Chiesa Di Totti - 2018 AS Roma Year in ReviewCautiously Optimistic Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48469/totti-fave.png2019-01-02T17:00:06+01:00http://www.chiesaditotti.com/rss/stream/179247472019-01-02T17:00:06+01:002019-01-02T17:00:06+01:00The Great Roma Questionnaire Extraordinaire: Midseason Addition
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<img alt="Parma Calcio v AS Roma - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-bNsIZSl2GSH-EFDL8ive4Lz4Mo=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62761669/1075717548.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The crew assembled to take Roma's temperature at the halfway point. </p> <p id="KWHag1">Now that 2019 is finally here, we can put the 2018 reflections behind us and look forward. What have the first several months of the new Serie A season taught us about Roma? Are they turning things around or are we in store for another spring swoon? To answer those questions, and several more, I assembled the crew for another installment of our Great Roma Questionnaire Extraordinaire.</p>
<p id="NAQ3Jb"><strong>1. Give us a four sentence summary of Roma’s first half? All good? All bad? Bit of a mixed bag?</strong></p>
<p id="UJeINc"><strong>Bren</strong>: Well, like most things, it’s a bit of a mixed bag; a muddy, leaky bag at that. There were a couple bright spots and mini winning streaks, but by and large Roma choked when it mattered most, tossing points out the window against smaller sides. Between the injuries, the squad rotation and their inability to produce in the final third, it’s a miracle they scrounged up 30 points. They definitely benefited from a weak league; it’s Juve, <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a> and then everyone else. </p>
<p id="eyJYFT"><strong>Dallagente:</strong> Monchi and EDF’s ideal to treat everyone like “equals” is clearly still not something Roma can afford to keep peddling right now. They tried to speed up the timetable on and the league table says they were wrong. That being said, it’s refreshing that the club hasn’t backed away from confronting those mistakes head on, instead of looking for the “miracle” overnight solution (aka firing the coach) like so many shortcuts to nowhere taken in the past. Roma is -9 down on this time last season, which is easily recoverable if they avoid another “dark” January period under EDF.</p>
<p id="ksnhno"><strong>Jimmy Miotto:</strong> It was the best of times, it was the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loMEF18Ir4s">blurst</a> of times, it was an age of Roman <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> success, it was an age of Roman Serie A foolishness, it was the epoch of belief in young talent, it was the epoch of incredulity at Monchi’s missteps, it was the season of Champions League Dzeko, it was the season of Serie A Dzeko, it was the Zaniolo of hope, it was the Schick of despair, we had the stadium before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going directly to Scudetto glory, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like any period in Roman history, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.</p>
<p id="gZzQtI"><strong>JonAS</strong>: The good, the bad and the ugly, really. The amazing 9/9 in the Champions League. The 0-2 giveaway in <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/cagliari">Cagliari</a>. The loss at home against SPAL. Honestly, there’s no club in the world that gives us such roller coaster rides as <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/">AS Roma</a>, ladies and gents. Be proud of it…. in a weird kind of way. Ow and Jimmy, those are waaay more than four sentences, you cheater!</p>
<p id="2UArsS"><strong>ssciavillo:</strong> Even though the first half of the season wasn’t as good as we’d hoped it’d be, it wasn’t all bad either. Advancing out of the group stage of the Champions League with the two games to spare was definitely the biggest success of the first half of the season. The Serie A season has been a bummer, but being just two points out of a Champions League spot means there’s plenty of hope for the second half. Additionally, the fact that some our young players, most notably, Zaniolo and Pellegrini, have begun to show their qualities is a win for the rest of the season. </p>
<p id="XLdHNn"><strong>Sam Straya: </strong>Well we won the derby and advanced in the Champions League, so that’s good. I wasn’t too surprised to see Roma struggle in the league following the summer firesales but unbelievably, thanks largely to league wide results, we still have a credible shot at creeping into fourth spot. With that said, our defence has been leaky, our attack anaemic and our midfield disjointed. Roma took quite the step back in 2018.</p>
<p id="dLYH0g"><strong>2. Can we safely assume that EDF is once again the man for Roma, or might the wheels fall off in 2019?</strong></p>
<p id="2h3xc2"><strong>Bren</strong>: I’d like to say yes, but then that would mean Roma would have the same manager for three consecutive seasons, an event as rare as Halley’s Comet. I hesitate to say the <a href="https://www.crusaderschorus.com/">Parma</a> match cured all their ills simply because EDF has bounced back before only to falter a few weeks later. I still can’t figure this guy out, but given how close they are to fourth place, it’s hard for me to imagine him getting sacked unless they drop two or three in a row after the break.</p>
<p id="ItDWEb"><strong>Dallagente: </strong>There are encouraging signs in how EDF’s has man-managed Schick, Kluivert and SES this season, but my biggest gripe with EDF is how often his players act like there’s a forcefield from anywhere between 25 yards into the opponent’s goal. That’s the biggest contradiction for a coach who claims his ambition is to “hurt” opponents. The build up is solid, but players drop their head in that final third, and take the easy option to pass it out wide. The only exceptions are Lorenzo Pellegrini and <span>Daniele De Rossi</span>, and maybe Cristante is catching up. Other than that, EDF has offered some encouraging answers when pressed on the question of holding onto possession in midfield, showing he’s learning on the job and open to changing his ideas around the players he has. That’s the same learning curve Ancelotti made as a coach from back in his Parma-Juve days to now.</p>
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<img alt="AS Roma v US Sassuolo - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mov8m75YVV4PIbLmrO3v8Edou6w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13660308/1075107382.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="HCCn5M"><strong>Jimmy: </strong>Well, EDF’s not going to get fired during the break, which would have been the perfect time to fire him (if you were so inclined). Add in the fact that <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a> and Milan look even more fragile than Roma at the moment, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that top-four finish we all wanted at the beginning of the season come to fruition anyways.</p>
<p id="jakjrX"><strong>JonAS</strong>: It seems his job is safe once more, after three wins in four Serie A games. The loss in Juve was expected and Roma managed to keep it a narrow loss too. But Lazio, Milan, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sampdoria">Sampdoria</a> and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/atalanta">Atalanta</a> are all packed on a handkerchief in the standings, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a> and <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> are not far away. Three weeks without a win and EDF’s head, as wonderful and magnificently bearded as it may be, is back on the block. That’s why this Serie A break comes at a bad time for EDF. But for the second half of the season he’ll have a fully fit Dzeko, Pastore, Dani and Pellegrini back so that’s a positive thing.</p>
<p id="eXazOJ"><strong>ssciavillo:</strong> I thought EdF would be on the chopping block a few times this season. However, having survived what appears to be the worst of times already, I think he’ll survive the season. A couple more wins coming out of the break then I think his job becomes even more secure. If Roma are able to finish top 4 and secure a Champions League place then I don’t see why he won’t be back next season either. </p>
<p id="b2COtB"><strong>Sam Straya: </strong>I won’t go so far as to say EDF is the man for Roma, but he is the man for Roma right now. I still think he is a decent coach who has been sold some dud magic beans by the suits and cursed with injuries to key players. He should make it to the end of the 18/19 without too many dramas but I’m still not convinced he’ll be in charge for next season<strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="tEy3Yq"><strong>3. Which player surprised you the most (positively or negatively) in the first half and why?</strong></p>
<p id="30ryaR"><strong>Bren</strong>: Hmm, tough question. I suppose Nicolo Zaniolo is the obvious answer because he’s contributed so much at such a young age, but I’m going to go with Robin Olsen. Filling in for Alisson was always a monumental task, but I’m happy to say I was so, so, so wrong about this guy. He can’t hold a candle to the Brazilian Don Draper in terms of his ability on the ball, but Olsen can make all the textbook saves, has great reflexes and positioning, and uses his long arms and legs remarkably well. He’s not Alisson, but he’s as good or better as any keeper Roma has had outside of Alisson over the past decade. Easily. </p>
<p id="60qZ46"><strong>Dallagente: </strong>For me it’s Lorenzo Pellegrini. I don’t know how to explain his form. His explanation this week was the move to trequartista “frees him up mentally” before a game starts, so I’ll take his word for it. He’s been offering so much more than that though. The game against Fiorentina where he started coming deep and helping out with possession from the back showed he’s ready to do whatever it takes to make his teammates look better. I agree with Olsen too, the keeper has kept a very calm head. Against Juve it was like Olsen’s saves inspired the team to get back in the game.</p>
<p id="OGPbma"><strong>Jimmy Miotto: </strong>Lorenzo Pellegrini would definitely be my top choice. I expected Olsen to perform well (especially after some lessons at the Savorani Dojo), but for all the reasons Dallagente said, I’m surprised that LoPe has turned himself into one of the most crucial members of this side. Just look at how the game against Parma changed when he came in for Nicolo Zaniolo (who, as Bren noted, has been no slouch). Things just <em>worked</em>. </p>
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<img alt="Udinese v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f9AyvRnTgAlrIaIQifvzkXgzImA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13660309/1064889602.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="cZG6Nk"><strong>JonAS</strong>: Zaniolo is the only obvious answer as we all thought he’d spend a lot of time in our Primavera first. But he immediately showed himself on training and even in the CL and Serie A. Pellegrini and Olsen are two others who impressed me. I have to say I expected a bit more from Kluivert and Nzonzi as the new guys in town, while Fazio hasn’t been the same as last season. Lastly, Karsdorp still remains a mystery to me. Your prototype marauding right back suited for EDF’s system, but it looks like he’s back on his way to Feyenoord. Rick needs to find peace in his mind. Shame.</p>
<p id="bdep7i"><strong>ssciavillo:</strong> I agree that Olsen is a good choice, but he already showed his qualities playing for Sweden at the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>. Normally, I’d go with Pellegrini, who has quickly become one of my favorite players to watch on the team. However, when picking the biggest surprised, I have to go with Zaniolo. I mean the kid was brought over with some hype considering the way he played for Inter <em>Primavera’s</em> side. But the key word there was <em>primavera</em>. We knew the kid had talent, but like Jon said, we thought he’d spend some time on Alberto De Rossi’s squad first. The fact that he’s come in and looked like he fit right in at this level has been very impressive. </p>
<p id="KlJXV4"><strong>Sam Straya: </strong>Honourable mentions to both Olsen and Zaniolo, but I think Lorenzo Pellegrini has made the biggest jump and has managed to address one of Roma’s biggest weaknesses with Pastore flopping. I have also been surprised that it has taken Cristante so long to look like the sort of player he was at Atalanta. Hopefully this provides Monchi and Jimmy a lesson on the perils of swapping experienced players for youth and expecting the same results, but you know leopards and spots and all that.</p>
<p id="JmjQtH"><strong>4. Regardless of your answer above, which player MUST improve if Roma stand a chance at the top 4?</strong></p>
<p id="fJ9o2o"><strong>Bren</strong>: If I can only choose one, it has to be Edin Dzeko. While it’s all well and good that 16 players have scored league goals for Roma this year, they need a consistent threat in the middle, a guy they can count on in a rainy evening in Bergamo or a taught 0-0 affair at the Olimpico. Dzeko gets paid to score goals, and if they have any shot at landing in the top four, he has to carry over this Champions League form to Serie A. It’s a two-way street because he needs better service, but Roma can’t survive if he’s not in double digits by the end of the year. Two goals from your #9 just won’t cut it. </p>
<p id="ZFZncj"><strong>Dallagente: </strong>Whichever player can offer Kolarov a rest (in a weird way that may be Perotti). And everyone in the midfield can improve their defending still. Roma is the most prolific team in Serie A at home, even if Bren is right about the individual scoring being low, but the team keeps conceeding goals. You can get by till the end of the season on unlocking games through set piece goals and counter attacks, but not if you keep conceeding at the other end.</p>
<p id="SqfWuT"><strong>Jimmy Miotto: </strong>Two things need to happen for Roma to get one of those Champions League spots. The first I’ll answer here, and the second belongs to question number five. With the current roster, one of Patrik Schick and Edin Dzeko needs to rediscover their striker’s boots in Serie A. Schick showed promise against <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sassuolo">Sassuolo</a>, but as much as I want him to succeed, I’m not going to say we’re about to have a Shickaissance until he gets closer to the 5 goal mark for the season. As for Dzeko, Bren already mentioned that the Jekyll-and-Hyde routine from him won’t cut it for much longer in Serie A. It’s always fun when lots of players score, but to win titles, you need a powerhouse striker. Dzeko’s been that guy for Roma for a while now; will he be able to re-discover his form in the league, or will the Wayward Czech remind us why Roma shelled out 42 million big ones for his services? </p>
<p id="I8jvLB"><strong>JonAS</strong>: Every player. Roma is a team of about 25 guys, and we’ll need every single one of them. With the Coppa, CL knockouts and Serie A all going into sudden death soon, everyone, from Mirante to Schick needs to be on their guard and ready to perform on stage when needed. If you really need a name, I’d say Fazio. Manolas can’t hold the fort on his own and Federico right now is searching for his best form. Talentwise he’s still Roma’s best defender after Manolas. Jesus and Marcano won’t lead us to another CL semi final or fourth place in Serie A. Unless of course Monchi delivers us a star CB this Winter.</p>
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<img alt="ACF Fiorentina v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J9kd6vlh-2mNoPZF5krOcalmOJU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13408369/1057022200.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="6HSQey"><strong>ssciavillo: </strong>I don’t think there is just one obvious choice. However, if I have to choose one player, I’d probably agree with bren and go with Dzeko. Recent injury issues aside, his goalscoring just hasn’t been there in league play. He needs to find some of that Champions League magic against Serie A competition. I know he’s getting older, but he clearly still possesses the ability to put the team on his back on his day. Maybe getting games off here and there would benefit him in the long run, if Schick can pick up the slack more consistently, like against Sassuolo then Dzeko will be fresher and perhaps more motivated when he does play. </p>
<p id="bMgIdl"><strong>Sam Straya: </strong>Rather than pick any one player I think our team needs to pull it’s finger out defensively. The midfield needs to do more to limit these counterattacks that are regularly carving us up and we need the back four to be more ruthless. I still think we have enough talent on the offensive side of the ball to squeeze into the top four, but if we don’t stop conceding cheap goals I don’t think we’ll get there.</p>
<p id="L32hpA"><strong>5. Which area, if any, should Monchi address during the </strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors"><strong>transfer window</strong></a><strong>?</strong></p>
<p id="NpoM0u"><strong>Bren</strong>: I’d love a defensive midfielder like Wilmar Barrios from Boca, and I think Nicolas Burdisso should grease the Roma wheels whenever he can, but he might have bigger suitors for Barrios. Either way, with De Rossi’s injury lingering, the minutes are really piling up on Nzonzi, so some depth and future cover behind those two would be great. And centerback. They desperately need another center back. </p>
<p id="9LaVGk"><strong>Dallagente: </strong>Left-back and a defensive midfielder to take the heat off De Rossi’s knee recovering. Centre back would be nice, but it’s hard to find a centre back who’s got the mental, physical and ball playing skills all in one. Those kind of centre backs don’t get sold in January, and definitely not for cheap. Full backs are easier to find and the DM would just have to be good enough to come off the bench this season.</p>
<p id="xaWJGi"><strong>Jimmy Miotto: </strong>Centerback, centerback, centerback. I love Federico Fazio, but he’s showing signs of aging; <span>Juan Jesus</span> is a backup (and there’s nothing wrong with that); I have no idea where Ivan Marcano went off to; William Bianda is two years away from being two years away; and <span>Kostas Manolas</span> is a Mehdi Benatia-like player, who should be paired with a Leandro Castan-esque giant who can calm down the defense in times of trouble. Iago Maldana seems to be the likely solution in the transfer market, but if money were no object I’d love Nikola Milenkovic.</p>
<p id="0GJlKa"><strong>JonAS</strong>: The defence needs two men. Kolarov is once again playing everything on left back and he really needs someone who can challenge him for that starting spot. Jesus and Marcano can also play that position but we need a REAL one there, not just a bandaid. I feel Santon performs better as a vice-Florenzi. A centre back to partner Manolas is welcome as well (I read Alderweireld is ready to leave Tottenham). And if Schick leaves on loan, a goal poacher like Batshuayi or Piatek. My ideal Winter Mercato would be Piatek, Alderweireld and Emerson returning from Chelsea, but it’s gonna cost quite a bit. Oh well, just sell Ünder.</p>
<p id="NbjvJs"><strong>ssciavillo</strong>: I’d have to go with a center back to partner with Manolas. We were rumored recently to have interest in <span>Daniele Rugani</span> of Juve. I doubt that Juve would sell midseason, but a young, talented defender with plenty of Serie A experience would be an ideal fit. With the emergence of Bryan Cristante in the double pivot in midfield, I think center back becomes the biggest priority because a rotation of DDR, Cristante, and N’Zonzi should be enough to get the team through. However, that position would be my second choice. If Luca Pellegrini can show he’s ready enough to spell Kolarov against the minnows, like Chievo, then we can save our money at left back.</p>
<p id="YmSunq"><strong>Sam Straya: </strong>I’m not a big January signing advocate, but it’s pretty clear we need at least one defensive reinforcement. I don’t know what the deal is with Marcano but he sure as hell hasn’t done what is says he can do on the box when we got him. </p>
<p id="j7YdIN"><strong>6. Finally, give us a prediction: Roma will finish the season ___________?</strong></p>
<p id="aKB4XE"><strong>Bren</strong>: Bruised, bloodied, and barely in fourth place, but we’ll take it. </p>
<p id="5e8vur"><strong>Dallagente: </strong>Unfortunately fourth and not third. It looks like I’ll lose my friendly bet with Asta pasta and h2, because Keita is a damn good signing for Inter.</p>
<p id="eqsFWv"><strong>Jimmy Miotto: </strong>Third. I’m patiently waiting for the wheels to fall off of Spalletti’s <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>. It’s going to happen sooner or later, and judging by <span>Radja Nainggolan</span>’s antics, I feel like the safe bet is to say sooner.</p>
<p id="6u10Rk"><strong>ssciavillo: </strong>I think it’ll be fourth. Unfortunately, the nine point gap with Inter might be too much to overcome, even if Spalletti’s side has the winter swoon that his teams tend to have. But considering the up and down first half fourth would be decent enough. The first three games against Tornio, Atalanta, and Milan will go a long way in turning the race for fourth into a two team race with Lazio or potentially three if Milan get it together. </p>
<p id="0yN2C4"><strong>JonAS</strong>: I so desperately want to say fourth place, but I just don’t dare to make predictions at this time. Roma’s blowing hot ‘n cold, it can go either way. Flip a coin. Sampdoria won’t keep this tempo up and they depend a lot on Quags. Actually, Roma’s faith lies in the hands of Lazio and Milan. Do they continue to struggle in the league or improve greatly in 2019? If it’s the former then Roma will easily seal fourth place by round 35 or so. If it’s the latter, well, then it doesn’t look good for Eusebio’s men.</p>
<p id="pQhbGC"><strong>Sam Straya: </strong>Sorry guys, I don’t think we are going to get there. The only reason we have any chance at making the top four is because of the crappy performances of our direct rivals. Although there has been forward progress this month, I don’t think Milan and Lazio will keep dropping points at a rate that will let us overtake them. Roma need to show a dramatic improvement in 2019 to make Fourth place and I am yet to see enough that justifies that.</p>
<p id="goYYR1">So there you have it. I hope you've enjoyed our year in review series, actual Roma action will resume when the ladies take on Sassuolo on January 6th while the men are on break until the 14th, when they kick off their Coppa Italia journey against Virtus Entella. </p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2019/1/2/18163633/the-great-roma-questionnaire-extraordinaire-midseason-additionbren2019-01-01T20:00:04+01:002019-01-01T20:00:04+01:00Roma's Top 10 Players of 2018: Part Two
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<p>Who will take top honors?</p> <p id="KI2uRf">Earlier today we ran through numbers six through ten in our countdown of Roma's best players in 2018. The top half of the list features a Roman, a former <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a> player, the author of a miracle, and a guy who went for a whole heap of cash this summer.</p>
<h2 id="3xdRzO">#5: <span>Kostas Manolas</span>
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<img alt="AS Roma v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N2ma3D5kvYoFtfAju0RLGxLBGcE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11976911/944403164.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="RnapLi">If Kostas Manolas’ 2018 was summed up in one moment, it would be <em>that </em>goal. I don’t have to say who Roma was playing, I don’t even have to attach a link to the video. If you even barely follow Roma, or <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> football for that matter, you know what I’m talking about. That goal pushed Roma further into the global football conversation; that goal nearly gave me a heart attack (in a good way); that goal ended Andres Iniesta’s Champions League career on a sour note. If Manolas had only contributed that goal to Roma’s cause in 2018, it’d be a banner year for him.</p>
<p id="6hdRzf">Of course, that’s not all that Manolas has done in 2018. Despite some selfish moments here and there, the Greek God of Rome has been a crucial part of Roma’s defense, and, along with Aleksandar Kolarov, is one of the main reasons Roma has held together a semblance of a defensive identity. There have been rumors of a Manolas move to Manchester United, Real Madrid, and half a dozen other superclubs; for Kostas’ sake and for Roma’s, I hope he stays put. 2019 will be Manolas’ fifth calendar year plying his wares at the Stadio Olimpico, and I’m certainly grateful for that.</p>
<h2 id="5Y5OcT">#4: <span>Daniele De Rossi</span>
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<img alt="Torino FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q3MS11wRrxmGYqYnK-OeAr-3lb8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/12318015/1019501444.jpg.jpg">
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<p id="MO1Ztx">Oh Captain, My Captain! It may have taken longer than expected for <em>Capitano Futuro</em> to become <em>Capitano Presente</em> thanks to <span>Francesco Totti</span>’s prolonged career. However, once De Rossi took over as captain last season, he seemed to find a renewed energy. A couple seasons ago, De Rossi seemed to be showing signs of aging, and it’s true that he has slowed a bit; at 35 years old, DDR is no spring chicken and is admittedly close to the end. However, if the past couple months have shown us anything, De Rossi still plays a vital role for Roma. </p>
<p id="pUQppy">De Rossi still provides the leadership, defensive positioning, ability to dictate play in possession, and of course his trademark <em>grinta </em>in the middle of the park makes him so valuable. Like Dzeko and Alisson, De Rossi was vital in Roma’s Cinderella run to the Champions League semis and even scored a vital penalty kick against Barca. De Rossi rarely scores these days, but he does so much more for the team that doesn’t show up in the numbers. Roma will hope he’s healthy for the rest of the 2018-19 campaign because he has been missed in the middle of the park during his long injury lay off. His presence in big matches might be vital to Roma eliminating Porto in the CL and securing fourth in the league. </p>
<h2 id="1Tn86z">#3: Alisson Becker</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v SSC Napoli - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EboxzBPqSsXzCeB41XVO5a06878=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13657954/861351590.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="CGAsYl">I mean, where to begin? It may be hard to believe, but the sum total of Alisson’s Roma career was a mere 59 appearances spread across two seasons, but he loomed so large in 49 of those (his 2017-2018 total) that his legend sort of exceeded the reality. Between his outrageous charges off the line to his <em>why-the-hell-is-he-even-a-keeper </em>dribbles, and of course his stellar saves, it seemed like Alisson was half man/half amazing, but there was substance, a lot of it, underneath that flash. By some estimates, the Brazilian Don Draper earned and/or saved Roma 13 points last season, which, even if its exaggerated by a couple percentage points, is astounding. Any way you slice it, Alisson’s heroics papered over a lot of cracks in Roma’s backline.</p>
<p id="Br2f8t">I purposefully limited this exercise to only a couple paragraphs per player, but Alisson’s 2018 almost defied expectations any way, so language limits are useless. Alisson Becker finished his Roma career as arguably the best keeper in the world and Roma’s first true global superstar since Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi were in their primes. And while Robin Olsen has fared well in his place, that level of excitement, that feeling of “how the hell did he do that?” can never be replicated. I also feel this is an appropriate time to tell you how much I hate Liverpool.</p>
<h2 id="2upZJh">#2: Aleksandar Kolarov</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Frosinone Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GzS0vZFtehGUUCfiVi_vNTdIm4Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13657960/1041274042.jpg.jpg">
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<p id="MCrWV0">If you were a bit skeptical when Roma signed Kolarov during the summer of 2017, you had good reason. Not only was Kolarov a 32-year-old Manchester City cast off, he was a former Lazio player, which never goes over well with Roma’s, shall we say, most ardent supporters. Nevertheless, Roma had literally no better options at left back, so they rolled the dice hoping a return to Serie A would rejuvenate the Serbian defender, and here we are some 70 appearances later and that Maicon-esque bet has paid off.</p>
<p id="pgZ81I">During his debut season with Roma, Kolarov was a revelation, providing the kind of play at left back we haven’t seen since John Arne Riise’s brief spell in the capital. Kolarov totaled three goals and eleven assists in all competitions last season and has followed that up with four goals and three assists to close out 2018. Point of interest, he's only the second player to score for both Lazio and Roma in the Derby della Capitale. </p>
<p id="Nv07jv">Roma seem intent on wearing the tread off his tires, and indeed he’s had his share of subsequent peaks and valleys, but he remains an integral part of EDF’s setup and on his best day is still one of the league’s better fullbacks. Luca Pellegrini still needs a bit of seasoning, so don't be surprised if Kolarov extends his stay with Roma. </p>
<h2 id="fysdYa">Roma's Top Player of 2018: Edin Dzeko</h2>
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<p id="uFsC8T">If you were to only go off recent memory (the first half of the 2018-19 Serie A campaign) you’d probably think we were crazy choosing Dzeko as Roma’s top player of 2018. However, the big Bosnian more than proved his worth over the course of the calendar year. This was especially true when taking into consideration Roma’s biggest matches in the Champions League. To begin, Dzeko scored five goals in Roma’s six Champions League knockout stage matches last season and has continued that form this season with five goals in four group stage matches. Dzeko was also Roma’s leading goalscorer in Serie A last season with 16, including 8 of them after New Year’s 2018. </p>
<p id="gwkhxl">Approaching 33 years of age, Dzeko will probably never have another season like 2016-17 when he was Serie A’s <em>capocannoniere</em> with 29 league goals. However, he’s still a very productive striker despite his slow start to the 2018-19 league campaign (2 goals). His 20 goals on the calendar year is nothing to scoff at and his contributions in the Champions League were decisive in helping Roma on its miracle semifinal run. That alone makes it hard to find a better performer for Roma in 2018. </p>
<p id="UMVKvv">So there you have it, our top ten players of 2018 list is in the books. Who will take the cake in 2019?</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2019/1/1/18161685/romas-top-10-players-of-2018-part-twobren2019-01-01T15:00:02+01:002019-01-01T15:00:02+01:00Roma's Top 10 Players of 2018: Part One
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<img alt="Hellas Verona FC v AS Roma - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e7vOoHrTwi0X3PmUl_qRjjhfKGw=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62755747/914175932.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>Numbers 6 through 10 in our two-part piece.</p> <p id="9Un6qv">If our annual U23 prospect list didn't clue you in, let me just come right out and say it: we love countdown lists here at CdT. But now is not the time to weigh and measure Roma's kids, instead we're running down the top 10 performers on the senior squad for all of 2018. The list, split into two posts, encapsulates the second half of the 2017-2018 season as well as the first half of the current season.</p>
<p id="lakVDP">So, without further delay, numbers ten through six.</p>
<h2 id="Bss9gg">#10: <span>Alessandro Florenzi</span>
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<cite>Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="0cWkHG">2018 saw Alessandro Florenzi take on <span>Daniele De Rossi</span>’s former role of <em>capitano futuro</em>, and with the summer sales of <span>Kevin Strootman</span> and Nainggolan, Florenzi also became one of the most important and senior voices in the Roma clubhouse. His versatility on the pitch may sometimes be to his own detriment (I still see him as more of a midfielder than a right-back, but in 2018 that’s been a moot point), but Florenzi has put in quite a few good performances in Roma’s defense. Because of his history further up the pitch, Alessandro has been quite good in the role of attacking full-back that <span>Eusebio Di Francesco</span> craves. </p>
<p id="HrOkUq">There’s certainly still room for Florenzi to grow, particularly on the defensive side of his assignments, but the combination of a contract extension and his new role as second-most-senior Roman means that Alessandro will have the time to work out the kinks. Here’s to a great 2018 for Alessandro, and to another year of growth to come.</p>
<h2 id="Q7TELL">#9: Cengiz Ünder</h2>
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<img alt="Hellas Verona FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q_DRzhiSBjYZ6bt3gctVdicPh7I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13657923/914096222.jpg.jpg">
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<p id="UYnqaU">Cengiz Ünder came into the 2018-2019 season as our <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2018/8/18/17734774/ranking-romas-youth-1-cengiz-under">#1 U-23 Prospect</a>, but at this point it seems almost unfair to call him a prospect. He’s only 21, true, but starting in February 2018, Cengiz produced just as much, if not more, than most of Roma’s mature attackers. Ünder provided 8 goals and 2 assists during the tail end of the 2017-2018 season, and his 2018-2019 season hasn’t been too shabby either, with 6 goals to date in all competitions. </p>
<p id="HzF67x">Ünder's calling cards are his simply incredible pace and dribbling, and although his decision-making and footballing IQ leaves something to be desired, it’s hard to complain about what Ünder already brings to the table. Watch this space, though; many who follow the Giallorossi are already resigned to the idea that Ünder will be making a big-money move to replace Arjen Robben at Bayern Munich. I personally hope that he can stay around the Capitoline club a little bit longer, but if January is the end of the Cengiz Ünder Experience, thanks for the ride.</p>
<h2 id="DWVlZ4">#8: Lorenzo Pellegrini</h2>
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<img alt="Italy Training Session And Press Conference" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6gD9Hg5-2XqwxUgFpG86bo23bm0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13657925/1026511166.jpg.jpg">
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<figcaption>New position this year, who dis?</figcaption>
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<p id="X4UimB">Unlike some of the veteran players like De Rossi and Dzeko whose biggest contributions came during the first half of the calendar year, Pellegrini has contributed more and more as the year as worn on. Pellegrini arrived back in Rome last season after two years at <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sassuolo">Sassuolo</a> where he cut his teeth in Serie A. Based on his play under EDF in Emilia-Romagna, we knew Pellegrini had some game. However, his first season in the spotlight of the Italian Capital brought mixed results (3 goals and 5 assists in all competitions). </p>
<p id="lE2Pi4">That all changed this October when Pellegrini took the next step in his development on the biggest of stages for a Roman: The Derby della Capitale. Since then when Pellegrini has been decisive in the Roma attack playing as a trequartista. With the greater attacking freedom afforded by the position Pellegrini routinely delivers the killer ball to teammates and unlocks defenses (5 assists this campaign) . In addition he has chipped in a few timely goals (2). Expect to see Pellegrini even higher on this list in 2019. </p>
<h2 id="f26TEf">#7: Stephan El Shaarawy</h2>
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/77AUGh2i_I5nd-7DE2zPj-D4Gsc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13657928/908410364.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="tR07CL">El Shaarawy, like a lot of the names on this list, suffered bouts of inconsistency during 2018 (hey, it’s almost like this team has a problem!) but on the balance of things, the past 12 months have been productive ones for SES. With nine goals and five assists in all comps last season, El Shaarawy was one of the club’s most dynamic attacking threats, and his five league goals thus far <em>still </em>pace the club even though he hasn’t played in over a month.</p>
<p id="Z7Xiqa">At 26-years-old, El Shaarawy is what he is, a streaky and combustible scorer, but as we’ve seen multiple times during his tenure, Roma can turn those hot streaks into points on the table, and hey, he’s not the world beater many thought he’d be six years ago, but every team needs lightning in a bottle. El Shaarawy was, and remains, Roma’s B-12 shot. </p>
<h2 id="KBNZWG">#6: Federico Fazio</h2>
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<img alt="Empoli v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/00sbzFvhMek2ASf4hW1_o1k0Vqs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13657932/1046649674.jpg.jpg">
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<p id="ylMyd2">When Federico Fazio first joined up with the Giallorossi, not much was expected of him. His time with Tottenham Hotspur was ho-hum, and most viewed him to be a serviceable backup centerback at most. Although his form has certainly declined post-<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>, Fazio has proved many of the doubters wrong with quite the solid 2018. </p>
<p id="30xaaC">The Argentine giant is still at his best when defending in close quarters, and he provides a calming presence in defense to balance out <span>Kostas Manolas</span>’ wilder side. Diminutive players can be derailed by his ability to be in the right place at the right time, and even normally-sized human beings look like one of the Seven Dwarves next to the man. I certainly wouldn’t want to fight Federico for the ball. His form as of late may not be equal to his excellent 2017-2018 season, but Fazio is certainly a great asset for Roma to have in its pocket. Even if he becomes a backup over time, what a backup to have.</p>
<p id="itkAFM">We'll have the top half of the countdown shortly, but care to venture a guess who tops the list?</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2019/1/1/18161656/romas-top-10-players-of-2018-part-onebrenJimmy Miottossciavillodallagente2019-01-01T00:00:03+01:002019-01-01T00:00:03+01:00Reliving the High Point of 2018: The Manolas Miracle
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<img alt="AS Roma v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TSUtxBXphh5lF1Cc7kbmd0fE8bU=/0x0:3464x2309/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62753125/944416472.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>Roma shouldn’t have had a shot in hell...but then it happened. </p> <p id="x7S1tQ">As the year comes to a close, we here at CdT will be reflecting on all things Roma from 2018; the good, the bad, and everything in between. With the holiday season upon us, I thought it would be fitting to reflect on the best gift that the <em>Giallorossi</em> delivered in 2018. Consequently, I believe that you’d be hard pressed not find almost unanimous agreement over this one. Roma’s high point of 2018 has to be none other than the incredible second leg victory over Barcelona in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> quarterfinals. </p>
<p id="zoPtxX">The <em>Giallorossi</em> were utterly annihilated 4-1 in the first leg at the <em>Camp Nou</em>. It looked like Roma’s semifinal aspirations were in ruins. Except a late Edin Dzeko goal, which at the time didn’t feel like it, gave Roma just the faintest glimmer of hope. That faint glimmer of hope grew and grew throughout the second leg, with each Roma goal the illumination burned slightly brighter and brighter until...it crescendoed into the nuclear flash that exploded from the <em>Olimpico </em>when <span>Kostas Manolas</span> headed home Roma’s third goal. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MAMMA MIA!<br><br>This is how Kostas Manolas' tie-winning goal against Barcelona sounded over AS Roma radio. Epic! <a href="https://t.co/7ucWYATjvq">pic.twitter.com/7ucWYATjvq</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/984129926717571073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a>
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<p id="WSDoib">Entering the match nobody would’ve given Roma a shot in hell of turning around a three goal deficit against mighty Barcelona. After all, over the last decade the Catalan giants had become a fixture in the Champions League semifinals; and not for nothing, it was a three goal lead. One goal from the mighty Leo Messi, or a host of other world class players would’ve been enough to kill off that faint flickerof hope. Yet somehow, the bespectacled mad man that is <span>Eusebio Di Francesco</span> came up with the perfect game plan. And Roma executed it to a tee. </p>
<p id="cYei4W">The image of Kostas Manolas streaking down the <em>Olimpico</em> pitch, arms outstretched, screaming like in maniac still gives me goosebumps. And I’m sure it will continue to do so for years to come. Not only will this be remembered as Roma’s best moment of 2018, but it will remain in the annals of Roma history, for the time being, as Roma’s top Champions League memory in club history. </p>
<p id="VRxmkj">As commentator Peter Drury said so well, “Roma have risen from their ruins.” Rome wasn’t built in a day, but on that day it felt like the whole damn empire could’ve been rebuilt to its former glory with Manolas letting out a guttural “Veni, Vedi Vici”. What a day. What a memory.</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2019/1/1/18154503/reliving-the-high-point-of-2018-roma-v-barcelonassciavillo2018-12-31T20:00:05+01:002018-12-31T20:00:05+01:002018 Year in Review: Roma's Best Transfers
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<p>Monchi’s definitely had a summer mercato to remember, with a huge number of signings completed. Which were the most successful, however?</p> <p id="ksQ8EL">Transfers are the bread and butter of sports analysis. Who’s going where? Is so-and-so going to get paid? <s>How much money will Liverpool spend to buy a star from Roma? </s>All joking aside, we at CdT do care quite a bit about transfers, because barring the occasional and glorious Roman academy graduate they shape the team we watch week in and week out. So it makes sense as the year winds down to look at the highlights of Monchi’s summer spending.</p>
<p id="GgyzQD">Without further ado...</p>
<h2 id="o2lN37">Third Best Signing, Summer 2018: Bryan Cristante</h2>
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr">Cristante!!! <a href="https://t.co/bsh0pv26Mm">pic.twitter.com/bsh0pv26Mm</a></p>— Chiesa di Totti (@chiesaditotti) <a href="https://twitter.com/chiesaditotti/status/1079033616540332033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="SkCtFw">It may have taken him some time to gel at the Stadio Olimpico, but Bren’s favorite Italian-Canadian has certainly found his place as a Roma player, particularly this December. Cristante has three goals to his name in Serie A to date, but his significance on the field extends quite beyond that statistic. With the ball at his feet, Cristante has worked to pass the ball behind the opponent’s defensive line, and his pairing with fellow new signing Steven NZonzi has grown into a solid defensive partnership. </p>
<p id="sH0aKT">It’s also crucial to remember that Cristante was not just a win-now move by Monchi. At only 23 years old, Roma’s new number 4 still has plenty of room to grow as a player, and that is one of the main reasons why he ends up on our Best Transfer list. I’ll be talking about another midfield transfer (guess who) next, but Monchi’s move to consolidate much of Italy’s midfield talent at the Stadio Olimpico should certainly be appreciated. Hopefully Cristante can take his hot form from December and bring it deep into the New Year.</p>
<h2 id="4pKKHW">Second Best Signing, Summer 2018: Nicolò Zaniolo</h2>
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<img alt="Udinese v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X6j2l2H1hmoADcDWSchaULZOxxE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13489242/1064915816.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images</cite>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nicolo Zaniolo sat them down and read them a bedtime story <a href="https://t.co/oFEhhAjZS6">pic.twitter.com/oFEhhAjZS6</a></p>— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASRomaEN/status/1078682345513861121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a>
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<p id="l2oTcu">When Radja Nainggolan was shipped off to <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> for €24 million and two players, many Romanisti were unconvinced. Replacing the crazy man at the heart of Spalletti’s Roma with a journeyman fullback (who, it must be said, has impressed in Rome as well) and a 19-year-old with no senior experience? What was Monchi thinking?</p>
<p id="e06yO2">Well, whatever Monchi was thinking, he probably wasn’t thinking this would happen, at least not in 2018. Zaniolo has quickly become one of the hottest young names in Serie A, and even before that beautiful goal against <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sassuolo">Sassuolo</a>, the ability young Nicolò has shown in the attacking midfielder role is the type that just makes you look and stare. At times, Zaniolo looks like a Serie A veteran (his height certainly helps with that); there’s a passion in his game, a consistent determination to follow through with every play that honestly reminds me of a young Alessandro Florenzi. All these things, and he’s only nineteen!</p>
<p id="M79d8d">Monchi may have brought together the future of the Azzurri midfield this summer, but it wasn’t his best transfer move. That award must go to...</p>
<h2 id="aHrRVS">The Best Signing of Summer 2018: Robin Olsen</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Viktoria Plzen - UEFA Champions League Group G" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ku4N-sYDM0KzK9SDDWn8Ow0NxOw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13656440/1044668704.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="K1r1eT">Robin Olsen’s had quite the 2018, huh. The savior of a quarter-finals run by Sweden into the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>; the man picked by Monchi to fill Alisson Becker’s giant-sized-shoes; the man who had to pick up after a lot of defensive errors the moment he got to the Stadio Olimpico.</p>
<p id="lsKK4v">So, how’s he done? Pretty damn great. Brought in for only €8.5 million from FC Copenhagen, Olsen’s had six clean sheets across all competitions, allowing only 29 goals total. Considering how leaky Roma’s defense has been, that’s quite good. Olsen’s held down the fort when necessary, and that’s been necessary quite a lot recently. Hopefully a centerback signing this winter will make his job a little easier, but even without that, I have faith in Olsen between the sticks.</p>
<p id="4EOih3">I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Robin Olsen is what Romanisti wanted in a starting goalkeeper before they knew Alisson could exist. An experienced international who can block shots like nobody’s business, and has a good handle on managing the defense. What more could you want? Better still, Olsen is older than Alisson but still only 28; Roma will be able to take advantage of the peak of his career. </p>
<p id="w4TUNP">Roma won’t fail because of goalkeeping this year. For someone who’s still dealing with Mauro Goicoechea nightmares, that’s quite a wonderful feeling.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2018/12/31/18160598/2018-year-in-review-best-transfersJimmy Miotto2018-12-31T15:00:07+01:002018-12-31T15:00:07+01:00The Low Point of 2018: Cagliari 0-1 Roma
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</figure>
<p>The day Roma had to move on from Radja Nainggolan.</p> <div class="c-float-right"><aside id="eR3VZn"><q><em>“I complimenti dei ruffiani fanno solo danni.” - </em>Roma news headline</q></aside></div>
<p class="p--has-dropcap" id="P2MAQq">The thirties are weird so far. I’m not young, and not old either; I’m just about old enough to start appreciating undeserved wins can cost more time than a loss I had coming. </p>
<p id="UCHXpX">If you’ve been a Roma fan for long enough, you’ve seen some deserved losses at the Sardegna Arena time and again - hell, a couple of weeks ago comes fresh to mind. And you’d be forgiven for thinking this post is about <em>that</em> match.</p>
<p id="yOXyoA">Instead, it’s about a Roma “win” on the island last May. </p>
<p id="6AQqPX">I felt both pissed off and resigned at the sight of Roma leaving <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/cagliari">Cagliari</a> with a lucky 3 points, because that match made it obvious painful changes were not just needed but inevitable. </p>
<p id="LdgiYY">For one, <span>Radja Nainggolan</span>’s time at the club was done. Barring some kind of miracle that Radja could be convinced to see his future at deep-lying midfield again, did Monchi really have the balls to confront the truth? It wouldn’t be easy, and you could see the milk spilling from a mile away.</p>
<p id="GQVEwE"></p>
<div id="Dw3wxL"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pVVcnWQMcnI?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="uf5ROz">A Talent Like No Other, A Job Like Everyone Else</h2>
<p class="p--has-dropcap" id="q9e9iy">It’s easy to deride talent like Nainggolan’s; whisper it through begrudging teeth when you call any facet of his game world class. While it’s true football is a team sport, I’d be ignoring half the reason I watch any football today if I just went along with the reasoning of tactics aficionados for turning down athletes like Radja. I like to see athletes that give merit to the study of kinetic intelligence - or ‘body smarts’ - beyond pseudo-science. </p>
<p id="gqIU5I">In short, there’s an art to not letting your mind get in the way of your body but instead complementing it. Keeping it simple. Football is a game that seduced me with the basics when I was a kid. </p>
<p id="R6JrOh">Cesar Minotti claimed that the moment football becomes anything more than the simplicity with which it once deceived, it loses its magic. That’s how I feel. I like watching <span>Juan Jesus</span> shut down a <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a> attack where lesser athletes struggle against their counter-intuitive tactics, Diego Perotti will forever be Diego <em>Armando</em> Perotti to me, and I once truly loved watching Radja Nainggolan go mano-a-mano for midfield battle in a Roma jersey. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="SSC Napoli v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0trrcMJZDXDXT0BAEhvwDqIXcC0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13648519/926812018.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="aBuiBK">Even in his less glorious final season with Roma, Nainggolan won duels on the ball against every single midfielder both Serie A and Europe had to offer. Take it further back, and I remember a game where Radja brought a pass under his control out of the air with the outside of his ankle, deftly spinning the ball down into his path without ever breaking stride at full pace - all while running through onto goal to lead a fast break counter. I’d understand why barely anyone would care to watch those moments on replay like I do. </p>
<p id="x5AxfQ">I don’t imagine I watch a lot of football compared to fellow fans, and I promise you the few moments I do watch on replay are a sign of compulsion bordering on asinine. I haven’t seen a Premier League match in over a year, I saw my first Bundesliga match for the first time this season in a while and I only caught the first leg of the Copa Libertadores final that everyone was talking about. But I’ve seen Radja do that spinning-ankle-move on repeat more times than I’d be comfortable to admit. The game is played at unprecented levels of pace and strength, and it takes real ingenuity to make you double-take at moves that go beyond the mere mechanical. </p>
<p id="dgeE1M">Radja switching gears beyond the mechanical meant that he bested Khedira, Pjanic, Hamsik, Brozovic, Busquets, Rakitic... they all tried to close Radja down and he used his craft to beat past every one of them in 2017/18. It wasn’t his best season, but he still had something over the big names. This is where some Roma fans still find the club choosing <span>Eusebio Di Francesco</span> over Radja Nainggolan an injustice and I can see their point.</p>
<p id="JuJdQj">When Roma needed someone to “hotwire” the transition from defence to attack in a badly dysfunctional midfield, the tactics board didn’t solve the problem for Roma by itself. Radja Nainggolan pushing the ball into space behind enemy lines, as Roma’s link-up man, did. </p>
<p id="XdHli8">The trade off was Radja becoming motivated by the wrong stuff, and Roma’s chief “link-up” man of 17/18 no longer knew how to play for the team. There’s no better example than the game at Cagliari.</p>
<h2 id="KA1zik">Out of Touch, Out of Time</h2>
<p class="p--has-dropcap" id="jaKVnd">Roma’s trip to Sardegna last May was all about the backline before kick-off. EDF’s squad was hit by injuries and end-of-season tiredness. The highs of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> had been lived out; physical and mental climb down from the squad was to be expected and managed. </p>
<p id="rM4wp2">It needed to be managed <em>well</em>, because Roma was still in need of every Serie A point to finish in the top 4 at the time. True to Di Francesco form, the coach picked that moment to throw everyone a curveball by naming Serie A debutant Elio Capradossi in the back four. </p>
<p id="v9H5il">The questions were obvious going into kick off: Was Capradossi any good? And did he have the legs to last 90 minutes at top level? </p>
<aside id="wpsm98"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Long-Awaited Roma Debut of Elio Capradossi","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2018/5/8/17329302/roma-debut-capradossi"}]}'></div></aside><p id="yXcAnC">If Capradossi himself offered a surprisingly positive answer to the former question, Nainggolan’s own nonchalant performance made sure Capradossi would fall badly under the exertions of the latter.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cagliari Calcio v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Njl-J6FKOoU_3mVxHuza4betbX8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13648522/955420870.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="W1IP7t">Two Cagliari pot-shots from distance aside, there was nothing to speak of in terms of threat on goal in the opening 15 minutes. Roma then rubbed salt in Cagliari’s wound by turning the match in the <em>Lupi</em>’s favour out of nothing: an Ünder snooker-shot into the far corner gave Rome a 1-0 lead on the night. </p>
<p id="b0IAIV">From that moment on, you’d have <s>prayed</s> expected Roma could defend as a team. It didn’t work out that way.</p>
<p id="xhkV0F">Instead of just holding his position and playing for the team, Nainggolan stayed goal-hanging for the ball to come his way. All the while a gulf of space was opening up behind him where the deeper <em>Giallorossi </em>midfield and backline were badly exposed. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gad2tD6H3Kt0603kzgMXXYIUHYw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13652656/cagliariroma1718.jpg">
<figcaption>Average position of Cagliari (orange) and Roma (blue) players over 90 minutes of that May game.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zaV5vP">Under EDF - like most coaches who play a high-line - the Roma backline is trained to run backwards anytime they see a <em>palla scoperta</em> or “open ball” i.e. a Cagliari player facing Roma’s goal with the ball at his feet, unopposed by any Roma player. On a <em>palla coperta</em>, on the other hand, Roma’s backline has the license to either hold station or push upfield for as long as they cannot see the ball coming towards them uncontested with their naked eye. With a chasm in between the midfield lines for Cagliari to drop the ball into behind Nainggolan, the <em>Isolani</em> could toy with Roma’s backline all match long in Cagliari’s search for an equalizer. This wasn’t helped by Gonalons sub-par defensive performance either. </p>
<p id="MXwPzC">With a combination of Nainggolan standing upfield and Gonalons getting easily dribbled past by Cagliari’s star man Barella, Roma’s back four were doing more running up and down the field than your average bootcamp drill. Unsurprisingly by half time, Capradossi looked like he was running off the pure adrenaline alone - was this what winning a Serie A game was all about? - and Bruno Peres looked like he was about to lose interest in defending at any moment. </p>
<p id="0i38c9">Most of the defending was left to Daniele De Rossi. Roma’s captain put in another 45 minutes acting as human shield (4 clearances inside Roma’s own penalty box in the first half alone); he was helped by a miracle point-blank save from Alisson preventing a Roma own goal. Had it not been for these interventions, Cagliari would have found their equalizer going into the break.</p>
<p id="Aev87K">EDF knew Roma’s advantage was looking threadbare if he didn’t change things.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cagliari Calcio v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bshKm8YX2dXi6omZ3m4tDqypI-A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13648523/955423032.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="DVfAhL">The irony here was Gerson’s dysfunctional relationship with Nainggolan during the game. I remember the Brazilian was getting abuse on social media at half-time - though Gerson didn’t help his own cause by completely shanking a wide open chance for 2-0 in front of goal - but his main problem was having no space to run into on his wing where Nainggolan was running into his own flank up ahead of him. </p>
<p id="kyTkur">During the Brazilian’s stay in Rome, Nainggolan was the man who’d thrown an arm around Gerson, talking the Brazilian through Serie A matchdays where barely anyone else in the squad had visibly tried to get along with the kid. Look at the <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> or Barcelona matches of last season, and you can clearly see that Gerson not only appreciated Nainggolan’s mentorship but looked up to him for security. Yet here was the kid inadvertendly being hung out to dry in Sardegna. At half time, EDF intervened on behalf of both men.</p>
<p id="Q07d6g">Gerson was switched from left wing to the middle of the park, while Nainggolan was farmed out to the left wing for the second half. Bruno Peres was substituted on the hour with a thigh-strain from running so much after a long period away from first team action, and Capradossi left the game ten minutes after Peres with cramp. Meanwhile Gerson - a full on team-player by the end of last season - played his position in the middle of midfield to disciplinary perfection. </p>
<p id="01etlC">The Brazilian helped Gonalons to find safer passes in midfield and Roma to retain possession more often by full time. Gonalons’ gift (and curse) was that he was never afraid of failure on the ball. If the Frenchman had to force a risky long pass to get his teammates involved in the game, he would take that gamble every time. With better support alongside him from Gerson, Gonalons looked less reckless in the second half and Roma escaped to full time with 3 points in the bag.</p>
<aside id="uNSNYX"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ünder Goal Delivers Ugly Win Over Cagliari","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2018/5/6/17324890/under-goal-delivers-ugly-win-over-cagliari"}]}'></div></aside><p id="Q0mme4">The <em>Lupi</em> took a big step to Champions League qualification that evening, but there was the equally big temptation to turn a blind eye to how they’d <em>survived</em> the manner of that win. </p>
<h2 id="mDjivL">The Ruffiani of Rome</h2>
<p class="p--has-dropcap" id="OqO9nc">The performance wasn’t right, and the chain of leadership within the locker room simply didn’t work; the wage structure at the club was a poor reflection of who was doing the most work and bringing home the results for the team. The club’s second-highest paid star looked like he simply didn’t care for the club over his assist and goal count anymore.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="Nc46Yp"><q><em>“Radja Nainggolan is no longer a football player. Roma damaged his career. He never used to be this over-the-top, and he’s taken in the worst of this city.”</em> - Alessandro Austini</q></aside></div>
<p id="mVP1Rm">It’s not hard to understand Nainggolan’s brand of “honesty” off the pitch, because Radja’s frustration is common to Roma stars before him. Players like Cassano (still even today), Mexes and even a pre-2006 Totti went through the same ego-crash. That’s a wider issue for Roma as a whole. The club lacks the foundation to help players build their own character, even it is finally making a sustained effort in that direction.</p>
<p id="iHfiZb">The FIGC-wide drive to train Italian young players through “Big Data” is pinned by the belief you can support a player to teach themselves their position on the pitch but, as a club tied to your community, you should be able to do just as much to support a player in recognising their character limits (and how to work with them) too. As much as Nainggolan failed Roma in his latter days, Roma in a wider sense failed Nainggolan. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Genoa CFC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SAq0j-r3tG2gOQXjgJjgTbno5G4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13652784/491946967.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Better Days - Nainggolan in 2014 for Roma</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zYGZNK">The WhoScored positioning map for this Cagliari game is far from the only match in 2017/18 where Nainggolan refused to look beyond one live-or-die moment to the next. What could push a player to play like every game was his last when he was only just shy of his thirties at the time? </p>
<p id="S5KTEu">I believe the reasons were there to be found on the pitch before anywhere else. Nainggolan was struggling to be “decisive” in games the way he’d once tasted.</p>
<p id="rfeN9F">He couldn’t relive the wondergoals of the 16/17 season to justify his move up the pitch, and the numbers suggest that was an impossible standard to place on himself anyway. The accumulated expected goals for Nainggolan’s 16/17 season stood at xG 6.02, in a season where he hit <em>actual</em> (and not expected) double figures from midfield. </p>
<p id="zRCK56">One season you’re hitting over double the goals you should rightfully be scoring on paper, and the next season you’re coming back down to earth. </p>
<p id="IqjqB7">Unable to repeat his goalscoring feats one year on (the same feats that landed a second contract extension within 24 months), Radja knew he lacked the vision or technique to affect tight games against deep defences from further back. He frequently came undone against “small” teams sitting back refusing to give him the space to run on the counter, so Nainggolan fell to the last resort by which to convince himself (and the world) that he could make it at trequartista: goal-hanging up the pitch. </p>
<p id="ijB8pU">... Gerson, Peres and Capradossi be damned.</p>
<p id="ciCGsW">Just months after that Cagliari performance, Nainggolan was off to Inter Milan. His frustrations since then led Alessandro Austini to sum it up on Boxing Day 2018: “Radja Nainggolan is no longer a football player. Roma damaged his career. He never used to be this over-the-top, and he’s taken in the worst of this city.”</p>
<p id="LBpCMp">With a few different choices made on that May evening in Cagliari, the scoreline and Roma’s 2017/18 season could have turned out very differently. I’m sure - in very different ways - I’ll still go on feeling the same could have been said about Nainggolan’s career in Rome. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="imBMgO">
<p id="xVjVaL"><em>“Poor Brozovic was dead on his feet and his body language in the final ten minutes was one of someone who needed help from his teammates as he was fading fast. </em></p>
<p id="qPUg7W"><em>When the attacks broke down there was a huge gap and then poor Broz on his own. </em></p>
<p id="cNVOAl"><em>If Inter had packed the midfield and closed the game out. they would have held onto the 3 points.”</em> - <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2018/12/23/18153238/spalletti-psychology-to-blame-for-inter-milan-draw-ivan-perisic-mauro-icardi-radja-nainggolan">Serpents of Madonnina, after Chievo 1-1 Inter Milan</a></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="evpcJ1">
<p id="uD5PDS"><em>“The hard work we’re doing confronting one another will pay off. You’ve never seen football players really arguing if you think that’s what a fight between my players looks like. I’ve been a football player and I know how it is. </em></p>
<p id="dlDR14"><em>Maybe my players fight behind closed doors even more than you think, because they want to own up to the responsibility.</em></p>
<p id="jA8E5B"><em>They want to show a sense of belonging that doesn’t just mean playing for Roma, but real love for the work itself. It’s another thing entirely. Otherwise we’d be no different that playing up to the ruffiani of Rome. </em></p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="yHthYj"><em>It’s a question of loving the club, full stop.”</em> - Eusebio Di Francesco</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2018/12/31/18153925/the-low-point-of-2018-cagliari-0-1-romadallagente2018-12-30T23:00:07+01:002018-12-30T23:00:07+01:00My Favorite Story of 2018: The Build-Up to Barcelona
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7xEts_-FqNcfZLDuNSWwQgf9-Bg=/0x0:3578x2385/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62755073/944590262.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The eternally optimistic fan in me turned out to be spot on for once. </p> <p id="qB5aqw">Recently bren asked us to reflect on 2018, including our work here at CdT. My work on the site has been a mix of news/rumor based pieces with a sprinkling in of opinion writing, but only one piece that I had written instantly sprang to mind as something truly memorable. I wrote a piece titled “<a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2018/4/10/17218528/edf-vows-to-play-his-best-xi-v-barca">DiFrancesco Vows to Play His Best XI v Barca</a>” prior to the second leg of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> quarterfinals. </p>
<p id="MfwXt7">As you probably recall, Roma had been thumped at the <em>Camp Nou</em> in the first leg and things looked bleak heading into the return leg at the <em>Olimpico</em>. With the always important <em>Derby della Capitale</em> looming on the weekend immediately after the second leg, many speculated whether Roma should relinquish its Champions Leg dreams and rest some of its best players for the derby. After all, Roma seemed to have little hope of completing a comeback from down 4-1 and the race for a Champions League spot was tight with Inter and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a>. </p>
<p id="PU13id">I thought from the get go that the right move would be to field the most competitive squad possible against Barca. After all it was the Champions League quarterfinals and even if it was unlikely that Roma would win the tie, I felt that <em>I Lupi</em> should at least attempt to show they belong and avoid an embarrassing aggregate scoreline. So, when EdF announced that he would play his best XI, I wrote the aforementioned piece in support of his decision. </p>
<p id="BlIoxa">When I wrote the piece, even the eternal optimist in me felt that winning the tie was a long shot at best, but I figured it’s not every day a club like Roma make a run this deep into Europe. So, why the hell not give it your best shot? </p>
<p id="lYepw3">The following were the reasons I gave in support of DiFrancesco’s decision:</p>
<ul>
<li id="WlQjWt">Pride- I wanted the players and coach to have as much pride in the crest as the fans.</li>
<li id="IQSk0N">Gaining Respect in Europe- A positive result could help garner some respect among Europe’s elite clubs.</li>
<li id="pTzdl2">Keeping/Attracting Players- Players would be more likely to stay or come, if Roma could prove to be competitive with Euope’s best.</li>
<li id="Orc4CL">Lazio’s Europa League Match- Lazio would have 48 hours less rest than Roma prior to the derby.</li>
<li id="5KFVD1">The Olimpico- Roma had to show the distinct home field advantage the <em>Olimpico </em>affords them and utilize it. </li>
</ul>
<p id="e6xRZt">I was unable to watch the game live, as I’d be at work, but during the course of the match I received a message from bren saying something to the effect of “your piece is looking pretty genius right now”. Little could I have known just how smart the decision would become on EdF’s part, but I became even more anxious to get home and turn on the DVR. On my way out of the classroom a bit later, Juan, my school’s custodian, who always chats with me about soccer told me that Roma won, but when I said I was DVRing the match he didn’t go into detail. Had they won the match and been eliminated on aggregate or was it something bigger I wondered?</p>
<p id="DMJ7rQ">When I got home I watched the match, my optimism growing with each goal until it finally erupted into elation. Roma had done it against all odds; thanks largely in part to EdF coming up with a top notch game plan and fielding his best XI, which proved to be up to the task of performing miracles on that day. </p>
<p id="4lYCJl">My piece could easily have turned into a dud if Roma had gotten embarrassed by Barcelona and then lost the derby and jeopardized a spot in this season’s Champions League. Instead, Roma pulled off the miracle to advance to the Champions League semifinals for the first time ever and the derby ended in a draw, which allowed Roma to eventually finish five points ahead of their city rivals for a CL spot. The fact that my optimism was justified with the team’s on the field performance, makes that piece my most memorable of 2018. </p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2018/12/30/18156845/my-favorite-story-of-2018-the-build-up-to-barcelonassciavillo2018-12-30T20:00:00+01:002018-12-30T20:00:00+01:002018 Year In Review: Roma's Worst Transfers
<figure>
<img alt="Italy U21 v Germany U21 - International Friendly" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U7e5Vj11zMc30GhYEoFuu65LNJw=/72x0:5040x3312/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62755085/1063573694.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Question marks over Calabresi out, Marcano in.</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="cdXspe">It’s easy to be an expert in hindsight, so let’s just aim for exactly that with this 2018 review. Full-on unapologetic armchair-DS expertise. Move over, Monchi.</p>
<p id="DcaG6H">We pour question marks over the Roma defence reinforcements, along with a cameo (because we wouldn’t want to ask for more of him) from Javier Pastore.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="siI14r">
<h3 id="EHXDEH">Ivan Marcano In - (from Porto - Free)</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma v SPAL - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ajib73BhtLDRiFyipPRHxMIO9Cs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13657287/1052593016.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="IvzNnd">What to say about Ivan Marcano’s half-year in Rome? You don’t just become a bad player overnight, but we’re baffled by what we’ve seen from the Spanish defender up until now. Porto’s former league-winning captain must be wishing he’d just stayed where the going was good for him, instead of upping sticks to the Italian capital.</p>
<p id="gQdfsZ">Marcano’s Roma debut came against <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/">AC Milan</a>, where he was beaten at the back post by Franck Kessie for the opening goal in the 2-1 loss at the San Siro. Then Marcano was fielded, nearly a month later, as auxiliary left-back against <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/bologna">Bologna</a> to shield Diego Perotti from having to do too much defending on the Argentine’s return from injury. The cautious lineup on that day turned moot when Marcano duly got himself turned and beaten man-for-man for Bologna’s opening goal. </p>
<p id="shscQ0">Some weeks later, Marcano would play an entire game in a home defeat to SPAL. His <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> debut for Roma wasn’t much better. An away defeat to Viktoria Plzen was marked by Marcano, once again, running back to goal while leaving Plzen’s forward uncontested for the finish. </p>
<p id="MZRncu">Just sticking a leg in and making a tackle would have been nice, but then again everything Marcano touches turns to losses.</p>
<p id="fYBVIM">The only game where Marcano has come out on the winning side for Roma was 45 minutes played in the 4-0 win against <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/frosinone-calcio-italy">Frosinone</a>. Keep in mind that Marcano has better stats in most defensive categories than <span>Juan Jesus</span> so far this season, but if you come undone more often man-for-man then it’s hard to win the trust of your teammates or your coach. </p>
<h3 id="kN2Ger">Arturo Calabresi Out (to Bologna - €200,000)</h3>
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<img alt="Bologna FC v Padova- Coppa Italia" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m6QMKIX-38D18FnZdZGJbQhgG3s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13657271/1015709946.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="EQnFHB">I haven’t seen any-bar-one Bologna game this season, so this hindsight reeks of stats. But I asked in the loan reviews last year: Should Calabresi have been given a shot with Roma? </p>
<p id="fDs5cJ">Calabresi recovered the promise of his career in early 2018, escaping a loan-gone-wrong at Spezia for a decent run with Foggia before returning to Trigoria. By then, rumours were already abound of Bologna’s interest in the Roman defender for 5 million euro fee. </p>
<p id="qlYxCl">Instead, Calabresi was basically let go by his hometown club.</p>
<p id="CLGMkY">Since then, the defender has racked up a better interception rate than Juan Jesus (while only marginally behind Ivan Marcano). And Calabresi’s clearance rate is better than both Jesus and Marcano, while Calabresi covers two different positions (centre-back and right-back) to decent effect throughout his young career so far.</p>
<p id="4UVkjk">Now stats can be deceiving. Bologna were on a losing streak before Calabresi finally made his Serie A debut against none other than Roma in a 2-0 for Bologna. But everyone who saw that game knows Roma blew several wide open chances on goal; the defending from both sides was nothing to write home about even if Calabresi’s introduction coincided with Bologna finally picking up Serie A points.</p>
<p id="8S964O">And Calabresi has been appearing - like Elio Capradossi before him - as an Italian U-21 international defender this past November.</p>
<h2 id="F3M1yF">Javier Pastore In - (from Paris Saint-Germain - €25 Million)</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialASRoma</a> fans spanning from East to West, we’re <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllTogetherRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllTogetherRoma</a>. <a href="https://t.co/AzzJrw4Ac1">pic.twitter.com/AzzJrw4Ac1</a></p>— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) <a href="https://twitter.com/qatarairways/status/1074591385003614208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a>
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<p id="nfAy15">There’s one mystery over Pastore’s transfer that remains unsolved - and Roma-based newspaper <em>Leggo</em> keep running <a href="https://sport.leggo.it/calcio/pastore_roma_di_francesco_el_flaco-3967061.html">this story</a> every few weeks about it. </p>
<p id="1DdMeT">Was Pastore’s transfer fee bankrolled by Roma or Qatar Airways?</p>
<p id="RRwEWe"><em>Leggo </em>claim Qatar Airways was behind the transfer fee, but no one else has backed this story. We’ll have to wait until next summer to see how Pastore’s fee looks on the books, if anyone cares. </p>
<p id="otKcDC"><a href="https://www.sportbusinessmanagement.it/2018/11/analisi-tecnica-sul-bilancio-as-roma.html">The amortization schedule for Pastore’s fee was not declared on last summer’s balance sheet but Pastore’s player value (€ 25.661.000) was certainly added to the assets column.</a></p>
<p id="YwcsSO">Either way, as much as we’d like to look for some hidden logic behind this bust of a transfer, it can’t distract from the fact Pastore was signed onto a 5-year contract at 3.5 million euros per season. </p>
<p id="kP7cCi">That sort of commitment demands you play the guy and get decent form out of him on the pitch, neither of which look like happening while Pastore is third choice for his position behind Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolo Zaniolo.</p>
<p id="BZfHXY">And that, from both an armchair-DS perspective and a fan-of-Pastore perspective, is just ugly. Real ugly. Let’s hope Pastore is at least tutoring these guys in training, because Totti knows Roma’s technical game has been lacking for too many seasons now.</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="2vjG5M">Stay tuned for the flip-side, Roma's best transfers of 2018!</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2018/12/30/18161137/2018-year-in-review-romas-worst-transfersdallagente