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| Wednesday 2 April, 2008 |
| Blog: Roman regret |
| Roma's date with destiny failed to end with a kiss at the end of the night, as Richard Godden saw the Giallorossi taught a lesson by Manchester United |
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Roma's Champions League adventure is all but over - I can just about hear a fat lady singing - after they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico. As Luciano Spalletti noted, it was a very Italian-like performance by the Red Devils as they put up a solid wall in front of Edwin Van Der Sar's goal and counter-attacked with pace and precision. Unfortunately for fans of I Lupi, the performance put in by their side minus Francesco Totti was an all too familiar sight.
Although there was little football of the eye candy variety which we are usually treated to when Roma are in action, they still created plenty of chances and were looking far more dangerous than their English opponents up until Cristiano Ronaldo headed United in front. It was a similar story in the second half before Wayne Rooney doubled the deficit.
The trouble is, Roma didn't score when they were in control of the game. It's become something of a trait for the Eternal City outfit, whose profligacy in front of goal has surely cost them enough points this term to be leading the Scudetto race. Sporting director Daniele Prade will be putting Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini's number on speed dial this summer with the Giallorossi crying out for a hitman like Amauri to partner or deputise for Totti.
Don't get me wrong, Mirko Vucinic has the ability to be one of Europe's top strikers. But the former Lecce sensation needs to be showing that on a regular basis and not just once every five games. Love or loathe the injured Totti, but you can't deny that he would have given United a far bigger threat to worry about than his Montenegrin teammate.
Which brings me on to my final point - just how vital is Er Pupone to the Roma cause? One of my colleagues blogged earlier this year about how Totti could actually be a hindrance to the Giallorossi, in the same way that Thierry Henry was towards the end of his Arsenal days, due to his status at the club.
I think last night's performance spoke volumes about his importance. Funny how it is often easier for a player to earn more appreciation without kicking a ball in anger - with even Sir Alex Ferguson, often a harsh critic of the No 10, saying that his absence was crucial. I hope that the Roma skipper is back for the return leg at Old Trafford next week but whether he is or not, I simply cannot see La Magica turning this tie around.
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If you don't believe La Magica can turn it around then A) You don't know what La Magica means and B) You don't know football or have watched it for very long.
Roma are KNOWN for surprising you. How many expected Roma to go through in the Bernabeu? How many expected Roma to get past Lyon? Attenti alla lupa...Forza Roma!!!
Giovanni Senes
Roma was too naive... They attacked far too much and was unlucky to not get paid. Roma should have concentrated much more on not conceeding any goals, thats the important thing. And for you, I'm sorry but Man Utd didn't teach them anything... They simply played just like Italian teams used to play, only when they're not from Italy they don't get criticised.
Erik, Norway
The gulf in class in the striking department was there for all to see Tuesday evening. I have been saying all season that La Magica are two great players away from challenging domestically and on the European stage. A 20-goal marksman such as Di Natale, Borriello and another world-class centre half for example Lucio from Bayern Munich and then Roma has the ammunition to do something special. I will be at Old Trafford Wednesday evening so if miracles do happen then I will be there to witness the greatest in Champions League history!!!
Steve Mitchell |
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