Roma v Serie B Champs: Back To The Grind

By: chris | September 22nd, 2007

Bring On The Cheaters

Those cheatin’ bastards make their way back to the Olimpico, fresh of a 1-0 loss to Udinese at home (I’m cryin’ inside – really, I am) and the loss of about half their roster to injury and Alfa Romeos. Roma? Just the opposite, coming off a commanding 2-0 victory against Dynamo Kyiv and finally getting most of their squad back from the physio’s table at Trigoria. Last year the teams….oh, wait, they didn’t play last year, because Juventus was in Serie B for fixing games. How sad. And as far as, well, the entire world is concerned, friendlies don’t matter. In case it wasn’t obvious yet, they aren’t exactly an accurate barometer for future form or success.

So, the Roman boys have been earning their fair share of praise from about half the managers in Europe as one of the best teams – if not The Best – in the world at the moment. I’m not ready to start calling them the reincarnation of Milan’s Invincibles, but they’re good. Damn good, in fact. The team has taken the stance that it’s still early, that they won’t let it get to their heads and that they certainly haven’t wrapped up the Scudetto yet. Always good, it’s best not to get too cocky early; but one would hope behind those veiled statements is enough confidence to believe they are no lesser than Milan or Inter or Juventus, and play accordingly. The next two weeks will go a long way in determining such.

The Standings

1. Roma 3-0-0 9pts (+7)
2. Inter 2-0-1 7pts (+4)
3. Napoli 2-1-0 6pts (+5)
4. Juventus 2-1-0 6pts (+4)
5. Milan 1-0-2 5pts (+3)
6. Fiorentina 1-0-2 5pts (+2)

Regardless of what Juventus fans say, they’ll still have to beat Roma by a couple goals to jump into first place, and then hope that Inter draws or loses…and that Napoli doesn’t perform a similar trick against Empoli. So you can take that “win and we’re top of the table” bullshit and stick it up your zebra-laced asses. Politely, of course.

The Squads

Roma: Keeps: Doni, Curci, J. Sergio D-Fence: Philou, J-Smooth (Juan), Cicinho, Tonetto, Panucci, Ferrari, Antunes, Cassetti Mids: King Alberto, DDR, Pizarro, ~~Barusso~~, Brighi, Lulu Gulu, Espo (!), Mancini, Taddei, Perrotta Up Top: Il Capitano, Vucigol. No surprises.

Juve: Portieri: Gianluigi Buffon, Jess Vanstrattan, Cristiano Novembre. Difensori: Alessandro Birindelli, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrade, Domenico Criscito, Zdenek Grygera, Cristian Molinaro, Nicola Legrottaglie. Centrocampisti: Sergio Almiron, Cristiano Zanetti, Hasan Salihamidzic, Pavel Nedved, Antonio Nocerino, Ruben Olivera, Tiago. Attaccanti: Vincenzo Iaquinta, Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet, Raffaele Palladino.

The Probable XIs

Roma: Spaletti has made no bones about it, he wants to win this game, so you can be assured he will be fielding his strongest XI, aside from maybe a couple of positions.

Doni;
Cassetti, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto;
De Rossi, Aquilani;
Taddei, Perrotta, Mancini;
Totti.

Juventus:

Gigi;
Birindelli, Andrade, Criscito, Chiellini;
Salihamidzic, Almiron, Zanetti, Nedved;
Del Piero, Trezeguet.

Key Injuries

Roma: Surprisingly at this point the only two injuries to speak of are Christian Panucci and Marco Andreolli, after what seems like half the team was injured only a few weeks ago. Old Man River is still out. Due to recent form, one would think Marco Cassetti will start, as he played a hell of a game on Wednesday, so maybe Spalletti would like to ride his wave as long as possible. Then there’s that Cicinho guy – who is supposed to be decent – but he may not be 100% fit and harmonizing yet. It looks to be Marco. Andreolli? Lord knows when he’ll play. His injury is a nuisance for his development with the team, but largely a non-factor.

Thieves: Line ‘em up. Mauro Camoranesi pulled his right thigh’s third medial rectus femoris muscle or something (duh). Antonio Nocerino was taken out by a Fiat. Hasan Salihamsandwich may or may not play for unspecified reasons (aka I’m too lazy to look them up). Jean-Alain Boumsong strained his vagina. Jonathan Zebina bitch slapped a guy in pink, giving credence to his immense masculinity, and has thus been suspended. Marco Marchionni has picked up a mild case of SARS (or something). Zydnek Grygera has done something that will likely preclude him from playing (yeah, that’s the official medical term). Karma, baby. Karma.

Key Matchups

Roma v Fatigue: During the Dynamo game it was no big secret the boys got tired as the game progressed. After all, this was the third fixture in a week for some, even though only one had played close to a full ~~180~~ 270 – I can’t add (Simone, but stamina is what he does). This will be key during the second half, when the Bianconeri will be on fresher legs (you know, seeing as how they’re not in Europe and all). If they can keep composed and a few more rested faces come in then it shouldn’t be a big deal.

But then there’s the Fiorentina game on Wednesday. Not pretty. Probably the biggest factor during this game, as well as the next two weeks.

Philippe Mexes v 1st Degree Murder: As much as I’d love it, I don’t want to see Philou two foot Pavel Nedved in the chest at any point during the match. We all know those two aren’t exactly bosom buddies, but Philou just doesn’t like Juve. Period. He’s had his spats, he will have more, hopefully they just don’t result in any pretty colored cards. With how dominant he has been, one of my biggest worries.

Francesco Totti v Gianluigi Buffon: There is really little to be said about this. Juventus’ back line wouldn’t strike fear into the hearts of a girls mentally challenged sunday school team (we’ll call them Lazio). So who will win the matchup between two of the best the world has to offer? Serie B or not, Gigi is the best in the world, hands down; while Francesco is the most dangerous striker in the world right now (counting last season), with 3 goals in 3 games, all striking the final nail in the coffin. As always, a matchup for the ages.

Mancini (or Lulu) & Max Tonetto v Juve’s Patchwork Right Side: Here’s what the IR for Juve’s right side looks like: Camo, Grygera, Zebina (mentally injured), Nocerino, Marchionni and potentially Salihamsandwich. Starting will be Birindelli and who the hell knows. Take it down that left hand side early and often, and then some more. It’s like someone left the side door to the bank vault open and you have all night to loot to your heart’s desire.

Roma v The Goal Line: 479 minutes and counting. Wouldn’t that just be splendid to stretch the streak against Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves.

Tactics

Tackle. Run. Pass. Pass. Pass. Wait. Overlap. Clusterfuck. Goal. Celebrate.

Game

It’s quite obvious what Roma is going to try to do. The question is how well they can do it and for how long. At this point the team has really yet to fire on all cylinders, although there were some stretches during that first half in Sicily as well as the buildup to Simone’s goal on Wednesday that were drool-worthy. What happens if a highly motivated side can put some stretches like those against a team missing quick a few key members and backups? Well, it becomes “how long can Gigi hold up the dam?”

Juventus isn’t going to be hiding their gameplan in any super secret underground bunkers either. They’ll try to create and feed the two forwards up top, and try to keep Roma from sneaking the damn ball past midfield, because this team could potentially bleed goals. The biggest question is how well they can plug the holes and prevent Roma from scoring at will. And if Andrade and Criscito give Il Capitano too much space, good bye game.

No matter what, the game will be hard fought and there will more than likely be a few cards and beaucoup free kicks. The defense is much improved from August and the team has done so well controlling games that it’s hard to believe they won’t have similar success until the old legs start to get a little tired. Another factor, which is often brought up less, is the crowd. Water can help, pacing yourself, or taking a rest here and there will help, but nothing helps buoy the legs like a raucous Olimpico crowd. Hopefully the return of Juventus will be enough to throw Curva Sud and the rest of the stands into a frenzy, and give the boys that extra little bit of adrenaline they need when the second half rolls around. So if you’re going to be there, get after it.

In the end, I think Roma’s form, quality and playing at home will be enough to hold off the big, bad Serie B champs, but it will still be a very close and very tough game. Roma for the win. (Duh)

Quotes

“When I decided to leave Parma, I wanted to come to Rome and not Turin. However Sensi preferred Pelizzoli because he was younger.” – Gigi Buffon. Ugh.

“I couldn’t care less about Juventus. I don’t want to know of any transfer stories regarding myself and them. I’ve never imagined myself as a Bianconero. I am a Roma player and I don’t want to hear about such things. I am staying at this club and I’m not pondering anything else.” – Philippe Mexes. All hail Philou.

“We always went into this game as the underdogs. This year our meetings with Juve will be in a sort of balance between our results and their prestigious history.” – Daniele De Rossi. Translation: Hey Juve, you’re not the big, bad wolf anymore. Suck a toad, cheaters.

“I think that Roma are the favourites, but in the grand scheme of things the two teams are of equal strength.” – Alex Del Piero. Really? Funny, I didn’t get that memo.

“In my career I have drawn with Juventus twice, but never won. It’s not too bad, anyway. I will ask my lads to give me a gift.” – TGIP. Get the man a damn gift, fellas.

Predictions

Score: 2-0 Roma
Goals: Mexes (19), Totti (77)
MOTM: Daniele De Rossi, for closing down the entire midfield
Yellows: 8 (heated affair)
Red: 1 (Nedved – for being an ass clown. An ass clown with great hair, but an ass clown nevertheless.)
Doni Related Cardiac Arrests: 756
Times ADP Will Get Bitched Off The Ball: 97

Where: Stadio Olimpico
When: Sunday, 3:00 Roman Time, 9a EST
TV: US, Fox Sports Channel, 9a EST.
Streams: Here, here and here.

FORZA ROMA

(I need to edit/fact-check more often, my b)

Some Related Roma Posts:

Category: Game Previews, Philippe Mexes

« Ooh, Baby I Love Your Ways, or: Down To Business | Home | Juventus Taints Calcio With Their Presence Once Again »

syamrock

most if not all the offsides is the right calls.but about the last throw in.....i just dont know what to say anymore.
typical juve game.
Traian

Cassetti out for a month. Cici needs to step up to the plate.
Daniele

We won the scudetto 2006?

Well my thoughts on the match.

Simo should have sealed it.

Its simple. He needs to put that sitter away.
Granted Mexes played poorly on the first goal, and Mancini missed a huuuge oppurtunity, SImo HAS TO FINISH THAT.

Either way, we are still top, we weren't going to go without giving up goals, and tieing/losing during the season.

Hopefully this will wake our guys up, and get them even more prepared for the next few weeks of hell..

Solo Totti Sempre...
Razvan

oh oh ... btw:

Roma gets "Il Scudetto 2006"

http://www.gazzetta.it/ultimor...{A7B461BF-6D2C-40D0-B026-19449DC360B0}&cat=home&sezione=CALCIO
Razvan

guys, im really happy with the result. the schedule is a nightmare and i remember cris said we shall be happy if we start it with 7 points. its not the end of the world, we didnt managed to kick juve's ass, but i think roma will do just so in Torino.
Roma is still first, plays "jogo bonito" and display quality on each game.
Im just a bit worried about the breakdown in play they show in last 20 minutes. They seemed to be tired. Where are the replacements? where are the guys that can easily replace the starting 11?
Traian

A draw in Firenze would satisfy me. They have a decent squad and are in good form.
Love you guys all.
CMP

Crap... good game but too bad about the result. I saw the game in a bar where i was the only real Roma fan amidst 20 or so Juventinos! And i swear I ( despite me being no more than 1.72 m tall) could have knocked every single one oof them on their asses when Iaquinta scored! Damn I was pissed off - however today I have to say that it wasn't that bad a result. We didn't lose any points to them and the other Scudetto contenders drew in their games as well. Our advantage is however that we have one less game to play against one of "the big teams". Let's look towards the Fiorentina match. If we can win in Firenze then i'll completely forget about this Juve game! Forza Roma!
Giallorosseattle

There is absolutely nothing to like about Juventus. They're boring, they lay around waiting for late-game gifts, their uniforms are ugly, Del Piero needs to retire, and Fiats are slow and unreliable. Roma are hardly infallible, but it's sad that a) negative soccer can be effective against teams that play uptempo; and b) that they're still getting that little nudge at the game's end. I was giggling watching Roma dance around for about 60 minutes, but the result was just obnoxious.

OK, I like Buffon, but seriously, there's nothing else. Juve blows.
DB

ok...i spent the afternoon drinking away my anger...i came away with this:

1. we are still in first
2. we knew we were not going to go undefeated
3. we took a point
4, lets focus on fiorentina
5. juve still cheats
6. forza roma
Ayman

It was an excellent disply by Roma except when they started to take the backseat after the lead. We need a striker(I wouldnt count Vucinic as one).

P.S. It seems there is a large Roma fan base in Saudi.
Jamil Batcha

Iaquinta really impressed me yesterday and besides our missing chances and Doni's laughable positioning on the second goal, I think we really offered Juve way too much room to attack in the first half. Not a terrible result, though I think that we did enough to deserve the 3 pts.
Bashar

was a right!! thats a statement.. haha.. was a right one*
Traian

I said earlier that my MOTM was Iaquinta, but the way he celebrated by kissing that shirt made me puke. He played like 4 times for them. It was pathetic.
Bashar

Leg was up after he threw the ball.. his toe was down when he did.. Trust me.. His throw was a right, but he should've never gotten it in the first place..
Bashar

Mexes did hoof the ball but Iaquinta slid in and knocked it out.. It was our throw in and we threw it in properly.. the rest is bull..
chris

Chiellini did lift his right foot

http://www.dailymotion.com/sea...
Garrett

I enjoyed the game for a while, however Juve still get the breaks. I mean the Throw in was BS. I mean I don't understand these refs & linesmans. There were many offside calls against us that we were clearly onside. The diving from Nedved was typical Lazio mentality. I will be glad when he leaves the game. Anyway the ending should have ended a different way. I'm just upset of the way Mexes handled the last ball. I mean why didn't he either kick it away way before getting close to our goal or when he did get close to our goal pass it back to Doni. But he stayed there playing footsy and concedes a close to our goal throw in. I love Mexes but sometimes he just drives me crazy. This is one of those times. We need to learn from this game, and get more "Ruthless" near the goal. Forza Roma!!!!
Marco MTL

Here is a video of some highlights;
http://www.videoplayer.hu/vide...

You can see the throw at around 7:25 of the video. It is blurry but watch it a couple of times and his foot is way off the ground. It looks like he went past the line too.
Marco MTL

The good news is we dominated this game. Juventus really created nothing the whole game. Roma still have to develop the killer instinct. The good thing is we haven't dropped points to the lesser teams yet. Inter dropping points to Livorno and Milan to Parma were much worse results. We have a tough stretch ahead and today's performance doesn't give us anything to worry about. I love Perrotta but his finishing touch is atrocious. I know people may want to sub him but will his replacement get into the same position to have easy sitters? Taddei looked pretty sloppy again today. He gave the ball away too easily on several occasions. I really can't see him starting on Wednesday.
Ezio

We weren't the best team in the world yesterday, and we are not the worst one today. The call for time wasting on the throw-in was disputable, but if we had put in the net at least 2 of the many opportunities we had, we would all be singing a different song right now. We just need to be more cinical and start putting games away sooner. After DelPiero missed the penalty, Juve didn't even play for 15 minutes. That's when an experienced team goes in for the kill. In the end, it's just one game, against a team that still played DelPiero, Trezeguet, Nevdev, and Iaquinta up there, and like them or not they are good players. The difference this year will not be in the games against the other "big" teams, but to try not to loose points against the teams in the relegation zone, like we did last year. Hey, we are still first, we have 2 points on the seconds, and Inter still sucks!
Chico

Its so frustrating...on Italia 1 they are talking about how good Juve was today and they showed a clip on Ranieri that according to them "explained why Juve is having a great early start" Iif it wasn't for the last minute goal they would be talking about a crisis instead). And in the moviola they didnt show the wrong offside calls against Roma but they showed a possible offside position of Totti on his first goal. And on the throw in incident they said it was probably right because Roma players did not complain. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! I hate them. Rubentus is back.
john

tough to cope with. we dominated. something this happens but come on baby thats the games that seperate a tittle from 4th place. not gettin too down its a long season just a tie. but fior is an important game against a hard team away from home.
Bashar

His right toe is touching the floor but barely.. I recorded the game and looked at it again.. But Cicinho's throw was good too.. No time wasting, no leg up.. Supposedly it's because he threw the ball more upfield than where it went out, but its never given to the other team.. It's called back and never from the distance Cicinho was.
chris

I was just looking for that for the post-game, marco. It does appear he either skips, jumps off the ground trying to dunk the ball or picks up his right foot. Anyway you look at it it does look very illegal.
marco aurelio

anyone track down a clip of chiellini's throw in? they showed a replay on giostra dei gol (rai) and it appeared to be a foul throw but i'm not 100% positive.
marco aurelio

"Alex is the true #10 of Italy"

really? since when does a #10 sit in the stands? is that something new since the italy-ukraine game?

time to get a box of kleenex, some ky lubricant and sit in front of your dp posters you got hanging in your room.
Bashar

I'm not complaining about Nedved's diving.. It was expected.. It's not like we can expect any civility from him..
DB

Mancini and Perotta always miss opportunities. I will never forget 3 or 4 years ago sitting behind the goal at San Siro and Mancini freakin booted the ball over the goal from 2 yards out against Inter.

IMO..Second best finisher on the team (when given the opportunity)...Vucinic. He has a goal scorer's mentality.
Bashar

Roma did fall asleep for that throw in.. true.. but if the throw in wasn't given there would be no goal.. And no complaints.. the throw in was bullshit..

And Mancini dived once.. Nedved had 2 or 3..
Bashar

And the Chelsea game.. I feel sick.. I can't help but feel that all referees should be taken out back old yeller style.. I like the American football idea of being able to contest a few decisions a game
marco

Roma fans, Why are you not talking about Mancini and Taddei flopping as much as Nedved? It was amazing how the ref caused roma to fall asleep in the box during minute 88. He also distracted spalletti from paying attention to the game. Yes, I blame officiating also.
Bashar

I agree.. We really should've killed the game off.. But still.. we deserved 3 points today..
Goduerza

It's all right blaming the ref for that obvious mistake,but we are much at fault too.Methinks that Roma really have a problem with finishing,only good finisher I can think of is Totti,we had unbelievable misses even back in Supercoppa game,until now,and today included.This is the first time we are suffering from this,and I'm fecking pissed off.Game should have been wrapped up before that Iaquinta goal,be it illegal or not.Perrotta and Mancini missed amazing chances,and Taddei wanted to see if he'll be good enough playing rugby with a shot of his.Seriously,I think he tried to lob the stadium or something.The players should really,REALLY work on the finishing aspect.It's got us into problems for the first time,and it's fucking irritating.
chris

Love this line....

"Nedved is an expert player who knows how to make the most of certain situations."

I wonder what he's trying to say.
Gianfranco

The Che-MU ref should not even be allowed to live...refs are not supposed to determine outcomes, they are supposed to oversee them...pure trash.
DB

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

Maybe this is bigger than Juve. I'm watching the Chelsea-ManYoo game right now and the ref is just atrocious. Absolutely atrocious. Red card on a tackle which may or may not have been an actual foul and it just kept going from there, handing the game to ManYoo.

Maybe Platini needs to stop trying to get fucking Luxembourg an automatic CL spot and look into the abysmal refereeing throughout Europe.
Bashar

Haha.. Chris.. Only 2 things upset me in life.. Arrogance and Stupidity.. And the world is soooo full of both.. It's so frustrating..
chris

Bashar, no worries. If the world was full of Juve fans we'd never exist. They're too dumb to figure out how to get their dicks out of their own asses to procreate and save the species.
chris

Yeah, he did. When Cici should've been shown a yellow and told to retake the throw in. Not only that, but he blew the whistle while the ball was in play.

Remember that BS penalty Juve got against Livorno when the game was still moderately competitive. Someone needs to find Moggi. Something isn't right here.
Bashar

I went to some Juve forums to see what they were saying.. They think the last goal was fair, they deserved to win, and that Totti's first goal was because of a foul on the defender.. What bullshit.. It's unbelievable how ridiculous that is!
Gianfranco

Chris isnt odd that Juve seems to always draw late, and on a questionable throw in call. Did the ref award that throw in to Juve becuase Cicinho took to long? I mean seriously WTF, they always seem to get that last minute push to draw even...
Daniel

To 1897 x sempre, post somewhere else. You should be booed for you views on Tots. Del Piero is not the true Italia numero 10, I admit that goal against Germany in WC06 was brilliant, but if he was the true no. 10 - Italia would have won Euro 2000. Booooo boooo
chris

'Zo, I wondered the exact same thing around the 70th. Where were the subs? The guys were either tired or getting there. I suppose maybe he wanted to keep his last sub in case of injury (not forgetting Marco was taken off), but both Taddei and Perrotta needed to be replaced.

1897, is it field trip day at the local looney bin? did they give you one day without meds and computer privileges? my god, it's a wonder society still exists with the idiocy running rampant.
Bashar

1897.. Go to hell.. you know nothing about Roma..
Justin

we gave away our win.. too bad..
1897 x sempre

To all the roma supporters: Roma is too weak, and not deep enough in their roster; both to play the Champions League and the Serie A. They can have Copp'Italia (puntostop) MAYBE they'll be in the top four. Francesco is playing for euros. His shares in the team are the main reasons he said no to the national team... and should be booed out of every Italian stadium. He's not a good representaive of Italian football. Alex is the true N.10 of Italy! Rome is a great city to live in and visit, but I wouldn't want to play or coach there.
Lorenzo

Warning: I'm PISSED and I'm going to rant!

I'm not so much pissed at the fact that we drew 2-2 with Rubentus. I'm pissed with how it went down.

First of all, the ref DID suck. Yes, Mancini dove and deserved a yellow card. So did Nedved. You think there might have been a little contact and he went off balance? Ok, don't give him the yellow. But a PK? Are you shittin me? Only Rubentus gets those kinds of call. Only Rubentus! I do think we were offsides alot so I blame Roma for that. Throwingate was ridiculous. How can you do that? You get the feeling that the ref was looking to give Rube another penalty but since he couldn't find an excuse, he just tried anything he could. I wonder how many Rube fans out there sense this?

Now I'm going to direct my next rant at one of our most beloved....so if you have a weak heart or stomach, just skip this. What the hell game was Spalletti watching??? The first 45 minutes were played with unbelievable energy. The last 45 were lethargic and listless. How about some friggin substitutions???? Yes, he put in Guily (for the wrong guy) at the 61st minute (approx), and then nothing else until minute 85ish? Are you shittin me TGIP? WE HAVE PLAYERS!!! ROSELLA ACTUALLY GOT YOU THE DEPTH THAT YOU WANTED. USE IT!!!!!!

Taddei, Taddei, Taddei (shaking my head). What can I say? He seems like a nice guy, a great teammate, a hard worker and he made a very nice move in a game last year. When we have a lead late in a game and need fresh legs, bring him in for Mancini or Giuly. Other than that, I don't want to see him in the bigger games.

Doni (someone already said it but it bears repeating). Doni, meet your goal line. Goal line, meet Doni.

Perrotta, meet the back of the net. Back of the net, meet Perrotta. I don't actually blame Perrotta that much. TGIP loves his running around in that trequartista position but I think it would be better suited alongside DeRossi making numerous runs forward throughout the game. I said it last week and I'll say it again. DeRossi-Perrotta midfield with Mancini-Aquilani-Guily trequartista line would be AWESOME both defensively and offensively.

Mexes and Juan seem a little tired. How are ya feeling Ferarri? Ferrari, meet Mutu and Pazzini.

I'm LIVID!!!!
Traian

OK, here is my summary:
2-2, fair score.
Penalty kick - I think it was correctly awarded.
Other notable chances:
Roma - 1 Perrotta (HUGE ONE), any other does not come to mind
Juve - 2 (DelPiero penalty and that half volley blocked by Doni)
My MOTM - Iaquinta (goal, assist, and a lot, lot of running)...I was really impressed by the guy
Big disappointment - Cicinho
a. Causing the PK
b. That free-throw should have been taken 10 yards back.
chris

Minor backpage story which could become a big deal: It looks like Jorge Andrade is out for the year. God, their defense wasn't that good to begin with, now they lose their best defender? They'll be lucky to get a UEFA Cup spot this year.
Daniel

Here you go chris

http://sport.kataweb.it/news/s...
dean

You're right Daniel he's not the player he was when he played for Lazio. What pissed me off the most was the fact we did dominate the game for long stretches but in the end we did'nt get the result. I'm worried that mentally Roma shits the bed in big matches against big clubs and I think that Spalletti need to find a way to motivate them more.
Bashar

Btw.. I had the game recorded and went back to look at the throw in incident.. There is no way the referee could have gotten it wrong like that.. Cicinho's throw was good.. The original throw came off Iaquinta.. Inexcusable..
chris

I'm dying to hear Spalletti's presser. Although I am a bit worried, because aside from the Mancio incident, he has taken a relatively quiet attitude this season.
Daniel

hey Dean, Nedved didnt piss me off that much - only reason was because he did fuck all all game except win a penalty. He is rubbish and should retire
Marco420

Goals!

http://www.youtube.com/jp.swf?...
DB

Nedved is ALWAYS diving! I hate him more than any other player in the world. Iaquinta has always annoyed me as well, but after today he joins my Nedved shit list.
Daniel

hey tottifan, I agree we can't be too hard on the ref, he wasn't great but he was no way near as bad as there has been in Roma-Juve matches in the past. But Totti's first goal came because his clever flick wrong-footed Criscito - Tots didn't throw the defender. And Juve did not earn the draw, with better finishing it should of been 3 or 4-1, they were lucky to still be in the game. F**ken Doni. Juve MERDA
dean

Did the way Nedved was diving and and play acting the whole game piss anyone else off? What a minge bag!!
dean

We should have extended our leed today! We need to be able to beat juve and the milan sides if we are going to win the scudetto.I know fatigue was an issue but Roma looked like they just lost focus near the end of the match. Hopefully this is a wake up call for the squad . Our finishing in front of goal needs to drastically improve from the entire team cause we've wasted alot of chances. We can say what ever we want about the shitty refs but we wasted chances to put that game away. Fuck that was dissapointing.
chris

tottifan, you missed a very important word there....

"Juve still had to score the goal from an ILLEGAL throw in"

It wasn't a judgement call, like a BS penalty, it was flat out against the rules to hand that throw in to Juve.

I hope Lega Calcio is embarrassed by this.
Bashar

Totti threw the defender? Are you kidding? Watch that again and see that Totti didn't touch him!!! tottifan284 is a Juventino in disguise or something!
tottifan284

Please stop whining about the refs people. Juve still had to score the goal from a throw in..its not like they were handed a spot kick for the equalizer. Besides, the only reason Roma scored their first goal was because the refs allowed Totti to throw his defender to the ground before scoring. Juve earned the draw.
Marco420

was that byron moreno!

I like Cassetti and all but iwas glad to see Cicinho in there. He played great on offense. He should of taken a couple shots at goal in my opinion but he still needs to work on the D.

Nedved's a whore and Taddei was great in the first half but sunk in the second.

Simone and Lulu Giuly need to borrow that FINISHING FOR IDIOTS! book that Di Natale found in that weird bookstore in Kiev.

at least,Massimo MOratti and Che Guevara got a drew so we're still first!
Daniel

That crowd was brilliant too ... a packed Olimpico is a great sight. Gonna be a hard game on the road in Firenze midweek. Lets hope the boys can grind out a result
Daniel

.. and another thing, Juve (especially the defense and defensive mids) truly are Merda. They will be lucky to finish in the top 4. Anyway FORZA ROMA
Bashar

CALCIOPOLLI CALCIOPOLI.. WHOOOW OOOW OOOOW!! *sings*

That was utter bullshit.. nothing changed since the last Juve - Roma game but the year.. They're still cheating their haearts out..
Daniel

2 points wasted ... We can blame the ref for giving Juve the throw-in but Doni really needs to be told again and again and again, on set pieces, STAY ON YOUR LINE
Gollum

On the brighter side of things:
1. That game was pure domination
2. We're still in 1st
3. Cicinho is a beast
chris

DB, I suspect you may be right in regards to Mourinho.

I can't wait to the video and subsequent backlash of that throw in.

And I can't believe any referee would be so idiotic as to give Juve a borderline call, nevermind a blatant one.
il capitano

its not like we have a bad bench or anything..
brighi
giuly
cicinho
pizarro
vucinic
they all can hold their own out there...so let some of the others rest pleassee!
Xelius

I agree the offsides were legit can't really complain. Honestly we need to start rotating the boys we just cant keep putting best 11 best 11 every time because liek today they will tire.
DB

the referring was horrendous...they call a foul on cincinho's throw...did they see how far chellini's right foot came off the ground on the subsequent throw? UGH

we threw away two points....mexes and juan were asleep all game long...and doni needs ritalin or something to help him focus...perotta NEEDS to finish...mancini needs more time to get back in form, but he was a step slow today with NO first touch

aquliani played out of this world, as well as totti in the first half

i now hate Iaquinta just as much as Nedved

btw: after Inter's 2-2 draw to Livorno, I am thinking Mourinho will be in Milan this week
syamrock

most if not all the offsides is the right calls.but about the last throw in.....i just dont know what to say anymore.
typical juve game.
Bagus

well.. at least there's something relieving here, look at inter...
il capitano

12 offsides??
i dont like to bitch and complain...but i dont think anyone can not think that something was up with the refs in that game
Gollum

Bring on Calciopoli round 2
chris

I can't believe I'm saying this but I hope Brighi begins seeing some starting minutes, with the hope that Perrotta is just godawful tired from playing so many minutes in 10 days. Unfortunately, I don't think that's the case...
chris

I think Taddei was gassed. Most of them were. It was clear in the last 10 the legs just went, and that's what is such a worry over the next 10 days.

But Juve needs another year in Serie B. They obviously haven't learned.
il capitano

out shot them 23-10
Xelius

Taddei was tired. More Like where was Mexes today? Ergh I am so damn angry! I am more angry at ourselves then at Juve FFS
syamrock

i'm dissapointed in mexes.
he really need to up his game....and someone need to chop off the referee balls(if he has any)
Eric

Was that an illegal throw by Cicinho that led to the equalizer? The announcer on Fox Socer was attrocious but all of a sudden it was Juve's throw and we all know what happened next.
The_tuna

I'm with Chris here on Perrotta. That had to be one of the most frustrating games I've seen in awhile. We should have won but wasted some of the easiest chances, particularly from Perrotta. And whats up with Taddei playing like he doesn't give two shits all of a sudden?
il capitano

i guess juve didnt learn and are still paying those refs haha
wtf
chris

Wow, just wow.

I know I should be angry about Juventus needing a referee to give them a highly suspicious gift to win/equalize, but I'm not. I'm just used to it at this point.

But this game should have been 4-2. Something needs to be done about Perrotta missing goals.
Romanista SA

Someone needs to teach perotta to shoot.

For f/ck sake

And that equaliser was murderous
Xelius

Fucken ass fuck fuck fuck
lgarzone

did doni just smack iaquinta in the face with his ass?

if so, well done.
il capitano

adp misses penalty hahahaha
yesss, 2-1 still
chris

alright, this perrotta shit is getting ridiculous. how many sitters can one guy miss?
Traian

Goal 1: Totti's first touch was insane. That defender needs to defend a lot of strikers until he's gonna stop a guy like Totti!!!!!
The_tuna

I hope those pricks from Sky sports are watching.
The_tuna

No you see guys Totti is a great player.....for Roma. It would be just impossible for him to play like this for Milan. He just doesn't do enough, and plays when he feels like it.
Eric

C'e solo un capitano!
elmi

il capitano is above marvellous,magnificent&awesome combined together!
lgarzone

mancini starting was a mistake.

he's playing ok, but i swear if i see him jog slowly and let another cross go over the line i'm gonna die. giuly would be all over those
Garrett

As for Juve I agree with Chris I almost hate Juve more than Lazio but Lazio will always be at the top of my list of disliked clubs nothing can change that. In my opinon the original points deduction they were going to receive in Serie B should have stood. Then we wouldn't even be discussing this game. Juve always gets away with a slap on the wrist. I just hope that in this game we will bring the Roman pride and show Juve how the game should be played. Everyone talks about it's so nice to have Juve back in Serie A, but I hold a different view on that.
ivan

Chris:

As ever, tnx for the daily dose of humor and much needed sarcasm.
I hate Juve more than Lazio and I also want to see a big win but I think it will be a narrow affair and if we win it will be by a goal margin.
Off to the neverlasting booze and tons of Roma nutcases- my celebrating stage is all set. Hope that all normal people around the world feel great after kickin that horsey ass
Daniel

Nice pre-match write up Chris. Lets hope that moron Patrick Swayze (i.e. Nedved) doesn't injure anyone with his ridiculously dangerous tackles - we know how dirty he is, especially against the Giallorossi. If he does I can see Mexes murdering him post match before he gets to the change rooms. Has to be POST, can you hear me Phillipe??, we cant afford you accumulating yellows (god-forbid reds) during the game. FORZA ROMA