup with Madrid. While there is still a shot at the scudetto this year, the team has certainly dug itself into a big hole and I can't help but think that there may be a lot more focus on next year rather than this year. With that in mind, selling Mancini makes sense, because while it will hurt us in the short run, the freedom it will allow in the summer will prove beneficial in building the ideal team for next season. Just my two cents...
maro

I just don't agree with the idea that it's "a sweet deal, fullstop." I think it's a tempting deal but not an irresistible one and I can't help but feel that keeping Mancini makes us a much bigger threat to others in the CL this season. Whether even with him we're quite enough of a threat perhaps remains to be seen.
maro

Oh, absolutely, Chris. I think there would be a lot of sense in taking such a deal should it really be on the table. I just roll my eyes at the general sense here that it's a no-brainer (among the comments, I mean, rather than in your blog). As usual, I tend to side strongly with JCS's rather more balanced view. It depends on loads of questions I personally don't feel in a position to answer - Mancini's place within the locker-room; the club's sense of whether he'll be worth at least as much in the summer when other CL-focused sides will be more interest or much less because he'll be so close to the end of the contract; whether Spags thinks Mancini's lost the work-rate which was sucn an important part of the mix he brought to the table; whether he thinks losing Mancini might create more opportunities for players like Vooch and Esposito and, in an indirect way, Cicinho, and whether those players have Spags's trust; whether there's an alternative already lined up. And of course it also depends on what the club's sense of Mancini's desire to sign a new contract really is. My little one-liner left lots out - most notably the fact that it's not just a starting trequartista we're talking about but one whose contract's expiration is closing in and whose place in the side has actually increasingly been far from certain. I don't say hang on to Mancini at all costs; rather, I say I'm torn like JCS, though without the affection for a switch to a back 3.
Eric

“I want Mancini here immediately as he is the ideal man to strengthen my squad,” Eriksson told Il Romanista. “He could become my Cristiano Ronaldo."

http://www.channel4.com/sport/...
chris

maro, simple answer: sports are a business, first and foremost. If they believe that offer, or close to that offer, will be there in the summer, they'll wait. If not, then waiting another 6 months on an expiring contract for a guy who may or may not provide all those wonderful things becomes a little more unsettling.

21m + a young, proven Serie A striker is a hell of a deal for a guy who has done little to nothing to earn his pricetag this season. Prade, Conti and Spal will look at it as such. I've said in the past I don't necessarily advocate a Mancini deal in the winter, but if Spal is going to take him out of games early, often when the team could use his magic the most, what does his value of sale v retainment become? And 21m isn't "some cash". It's a business, remember.

(And what's to say this wasn't pre-decided and there is a replacement ready, as the case with Juan and Chivu.)

UL, I'm getting on something right now. This has been a tough week.

Like that video, Gabs. Think it may be deserving of votd.
Gabriella

on the Zampa forum they are talking about 24 million Euros for Mancini... please let us sell him!
UL

2 words: modern striker!

LOL. I know I am getting a bit pushy with the idea, but most of you guys are looking at Mancini like he's going to lift up the club and take us to the new level once the break is over. Fair enough.

But, what if he continues down his current path. What if his negativity effects the dressing room? And if word gets out and most teams back off a bit or offer less, then what?
ordeal_rules

I am really torn.

I would like us to sell Mancini now on one part, since we could get a striker that can easily become the next Toni and a lot of money to but a very good replacement for Mancini and maybe even a LB

but! breaking up our harmony right now would really be bad for our team, IN champions league Mancini is something else and he is what we need this year to get farther than before. also I don't think any respectable team would sell us any of their star midfielders to replace mancini with so we would be stuck with a good striker but in with the same formation so we would not make any good use of him and a striker playing out on the left wing.

we should wait untill the summer when we can get more money out from teams since Mancini can RElly start a transfer frenezy and we could get more money than right now I believe and it would be much easier to replace him and with the help of the friendlies move to a 3-5-2 much easier!

I think this will only go through in the summer
Mike

its goal yes, but its positive:

http://www.goal.com/en-us/Arti...
UL

Good move for Bianchi too ;) Roma produces a lot of Azzurri players *thumbsup*
UL

thanks Gabriella
UL

We won't need Bianchi in the summer time?

Who's going to be our target man? I really like Vuci. He shows that he wants Roma and wants to bleed Roma. He's a good guy. He's skilled. He has contributed many times, but I will continue to feel that he is not the guy to score us buckets of goals, nor the kind of guy that will be a powerhouse in our system. I know lots of people don't want to hear that, but I see him as being a Roma player that is hot one day, cold the next. I'd prefer to have consistency, a guy who fits the system, even if it changes up a bit, and who can be a big target man. Someone who could also play with Totti well and draw a lot of fouls and contact away from Francesco. Someone who can guard the ball and use physicality and in Mirko, that is not a realistic possibility.
Gabriella

found this very cool video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

UL> Transfer gossips do my head in! I am so happy that we'll see some calcio at the weekend
Daniele

I want this deal to happen I do.
But it wont.

Not till the summer. And then we will not really need Bianchi that much, but we will need Lucio, Vargas, and a new winger...

I mean to break up the team right now would not be a good thing.

We just need to cross our fingers, and hope Mancini returns to being Mancini, and contributes.

When he is on form and the team is clicking, we are world beaters... And we will need to be that in order to catch Inter, and go deep into the CL.
UL

lol... Mr. Burns! Good one.

Chris! Where is our new post today? I'm dying for more juicy rumors. Perhaps some more about Bianchi? :D

Let City take Podolski on loan from Bayern and ship us Bianchi :P ahhh the fuel that fires transfer speculation. What a wonderful time.
Gabriella

well even Reuters reported Mr Burns (he looks like Sven according to David James, Jose Mouriniho = Smithers...lol) wants Mancini and it seems ... "The money is not a problem for us, we will have to see if Roma will sell him"... it is up to us to ship him to England
maro

A starting trequartista for a third-choice striker and some cash mid-season?
UL

Daniele, I know this, but can't someone talk some sense into him? I love Spalletti. He is a genius, but he also is very blinded at times and his unwilling attitude for change can get troublesome.

And yes, Inter need to term it for the short term. They don't want to show any weakness and allow us to take lo Scudetto from them :P
Daniele

It IS a sweet deal. And that is the problem. Spal doesn't want to shake up our formation until the summer

Aiy. WWTF. Does Inter really need to do this?

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Arti...
UL

We need a target man and a left back. With this deal would could secure the funds and the striker. Now is the left back. How is this not a sweet deal?
UL

Daniele, you saying he should do all of that and going outside of Italia is much more unrealistic than selling him in the winter.
Traian

The problem is: is Mancini willing to go to City?
Daniele

Zo,

No.
Daniele

Mancini won't move during the winter, and that sucks.

Which means we will have more of a chance to send him to a direct rival.

Which sucks even more.

Yes we SHOULD take this deal, and milk the Pad Thai for all we can... But realisically it WONT happen. Which sucks in a way, but if we do sell him, who will replace him? Vuci? Cici?

Sucks. We need to hope he hits top form this half, leads us to the scudetto, and cl final, and then we can cash in on him AWAY FROM ITALY.
Lorenzo

If we are able to get the deal go through with Man City and we can get Bianchi and 15m Euros AND we are able to get Vargas NOW, which I definitely think we should do (too much competition in the summer), do you think Spalletti would be willing to sell Ferrari and get Lucio in January and switch to a 3-5-2 mid-season? I think we could have a stellar 3-5-2 with that personell, although it would take a little time for the players to acclimate to:

----Lucio----Mexes----Juan----
(Panucci)(Andreolli)(Vargas)

Cicinho-DeRossi-Aquilani-Vargas
(Cass/Tadd)(Brighi)(Pizza)(Tonn/Tadd)

------------Perrotta-----------
(Giuly)

--------Totti------Vucinic-----
(Esposito) (Bianchi)
UL

Keep in mind that although Mancini has been with the club and has had some stellar performances, his attitude every match is piss poor and his relationship with Totti and the fans has been going down hill for some time. Why keep a bad apple? Anyone want to repeat a Cassano or Chivu episode all over again? We actually have a solid offer and we can bring in a player that could really lift the club if he's given a chance and show a different face to our attack.

Plus, Mancini can play along side fellow Brasilians at City and I hear there is a developing Portuguese community growing nearby.
UL

Look at the situation realistically. Bianchi is young, wants to be apart of the NT, and fits the role of a player we need. He is not cup tied and isn't enjoying the British lifestyle. He was doing well in Serie A and isn't getting the time at City he needs, and with Bojinov coming back to health, I can only see Sven playing him more often. We're going to lose out like we did with Chivu if we don't act quickly. We have plenty of midfield options and Mancini is only hurting the squad at the moment.

Please, someone tell me, who else will come in as a striker for a good deal for our club? Toni? Amauri? Huntelaar? I believe this options would never materialize. Amauri will go to a bigger club for more money and Huntelaar wants to play for a big club as well. Bianchi is young, seems quite down to earth and would fit our squad's culture. Let's pull the trigger and have smiles on our faces instead of the bitterness we've had in the past with players wanting out (cash rules everything around us).
Gabriella

Well I cannot see Man City in the CL next year. They are 4th at the moment but Liverpool played one less game, pretty sure they wont qualify. The Thai owner may throw money at the club and they may buy plenty of good players but I just dont think they will qualify next year either. The top 4 in EPL are ManU (will qualify in the next couple of years), CSKA London (will qualify because Abr), Arsenal (Wenger built a good team for years to come, will qualify) and Liverpool (need to qualify because of the owners)... so who will give up that spot for Man City? If Mancini goes there to play it is clearly for the money as there is a little chance for CL place... and of course for the challenge! This move will not guarantee him a NT spot either... Anyway I always supported his departure and I just hope we get good money for him. Not sure about Bianchi, such a big kid (reminds me of someone else)
UL

I don't see Toro letting go of Rosina so easily. And Vucinic would play on the left hand side.

I'm with Chris on this one and I really would rather not see Di Natale come over.. not for his age or what we'd have to pay. It just doesn't make sense. Get rid of Mancini for cash+Bianchi and then focus on the left back position.

These are shrewed times, not foolish ones.
Bashar

Smart move from City. If they wait till summer they won't be able to compete with the glamor of Real Madrid, Inter Milan, or Liverpool. But now Mancini is cup tied so City don't care. They are willing to pay a lot to get Roma to release him early.

On the other hand I see it as a hard sell, because where are we going to get a replacement. Taddei on the left and Cicinho on the right wing? I don't see it. Unless Vuci on the left and Bianchi in Vuci's place on the bench? Hopefully we can get Vargas, Di Natale, Rosina, or Quags early.
UL

To the Mancini for Bianchi+cash deal that is :)
UL

Great! Anyone else?

I cannot contemplate how anyone could say no.
CMP

I'm in...
UL

Who is willing to create a petition with me? Rosella is pazzo if she doesn't take the deal...
CMP

After reading Svens latest comments I think the management should seriously take the bait... Sven said that money WOULD NOT be the issue in this deal. What the helll are we waiting for - milk it in regards to getting Bianchi as well and lets call it a done deal!
UL

Fantastic news: http://www.channel4.com/sport/...

So, Rosella better get out of her tree and sell Mancini for Bianchi and cash. If Sven is dying for him, he'll give us the player and big money. ROSELLA DO IT NOW BEFORE THE DEAL VANISHES.

Sorry. I just want a big target man that can head, score with his feet, poach up front and protect the ball.
Dhaw

Steven Erection : I want Mancini now.

Fuk it ! Off load him and get the cash and Bianchi, or else we will again get a bad deal if this goes on till June:|
The only good deal i think we have got for our player was Nakata when Parma paid helluva money for the Jap.
Cant miss out on mancini now if he doesnt want to stay. Why wait till June eh !
christian

i do not believe mancini would ever become a starter from brazil.. he just doesnt got it, or he got it but he cant produce over a periode...
ofcourse PL is not for him BUT the money is.. i am tired of him and his play and beg he will be sold now but first leaving us in the summer.. otherwise we will have another chivugate on our hands:(

BIANCI BIANCHI BIANCHI
Mike

not roma related, but cassano has seemed to come down to earth a little, in a sane way:

http://www.channel4.com/sport/...
UL

RomaShield, I've checked it out but it seems almost as dead as SP, atleast Roma's section. :(

But yeah, I don't really engage those types anymore.

Daniele, let Mancini believe what he wants... we want money to spend and I want Bianchi! :D
Daniele

I dont mean to be off topic, but this Chelsea match makes me want to watch my team that much more..

Its pitiful.
Daniele

If Mancini really thinks he will play on the NT he has got another thing coming.

The only way he will do that, is by staying at Roma and producing.

The EPL is not for him.
Bashar

1. Barusso was not called up. I checked Ghana's squad list and couldn't find him or Kuffour.

2. I totally agree with christian. The way I see it, Mancini has two interests right now. Money and the Brazilian NT. I don't know if Man City will help with the latter (although media attention helps), but they will definetly pay more to get good talent.
RomaShield27

Does anyone know has Barusso been called up for the African Nations?
RomaShield27

Of course. You would think I would of taken a second to consider your initials. Yeah, you do seem to be pretty much on your own over there. I know you like to engage those non-Serie A fans and get into, er, debates, shall we say, but you should come check the above forum some time. Oh and continue commenting here of course :)
UL

RomaShield,

you've sent me a PM before. Think of one of the only Romanisti to still be active there and you'll figure it out :)
RomaShield27

No bother Chris. I have seen the rumors around and heard a few whispers and such of a possible 3-5-2. It remains doubtful – even if there seems to be a lot reasons as to why it may work – as we have seen in the past that Spalletti is very reluctant to change things around, but we shall see.

UL, I used to frequent SP a bit alright, but not so much anymore. Who were you there? I'm posting more at – http://seriea.forumcircle.com – these days, which is a top-quality Italian football only forum. You should check it out.
UL

^^

Daniele, of course... it's the EPL. LOL.

Anyway, yeah, Amauri would be huge in Roma, but I don't think we have the clout he's looking for. Everything points to black stripes, most likely Rossonero. Unfortunately, we don't have the finances to contend, but I think with our performances, we'll be able to build a SOLID squad based on desire for the club and not money. Let the Chivu's and Mancini's take off. Bring us the likes of Bianchi, Vargas, Barnetta. Who ever is younger and wants to be apart of a fantastic club.
Daniele

Watching Everton vs Chelsea (dont ask me why)

Wow.

Can you say disgusting?
Daniele

It is tough to take that Amauri is out of reach.

Money rules all, but he would be well served at Roma and flourish.
UL

Thanks Chris (I have that site bookmarked :P). Great article today :)

I'm dying to see more news on Bianchi because I know Amauri is out of reach and we really do need a modern striker who is a target man/good with his feet/head.
chris

romanews.eu is by far the best for roma, if you can read italian. if not it gets tough.

Sorry, I've been disappearing often. Migraine season.

Shield I'll try and find it, but I believe it was on one of the Italian boards (corederoma.net or popolo giallorosso maybe) and lord knows how difficult it is to cycle through those things. Could just be media conjecture. But looking at some games this year, it is a formation which could be successful in instances and with much of the roster already present.
Daniele

Nun.
UL

Any better websites than channel4 and goal.com for up-to-date Roma or calcio news in general?
Johnny

Totti will never play the trequarista spot no more. Only position he will play is as a striker. Now if Citeh is offering Bianchi and cash for Mancini we gonna see Vucinic play as LW with Bianchi backup to Totti. If Mutu came he would play as a LW or trequarista. Fuck it, Mutu can play every position forward. Earlier on this blog I said that Spalletti should change to a 3-5-2. Even before those reports from Roma came. Guess it was when there was first said Roma was after Lucio. Now as a wingback, guess it's Tonetto after that Roma really wants Vargas. Forget about Emanuelson or Drenthe, not worth to play for this Roma. Drenthe overhyped cause he had a good Euro under 21 last year and Emanuelson is playing poorly since the end of last season. Both can't defend for shit. Taddei is a much better choice to play that position then those two combined.

One question, during Roma matches I see always a fan banner with the words c'e problema. Does it say nun c'e problema or non c'e problema? Couldn't find a pic of it.
christian

i can tell you WHY mancini would go to city.. money money and even more money..
that is a big enough reason for him to go..
i keep my fingers crossed for the move.. even if i dont see it happening, unfortunaly
UL

Our squad really just needs some fine tuning, which I figured would come last summer in the signings we made, but I think some moves were a tad bit unnecessary. Hopefully by summer time we have something to show for the team's hard work. I think Spalletti does need to change the formation and tweak it a bit, but again, we'll have to see as well. I'd love to see Bianchi come over.

RomaShield of SoccerPulse? :)
Bashar

We scored 2 penalties to beat some team I never heard of. It's alright though.. Good for the kids. They got to play with Roma behind early on. I hope we play tougher opposition though to really see how they handle quality. In particular Julio Sergio, iTunes, and Della Penna.
Bashar

Why wouldn't Taddei be able to play as a full back in a 5-3-2 formation? One of his best qualities I feel is defensively. It's not a coincidence that his absence came around the time we conceded 16 goals in 8 games. We've only conceded 3 goals since he came back. He's always going back defensively as well. Having him in LB or RB will give us more offense from the back as well.

The trequartista position would be taken by Perrotta, Giuly, or Totti if we play Vuci and Bianchi/Lucarelli/Mutu/Messi up top. However he is very versatile and can fit into any formation in the trequartista, striker, winger, full back positions. Didn't he deputize well as a CB or goalie once? I forget.
Daniele

2-1 with gol's from Totti and King Albertino.
RomaShield27

Whoa there we're playing a friendly right now...?! Kept that quiet. Hmm a decent idea to give some of the squad players a run out, like Bertagnoli, iTunes, Brighi, Esposito and number 10 Totti, whoever he is... I presume Il Capitano is working on his match fitness...
avala

Lineup for the game currently played at Pomezia, coached by old boy Odoacre Chierico.

Roma (4-2-3-1): 1 Bertagnoli, 2 Palumbo, 5 Cassetti, 6 Cafiero, 3 Antunes; 4 Brighi, 8 Aquilani; 7 Esposito, 11 Della Penna, 9 Pit; 10 Totti. In panchina: 12 Delfino, 13 Erba, 14 Massimo, 15 Marangon, 16 Bianchini. All. Spalletti
RomaShield27

CMP, this is the thing, with a 3-5-2 there would be no room for natural wingers. This is perhaps why it wouldn't be such a bad thing to cash in on Mancini, and say get Bianchi out of the deal too, if Spalletti does indeed have plans for some sort of 3-5-2 formation. In such a scenario Taddei would more than likely be riding the pine, but he has filled in admirably as trequartista when called upon in the past, and also could possibly act as cover for a wing-back spot inf needed, and so wouldn't be left out in the cold completely.
CMP

Welcome Nol... soon you be just as much of a nutjob as the rest of us here.

In regards to the 3-5-2 lineup... where would a guy like Taddei fit in?
Adam

I'd pull the trigger on a deal worth lots of cash + Bianchi. I don't think he's as risky as everyone believes. Martins? I wish we had bought him earlier, but you never know what COULD have happened in football.
Bashar

I have a question Chris.. Any news regarding winter friendlies for Roma? I see a few other clubs are playing some. It might be useful to have a few against moderate quality opposition to get our kiddies some experience. Curci, Barusso, Antunes and get others in shape like Aquilani and Esposito.
Bashar

Seems like Spalletti wants to get rid of Curci (on loan) as soon as possible. They're already looking at Antonio 'I want Lazio' Mirante as one possible replacement. Doh!! If they can find a good backup (get rid of Zotti in the process), it would be awesome if Curci goes out on loan.
Nol

Hello everyone, I am new in this forum.I am from Prishtina and I'm a crazy fan of As Roma

And for Mancini I would like him to stay at Rome but if he doesen't, the 20 milion euros from his sale will be enough to sign my favorite on the left Royston Drenthe

thank you and forgive me for my english
RomaShield27

Chris, regarding the rumours that Spalletti is considering switching to a 3-5-2 next season, may I ask where did you hear this? There was a small piece on Il Romanista a week or two ago talking about this possibility and it does seem to be circulating around Rome as well. It could happen, and I think we would have the players and ability to make it a success, but switching to a back three is a risk. Its certainly interesting to see how that goes.

Bianchi is now also denying any possibility in leaving Man City. He may not seem like a loyal player, if those comments of his are to be believed, but he sure does seem like he is not willing to quit his Premiershit adventure anytime soon and wants to prove he can be a success there. He is actually doing well and playing well anytime I see him, but Sven, for some reason, doesn't really seem to believe in him, and even starts Vassel ahead of him these days (Vassel is a trooper, no doubt, but surely doesn't touch Rolando's ability). While I have to admit that if City are indeed offering £16m plus Bianchi (emphasising the plus), then it is a serious offer we would have to consider, but at this stage I'm still hanging on to my believe that he will stay and sign a new deal with us (for which i expect we will see a few reports of happening sometime soon).
Kiksi

http://www.tribalfootball.com/...

Dunga pleads Viola to sign Diego.. um, remove Viola and add Roma, please.
romabaha

Selling Mancini anywhere in the UK will bring some cash. Man, I am still surprised that we did not convince the Brits abt Sam-The Turtle.
Vin

Bianchi's agent is now dismissing the rumor. :( Sorry guys. You never know though.
Shast

Bianchi looks like a dam good poacher and he will do some real good to the current Roma squad. Finishing up those dam chances that we should have scored :D
Andre

Starting role chances are greater at Manchester compared to Inter, Liverpoool, etc.

In Inter, he would only start right now because there have been so many injuries...to my knowledge.

Chris, any thoughts?
John Silver

Why in the name of hell would someone with offers from Inter, Liverpool and Real Madrid want to go to Manchester City?

Not gonna happen. Period.
Chico

Chris,

Happy new year first of all and thanks for your posts during the holiday period. I was on holiday abroad but occasionally found an internet cafe to check the offside.

Love the Bianchi quotes, agree let's bring him here.

Couldnt agree more on british food.

If Mancini is miserable in Rome with 2 millions a year I guess he will be on a suicide watch in Manchester.
Martha

Sven-Goren Fucktard is doing awfully well with that team. Is this a personal or professional hate?
evaldo

i think if we get a decent amount of money in return this is a great deal. i like the idea of sending him somewhere he won't torment us in the future (any time soon). dont know how i feel about bianchi though, havent seen enough of him.

barnetta would be excellent and if i were martins id want to get the f outta newcastle. they are a mess... when do we get to see king alberto again? im sure he'll be eased back in but god i miss him!
mctalian

16mil plus mr. i-hate-fish-n-chips is great deal. take it. we have flair. we need finish. bianchi can do that.
Vic

Wow, I think this would be a great deal selling Mancini and getting good cash and Bianchi..he is agreat striker with good potential.
MAybe Roma coul play like this: 4-3--1-2
Doni
Cicinho Mexes Juan Tonetto
TAddei De Rossi Aquilani
Perrota
Totti Bianchi

Or:
Doni
CicinHo Mexes Juan Tonetto
Aquilani Perrota Derossi
Totti TAddei
Bianchi / Vucinic

If ROma reamisn with the same lineup selling mancini and getting Bianchi they would still have money to buy Rosina.

Waht u guys think? Chris any comments?
Mike

i am all for this, when i read the 16mil+bianchi i think i just about jumped for joy with the thought of it. haha
Andre

I dont think Roma is taking a big chance with Bianchi is they want him due to the fact that he does not feel comfortable in Britain (as seen from his comments from the article by chris). Plus the fact that he is not cup tied makes it more appealing along with his relatively younger age, compared to Mancini. What would be beautiful to see is having Vuci and Bianchi up in the 3-5-2 being backed up by Totti in the CAM position. That would be a knockout.
Vin

I see that Mr. White can snipe and poach, which is cool and all... but can the mother F'er gun AND run AND pass a la Roma?

I want to see this guy on the ball when he's more than 6 yards out.
Jeff

C Ronaldo could recommend a few high class escorts for him. He'll be very happy.
chris

I meant to put that in their but forgot. That is important on both ends. It doesn't matter for Citeh.

Manchester is also becoming very Portuguese-speaking on both sides, I'm sure Mancini would love it there. (And I hear the whores are spectacular.)
CMP

I'm for it... 10-15 million euros + Bianchi? DONE!
Jeff

Plus Bianchi is not cup tied. Very important. Neither is Barnetta... I like these rumors as well.
Bashar

I personally value Bianchi at 5-7 million euros. He hasn't really lit the prem on fire (although I think he could if given time). So if City are valuing him at 8 milion pounds and he's part of the deal I'd be more hesitant. He's not worth 8 million pounds. Toni went for that much!

Another thought came to my mind.. Why not Obafemi Martins? He's got speed, technique, and quality. Although he's making good money in the premiership, he's still at Newcastle fighting for mid-table. I don't see why he wouldn't want to come to Roma if we can offer him playign time in a 3-5-2 system. If we can get a good deal for him I think he's worth a good 10-12 million of the money from Mancini. He's Vucigol's age too!
Traian

1. In my opinion, Bianchi would be a gamble for Roma.
2. I would love to see a new system. A system that won the scudetto for us back in 2001 (1-3-4-1-2)...and with what we have right now that would be:
Doni
Cassetti Mexes Juan
Cicinho De Rossi Aquilani Tonetto
Totti
Mancini Vucinic
christian

when i heard the news from my brother that bianchi was linked to roma i was estatic! he is such a player a target man a goal scorer he is just what we need.. i will carry him my self to rome if that is what needed..
forza roma!
13 mill£+ bianchi would do it for me