Chiesa Di Totti - Europa Conference League, Group Stage: Roma vs. Bodø/GlimtCautiously Optimistic Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48469/totti-fave.png2021-11-05T13:00:00+01:00http://www.chiesaditotti.com/rss/stream/225260992021-11-05T13:00:00+01:002021-11-05T13:00:00+01:00Sinners & Saints: Roma 2, Bodø/Glimt 2
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v FK Bodo/Glimt: Group E - UEFA Europa Conference League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f49A5zMPDM-wV0l_lM34Eegp2f4=/178x0:3016x1892/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70099358/1351352318.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A disappointing match that somehow had some genuinely great performances. </p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="Ehd8A2">There isn't much we can say to make you feel better about <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> performance against Bodø/Glimt in yesterday's Europa Conference League matchup, but hey, look at it this way: Roma conceded 67% fewer goals than last time! Despite that small face-saving measure, it's hard to paint last night's 2-2 draw as anything other than a disappointment for the Giallorossi. Their Conference League hopes aren't dashed yet, but for a club that once looked like a lock to at least make the final, Roma suddenly finds themselves facing a must-win against Zorya on November 25th.</p>
<p id="i5S5s0">After two dispiriting matches against a club that was previously an afterthought on paper, you'd be forgiven if you simply washed your hands of the Europa Conference League entirely, but that's neither here nor there, so let's separate the sinners from the saints!</p>
<h1 id="FvHNHb">The Sinners</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma v FK Bodo/Glimt: Group E - UEFA Europa Conference League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0zcqWFY900_-oSf8gWrOLaBAIgY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22987281/1351344772.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="s9kuCu">Ebrima Darboe</h3>
<p id="iPa0aW">There is still <em>plenty </em>to love about this kid and his potential, but he squandered a golden opportunity to cement his place in Mourinho's rotation yesterday. In 45 mostly forgettable minutes, Bodø exposed Darboe for what he is: a talented but sometimes overmatched 20-year-old midfielder. Playing only one half, Darboe was frequently overrun and outmuscled by Bodø, who limited him to only one tackle and three successful duels, while also dribbling past the hapless Darboe twice.</p>
<p id="G9aWWB">Better days lay ahead for Darboe, but Mourinho's quick hook doesn't bode well for his immediate chances at significant playing time.</p>
<h3 id="6Vu4S7">Henrikh Mkhitaryan</h3>
<p id="rDjpwf">In another 45-minute no-show performance, Roma’s 32-year-old veteran midfielder failed to make his mark. Outside of his beautifully struck long-ball to Nicolo Zaniolo in the game’s earliest moments, Mkhitaryan was nowhere to be found: only one dribble, zero shots, zero key passes, zero crosses...zero impact.</p>
<h3 id="r0VOdW">Rui Patricio</h3>
<p id="rykC6t">This series is largely numbers-based, which can sometimes make it difficult to correctly categorize a goalkeeper, but Patricio wasn’t up to snuff yesterday. From his lax rebound control on Bodø’s first attempt to his errant goal kick that eventually led to Ola Solbakken’s 45th-minute goal to his delayed reaction on Erik Botheim’s 65th-minute goal (though being unmarked certainly didn’t help Patricio’s cause), Patricio had a rough evening for Roma.</p>
<h3 id="B6SuFm">Rick Karsdorp</h3>
<p id="5F3gzW">Sadly, our pick to click faltered last night at the Olimpico. While Karsdorp had no issues getting forward, his crossing left a lot to be desired, as he completed only three of 10 attempts. In a match that was screaming for his services, he came up just short, though he still managed to chip in two key passes, so it wasn't a complete loss. Nevertheless, you can't escape the feeling that his grasp on the job is only as strong as Tiago Pinto's current transfer imaginations.</p>
<h1 id="UaNe0E">The Saints</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma v FK Bodo/Glimt: Group E - UEFA Europa Conference League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UaMxUGP1Zk6EGrs6x1GRbTzTNOM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22987283/1351352318.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="dGThgO">Stephan El Shaarawy</h3>
<p id="UGiiow">With the play-by-play announcer calling him Steven, you would have thought Roma's #92 was some obscure rookie rather than a ten-year veteran, but SES turned in a vintage performance in the club's draw against Bodø. El Shaarawy menaced the Norwegian club for 88 minutes last night, winning four of seven duels, firing six shots on goal, pulling off one dribble, and completing 70% of his passes while scoring the club's first goal, and <em>barely </em>missing a second by a matter of inches. </p>
<p id="7wVE5a">Given Mkhitaryan's current slump, don't be shocked to see an uptick in El Shaarawy's minutes. </p>
<h3 id="VTArMO">Jordan Veretout</h3>
<p id="SnPmfP">Despite taking an early blow to his shin, Veretout was, well, Veretout yesterday: passing, moving, running and tackling like a mad man. Going the full 90 last night, Veretout completed 81% of his passes, won four of six duels, chipped in two tackles and three interceptions while also providing three key passes and hitting on five of seven long-balls. </p>
<h3 id="nnVbIT">Roger Ibañez</h3>
<p id="aV2g07">Playing out of position at left-back, the young Brazilian turned in another stellar performance in Roman red and yellow. In addition to scoring the 84th-minute equalizer, Ibañez completed 87% of his passes, including 50% of his long-balls, while clearing three balls in the defensive end and picking off one more. </p>
<h3 id="UxTgbu">Bryan Cristante</h3>
<p id="S9NZFX">Despite missing one big chance and manhandling Bodø keeper Nikita Haikin like a toddler throwing a fit at Toys R Us (back when they existed), Cristante availed himself quite well as Roma's <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2020/12/11/22163121/cristantes-distribution-key-to-his-success-in-defensive-role">ball-playing center-back</a>. In 90 minutes last night, the 26-year-old completed 87% of his passes, including an astounding 17...<em>SEVENTEEN</em>...accurate long balls (off 22 attempts), while taking a match-high 97 touches. Defensively, Cristante managed two clearances and two blocked shots while winning three of four duels. </p>
<h3 id="87pzsB">Gonzalo Villar</h3>
<p id="2aZ4rt">While we wouldn't quite say “he's back”, Villar reminded us all what he's capable of last night. A surprising second-half sub, Villar came on for the ineffective Ebrima Darboe to start the second half and did not disappoint. In 45 minutes, Villar flashed the same poise and close control that made many Roma fans drool last season, completing 89% of his passes, setting up two shots, and completing one successful dribble while hitting on three of four long balls. Add in his two duels and one tackle and Villar packed 90 minutes of work into a half-shift.</p>
<p id="zdk1BH">Villar has to fit into this Roma puzzle somehow, somewhere. He’s simply too talented to ignore. </p>
<h1 id="skCUig">Stuck In Between</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma v FK Bodo/Glimt: Group C - UEFA Europa Conference League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HINLZQzq2iuLQg0oSfrdtbpBXsk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22987287/1351357509.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="l3QuF4">This category, a late addition to the series last year, is reserved specifically for players who neither stood out nor held Roma back. And never has a player personified this category more than the first man up on today's list...</p>
<ul>
<li id="NmcHwa">
<strong>Tammy Abraham: </strong>While he failed to directly influence the game yesterday (zero shots on-target, two blocked), he did some small things well (88% pass completion, two duels won), but was let down by his teammates, who either completely ignored him in the box (Zaniolo) or just couldn't complete a cross intended for him (Karsdorp). Abraham was visibly frustrated by his lack of action, and for good reason: In 81 minutes, he only took 17 touches; Shomurodov had 13 in only 24 minutes. </li>
<li id="5ZqjCO">
<strong>Nicolo Zaniolo</strong>: Roma may have won this match if Zaniolo squared that ball to Abraham in the first half, but Zaniolo atoned for that transgression by firing an assist to El Shaarawy in the second half. He still had three key passes but was a bit careless with the ball and lacked his usual aggression. </li>
<li id="QdP76z">
<strong>Borja Mayoral</strong>: Hey, you gotta give it to the kid. Ignored for the entire match (and season), Borja was remarkably effective in his nine minutes: One key pass, one accurate cross, and one assist...and all with only four touches. He's a likable player and I hope he finds a club that needs him asap; he's too good to be dismissed this completely. </li>
<li id="m4PGCb">
<strong>Carles Pérez</strong>: Not quite as maligned as Mayoral, Pérez's role is slowly increasing as we head into November. In 45 minutes, Pérez completed 80% of his passes and completed two of three dribbles while adding one interception and one tackle in for good measure. </li>
<li id="cYyyKm">
<strong>Gianluca Mancini</strong>: Did really well passing (13-18 on longballs) and intercepted three passes but was otherwise middle of the road. </li>
</ul>
<h1 id="GEjKPO">Picks to Click Revisited</h1>
<p id="7dWHtP">Oof, we really took it on the chin this time—by far the worst edition of our new series where we <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/4/22763112/picks-to-click-roma-vs-bodo-glimt">guess which players will thrive in a given game</a>. </p>
<ul>
<li id="A0aynu">Riccardo Calafiori (Didnt even play!)</li>
<li id="dHXT6J">Gianluca Mancini (So-so)</li>
<li id="bJqJMb">Tammy Abraham (So-so)</li>
<li id="Ec4SO7">Rick Karsdorp (Did not click)</li>
</ul>
<p id="zqD2l4">Until next time...</p>
<p id="WvDpKV"></p>
<p id="ci21Gt"></p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/5/22764447/roma-2-bodo-glimt-2-player-ratingsbren2021-11-04T23:41:39+01:002021-11-04T23:41:39+01:00Roma 2, Bodø 2: Late Ibañez Goal Rescues a Point for Giallorossi
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v FK Bodo/Glimt: Group C - UEFA Europa Conference League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OuVsXDXIA3mbE9XdIwthFId33nY=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70096212/1351357511.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Roma managed to salvage something from this match, but if we ever see Bodø again, it'll be too soon.</p> <p id="3Od93w">José Mourinho and the rest of the Roma crew didn't need to do more than glance up at the visiting fans’ section for a reminder of what transpired on October 21st. With a sizable Bodø section filling up the Stadio Olimpico with homemade “6-1” signs, reminders of Roma's recent debacle were hard to miss. It wouldn't necessarily take a miracle to erase the memories of that defeat, but Roma still had very little room for error today. </p>
<p id="IkvnD1">While Mourinho originally planned on starting his eleven most-trusted players, some last-minute scratches forced his hand, leaving The Special One no other choice but to roll out an ad hoc lineup featuring Bryan Cristante and Roger Ibañez each playing out of position while Ebrima Darboe was thrust into the heart of midfield and Stephan El Shaarawy returned to the starting lineup at left-wing, a spot normally occupied by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who started as <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> nominal central playmaker in place of the injured Lorenzo Pellegrini.</p>
<p id="OZpe9k">Losing the club captain ahead of such an important much is seldom a good thing but Mkhitaryan almost rendered that moot with a defense splitting pass that found Nicolo Zaniolo streaking down the right flank. Unfortunately, despite the inch-perfect pass, Bodø keeper Nikita Haikin read the play like a book and intervened before Zaniolo could even settle the ball.</p>
<p id="515yQk">Bodø would strike back almost immediately when Amahl Pellegrino got loose in Roma's area, firing a tight-angled shot at Rui Patricio. While the Roma keeper was up to the task, he left a potentially game-breaking rebound sitting on the doorstep, which mercifully went wasted. </p>
<p id="5QEayR">There wasn't much action to speak of over the ensuing 10 minutes. Bodø, while well organized and playing confidently, wasn't playing with any real sense of urgency and was seemingly content to let the game come to them rather than forcing the issue. With their defense holding its shape, they were in the perfect position to pick off, block, or otherwise turn away any probing ball Roma fired into the box. </p>
<p id="4YXr87">Roma's makeshift defense, featuring midfielder Bryan Cristante playing center-back and center-back Roger Ibañez playing left-back did well to deny Bodø at the other end, with Cristante stepping up to block a key attempt by Fredrik Bjorkan early in the half. </p>
<p id="zp3FVK">With both defenses holding sound, the match wasn't much for neutral observers to watch but things started to open up as the game crawled past the 20-minute mark. Roma found a bit of space in the Bodø box, with Stephan El Shaarawy firing a one-timed effort off a Zaniolo pass at Haikin's goal, only to see the Bodø defense turn it away with the last-minute deflection—an isolated incident that quickly became a theme in this match.</p>
<p id="6loFnq">Roma would continue to force the action down their right-wing, firing long, arching balls through the crisp evening air in a desperate attempt to jump-start their flailing attack, but time after time, the Bodø defense was in the right place at the right time, blocking shots, intercepting passes and frustrating Mourinho's attack to no end. </p>
<p id="bpaw6P">El Shaarawy made a bit of noise several minutes later, firing two attempts in quick succession at Haikin, only to be denied both times. Despite many moments of frustration, Roma looked livelier with each passing minute and had a golden opportunity late in the half when Zaniolo, bursting down the right flank, had Tammy Abraham following his every move and practically begging for a square ball into the box, one that would have produced a surefire goal. But Zaniolo, whether by dumb luck or willful ignorance, missed the chance to set up Abraham and was quickly dispossessed by Marius Lode, who practically picked the ball right off Znaiolo's toe.</p>
<p id="fAc3VF">And that missed chance wouldn't go unpunished...</p>
<h3 id="HzWyQ9">Ola Solbakken: 45th Minute (Roma 0, Bodø 1)</h3>
<div id="IHuD3A">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BODØ/GLIMT DOES IT AGAIN!<br><br>JOSE MOURINHO’S SIDE ARE DOWN AGAIN TO THE NORWEGIAN CHAMPIONS <a href="https://t.co/GdhTHEzetZ">pic.twitter.com/GdhTHEzetZ</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1456363370555207692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="X642mw">Roma's inability to clear their end here gave Bodø a mini counterattack; one they didn't waste. With Patricio's long ball off the mark, Bodø quickly transitioned from defense into attack, picking out Solbakken after a series of headers and one quick through ball. From there, the Bodø number nine fired a beautiful one-timer into the upper left-hand corner, leaving Patricio no other option but to crane his neck as he watched the ball tuck into the back of the net.</p>
<h2 id="Zj70IV">Second Half</h2>
<p id="lPAxOt">Perhaps sensing that his squad needed some shaking up to start the new half, Mourinho turned to the seldom-seen Spanish duo of Carles Pérez and Gonzalo Villar, who replaced Mkhitaryan and Darboe, respectively; neither of whom moved the needle much in the first half. </p>
<p id="hX2NcM">SInce refereeing controversy and Roma seem to walk hand in hand, it was only right that the first half started off with a contentious moment. With Tammy Abraham turning facilitator down the flank, the Englishman whipped a ball across the box only to see it strike Brede Moe's elbow. And despite Roma's clamoring for a call (or at least a VAR check), their pleas went unanswered—unheard is more likely, since they were completely ignored—and the game marched on as if nothing happened. </p>
<p id="ih6KTC">Undeterred by match officials' blind eye, Roma would <em>finally </em>put one past Bodø thanks to a classic Stephan El Shaarawy strike.</p>
<h3 id="choa0m">Stephan El Shaarawy: 54th Minute (Roma 1, Bodø 1)</h3>
<div id="vYUgrV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stephan El Shaarawy puts Roma back in the game <a href="https://t.co/IFBRcoZoEu">pic.twitter.com/IFBRcoZoEu</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1456371084240982019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="LD2CMP">This was a beautiful team goal from Roma, as Gianluca Mancini picked out Zaniolo in the middle of the park from inside his own area. Zaniolo, seemingly atoning for ignoring Abraham in the first half, calmly piloted the ball up the pitch before finding El Shaarawy down the left flank. From there, it was a patented El Shaarawy goal: dribble, drag and curl one towards the far post. Beautifully done by SES, who was Roma's most dangerous attacking player tonight. </p>
<p id="BXZVqq">I wish we could say this goal inspired Roma to greater heights, but Bodø came right back, stealing the lead once more as Erik Botheim victimized Roma for the third time in this series. </p>
<h3 id="AwWDPN">Erik Botheim: 65th Minute (Roma 1, Bodø 2)</h3>
<div id="yY9R4i">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BODØ/GLIMT DON’T QUIT!<br><br>THEY GET THEIR SECOND OF THE DAY AND THEY RESTORE THEIR LEAD <a href="https://t.co/HHH548iAlY">pic.twitter.com/HHH548iAlY</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1456373183506890756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="WkBOwI">This goal was a lesson in the value of composure and patience. Despite the sloppy initial pass towards the point of the 18-yard-box, which Veretout <em>almost </em>intercepted, Bodø calmly cycled the ball around the edge of the 18 before finding Alfons Sampsted for the decisive pass, who had little more to do than pick out the completely unmarked Botheim in the middle of the box for the headed goal. </p>
<p id="pDt9gd">With his club suddenly down again, Mourinho responded by replacing Zaniolo with Eldor Shomurodov, and the Uzbekistani international was thrown directly into the fray. With Roma attempting to stretch the Bodø defense by switching the ball across the face of the goal, Shomurodov had a golden chance to redirect a looping ball into the goal, but Marius Lode once again denied Roma with a brilliant last-ditch tackle, denying Shomurodov with a near goal-line clearance. </p>
<p id="bBNuXx">Sensing the heat of the moment, Roma amped up their pursuit of an equalizer, rushing ahead anytime they received the ball and very nearly leveled the match thanks to Gianluca Mancini. With the ball bounding towards the near post, Mancini had a chance to toe-poke the ball past Haikin, only to be denied at the last moment. Mancini saw his number called again on the ensuing corner and came even <em>closer </em>to scoring after Shomurodov flicked the near post corner to Mancini at the opposite post, only to see his header strike the upright. Bryan Cristante's quick follow-up attempt misfired and with Haikin stalling for time, Cristante literally picked him up off the pitch, earning a yellow card in the process. </p>
<p id="ixtOlY">With the match entering the final 10 minutes, Mourinho went <em>deep </em>into the bench, swapping out Abraham for Borja Mayoral, who almost immediately set up a goal, redirecting yet another high, looping cross into the middle of the box for Shomurodov, but luck wasn't on Roma's side. </p>
<p id="CGK05v">Undaunted, the Giallorossi kept pressing the issue and almost leveled the match when an El Shaarawy far post curler was pushed past the post by Haikin, who was doing the classic “I'm the best goalkeeper ever” routine that only seems to happen when non-descript keepers face Roma. </p>
<p id="38Y7wZ">As it turned out, Roma <em>did </em>need a miracle to avoid another complete Bodø disaster, and that's precisely what they received in the waning moments of regular time.</p>
<h3 id="BgR1Eh">Roger Ibañez: 84th Minute (Roma 2, Bodø 2)</h3>
<div id="ZkYoI1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ROGER IBANEZ TO THE RESCUE!<br><br>Will Roma complete the comeback? <a href="https://t.co/TKyu5Bi5nc">pic.twitter.com/TKyu5Bi5nc</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1456379107839655955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="l3wr35">In a bit of a chaotic sequence that saw the ball pinging around the Bodø area, and shrewdly kept alive by Gonzalo Villar, Roma found an unexpected and almost-controversial equalizer. After finally settling the ball, Veretout found Mayoral in a tiny crevice on the left side of the box. From there, Mayoral did his best to keep the defense at bay before flinging the ball to Ibañez at the far post. Now here comes the near-controversy. While it seemed like Haikin picked the ball off the goalline, his “save” came a split second too late as the replay proved without a doubt that Ibañez's header crossed the goal line. </p>
<p id="ty9l06">While the referee tacked on an additional four minutes to the match, outside of a wasted chance by Solbakken, neither side came close to scoring. And if you glanced really quickly, you could see Mourinho <em>immediately </em>heading into the tunnel after the final whistle.</p>
<h2 id="lUGNoo">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p id="wBOAs2">Well, on the one hand, Roma managed to avoid a complete disaster, but the mere fact that we're celebrating a moral victory against such a small club speaks volumes. But, let's give credit where it's due, Bodø never—not for a single second in either match—shrunk from the moment; they played with purpose and belief and deserve to be group leaders.</p>
<p id="URClZX">As things stand right now, Roma is one point behind Bodø for the Group C lead but thanks to Zorya's two-nil win over CSKA Sofia, the Ukrainian club are only one point behind Roma in third place, essentially making their late November meeting a survive and advance affair.</p>
<p id="Xn09eI">Given how quickly he ducked out, chances are Mourinho was none too pleased with his club's performance today, so we'll wait with bated breath for his post-match comments, to say nothing of what, if any, changes he'll make this weekend.</p>
<h2 id="JmrXiZ">Up Next</h2>
<p id="ZvuGuG">Roma returns to league play with a trip away to Venezia on Sunday before the league pasues for the international break. </p>
<p id="jzTxsa"></p>
<p id="25cDx7"></p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/4/22763964/roma-2-bodo-2-match-recapbren2021-11-04T19:56:23+01:002021-11-04T19:56:23+01:00Roma vs. Bodø/Glimt: Lineups & Game Thread
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v FK Bodo/Glimt: Group E - UEFA Europa Conference League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y8YBgt64JtAq38uXH-IU7ze-0Ls=/117x0:3510x2262/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70094961/1351328295.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tullio Puglia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Europa Conference League, Matchday Four. </p> <p id="DaaSmP">You don't need us to remind you what happened last time <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> and Bodø/Glimt took the pitch two weeks ago in Norway. After being pummeled by Bodø in a 6-1 rout, José Mourinho and Roma were left reeling but managed to save a bit of face since then, playing league-leading Napoli to a tough scoreless draw before defeating Cagliari 2-1. While Roma fell to <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a> last weekend, the Giallorossi remain in fourth place in Serie A and a victory today would put the capital club back on top in Europa Conference League Group C, potentially setting the club up for a happy transition into next week's international break.</p>
<p id="MapaE7">Not one to leave anything to chance, Mourinho promised to roll out his top lineup this evening. And with a few exceptions, that's precisely what he's done, so let's get down to business!</p>
<h1 id="wHnwEY">Lineups</h1>
<h3 id="i09pTn">Roma</h3>
<div id="J0T57f">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="it" dir="ltr"> Ecco la formazione scelta da José Mourinho per <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RomaGlimt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RomaGlimt</a> <br><br> FORZA ROMA! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASRoma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UECL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UECL</a> <a href="https://t.co/XABikI3Jw1">pic.twitter.com/XABikI3Jw1</a></p>— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma/status/1456331700959682568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="IZxqLz">Bodø</h3>
<div id="GtSnJ6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="no" dir="ltr">Bjørkan fra start! <a href="https://t.co/XaN9aUooSl">pic.twitter.com/XaN9aUooSl</a></p>— FK Bodø/Glimt (@Glimt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Glimt/status/1456331924654411786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/4/22763780/roma-vs-bodo-glimt-lineups-game-threadbren2021-11-04T14:30:36+01:002021-11-04T14:30:36+01:00Picks to Click: Roma vs. Bodø/Glimt
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v SSC Napoli - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-9T0Lg0WbUxnVIPE1FVqMglSs4g=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70092724/1348621760.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There's no escaping it: Roma needs a win tonight against Bodø. Here are four names that could fuel that W.</p> <p id="EWHPSR">Our new Picks to Click series, where we attempt to essentially predict the Man of the Match ahead of time, is only a few weeks old, but today's rendition may be the most important one yet. All new Roma managers—and there have been <em>a lot </em>of them, in case you'd forgotten—are gifted a brief honeymoon period; a time in which the slings and arrows of the Eternal City are temporarily holstered. It's not as if the managers are infallible during this grace period, but they seldom feel the full <em>Roma </em>effect: the outrageous swings of emotions where doom and gloom are often quickly followed by effusive praise and outlandish expectations.</p>
<p id="gw33Wm">After a near-perfect start to his tenure as Roma manager, José Mourinho was living the high life. But as summer gave way to fall and the Giallorossi started dropping points to clubs like Hellas Verona and Lazio, Mourinho started to lose a bit of his luster. While those defeats were disheartening, they weren't enough to engender any bad blood between Mourinho and the Roman press, but after watching his club get destroyed 6-1 by tiny Bodø/Glimt, The Special One's honeymoon period came to a screeching halt.</p>
<p id="4FfLpu">Suddenly, Mourinho's every move, every decision, and every word was dissected, his genius questioned and his future with the club even came into question. Like we said, after a few months of bliss, Mourinho's inability to defeat Bodø brought the full <em>Roma </em>experience crashing down on the shoulders of the 58-year-old manager.</p>
<p id="TkRB2B">Since that 6-1 embarrassment, <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> fortunes have continued to fluctuate, as the club played the previously perfect Partnopei of Napoli to a tough scoreless draw before eeking out a 2-1 win over Cagliari on the road and then falling to Milan in another controversial defeat last weekend.</p>
<p id="WTziiy">With the harsh light of reality staring him in the face, José Mourinho needs a <em>big </em>win in the <em>worst </em>way, so here are a handful of names who might have revenge on their minds tonight at the Stadio Olimpico.</p>
<h3 id="HCbrBu">Riccardo Calafiori</h3>
<p id="npYwFQ">Roma's young left-back has nearly as much potential as any of the club's other U-23 talents, but in this, his first full season with the senior club, the 19-year-old Roman has struggled for consistency, both in terms of opportunity and quality of play. But with starting left-back Matías Viña succumbing to a late injury, Calafiori will likely have 90 minutes to prove himself against Bodø. </p>
<p id="tRDXdZ">This Pick to Click may have been born out of an unexpected opportunity, but it is an opportunity all the same. Calafiori has all the physical tools and if he can come out and play fast, loose and aggressive, he could have a tremendous impact on the bottom line today. </p>
<h3 id="7ao4mG">Gianluca Mancini</h3>
<p id="wvdutk">While it would be great if Mancini chipped in a headed goal off a setpiece or poked home a loose ball to score the match-winner, his selection today is all about his defensive gifts. Bodø surprised Roma last time out thanks in large part to the superlative performances of Erik Botheim, Patrick Berg, and Ola Sobakken, who each made mincemeat out of Marash Kumbulla and the rest of Roma's defense. </p>
<p id="6hu3y4">By simply making a nuisance of himself, by getting in Botheim’s personal space, by bodying Sobakken out of position or teaming up with Roger Ibañez to deny Berg room through the middle, Mancini is dripping with MOTM potential. </p>
<p id="nhVJpM">When you're attempting to erase the pain of a 6-1 defeat, the first place to turn is defense. And if Mancini can inspire his teammates to turn in 90 minutes of suffocating defensive play, Roma will have the last laugh.</p>
<h3 id="HHXiGx">Tammy Abraham</h3>
<p id="d8FsYa">Roma's €45 million man is in a bit of a funk right now, failing to find the back of the net in his last <em>six </em>club matches, so this pick is all about necessity. Tammy Abraham isn't some U-23 wallflower, nor was he plucked from obscurity, and as the most expensive signing in club history (once all the bonuses are factored in), he has to produce...<em>now</em>. We can talk all we want about adjustments to a new league or shots hitting the post, but the time for excuses is running out—you only get so much leeway at that price point.</p>
<p id="AZJZmF">Turning in a <em><strong>strong </strong></em>performance against Bodø today—something along the lines of four or five shots and two goals—could be the springboard Abraham needs to start meeting those enormous expectations.</p>
<p id="pyPBAl">This guy has the goods, but now it's time for him to produce.</p>
<h3 id="6LGeTK">Rick Karsdorp</h3>
<p id="mFLuzx">Karsdorp got some much-needed rest the last time these two clubs met, but his understudy, 20-year-old Bryan Reynolds, had a horror show against Bodø two weeks ago, leading many to clamor for a winter loan for the young American full-back. With Roma in dire need of a win today, Karsdorp may have no choice but to play 90 minutes. </p>
<p id="qzBFWl">When Karsdorp plays well—think of his performances against Salernitana, Udinese, Empoli, and Napoli—Roma plays well. If Karsdorp can get up the pitch tonight, providing width to stretch out the Bodø defense, and whip in a few tasty crosses for Abraham, Roma might just walk away with an easy win.</p>
<p id="sd49I5">With an international break coming after this weekend's tilt against Venezia, there will be plenty of time for rest, so look for Karsdorp to go whistle-to-whistle tonight.</p>
<p id="0CW3Pg">Those are our picks, so you tell us which one is most likely to click!</p>
<div id="k2EN6T"><div data-anthem-component="poll:10845529"></div></div>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/4/22763112/picks-to-click-roma-vs-bodo-glimtbren2021-11-03T21:10:29+01:002021-11-03T21:10:29+01:00Probable Formations: Roma vs Bodø/Glimt
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma Press Conference" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cuvZb6iZ4sUqdUPWx3tAvg88e3Y=/20x0:3980x2640/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70087971/1351084890.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mourinho has vowed not to make the same mistakes as the disaster in Norway. </p> <p id="pmI9YL">Just two weeks ago we witnessed what was probably the most embarrassing result in our time as Romanisti. Roma traveled to the frigid northern reaches of Europe on a Thursday night to face Bodø/Glimt in a match with low expectations, assuming they'd waltz right through with a victory. </p>
<p id="U5ug0j">And that assumption likely contributed to the result, which was completely contrary to Roma's expectations, as Bodø quickly raced out to a 6-1 victory. In the match, perhaps t the behest of the fans, José Mourinho made heavy changes to his usual starting eleven, swapping out nine players only to see his proverbial second team run off the pitch with their tail between their legs. </p>
<p id="aAULRA">That result precipitated some harsh judgment for many of the reserves, who already didn’t have the manager’s faith. Since that fateful night, we’ve seen Borja Mayoral, Amadou Diawara, Bryan Reynolds, and Gonzalo Villar relegated to the practice squad—not suiting up for the three subsequent league matches. </p>
<p id="dVOgnE">So, this time around, line-up turnover will be much lighter as <a href="https://www.asroma.com/en/news/2021/11/mourinho-we-want-to-rectify-what-happened-in-the-first-meeting">Mourinho confirmed</a> that we won’t see him repeat the same mistake. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="DxC484">“We got everything wrong in Bodo. I don’t want to say that ‘just this’ or ‘just that’ was at fault. We lost as a team. And tomorrow we want to win as a team.</p>
<p id="BmgnHQ">“Obviously it won’t be the same line-up as last time. Clearly. I was a bit too scared before the first meeting, but I won’t be this time. I was concerned about the cold, the pitch, the injuries, the tiredness … I was worried about everything, except worried about losing. I made mistakes, we all made mistakes. But the same team won’t play tomorrow.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="RFdHZm">With that in mind, it’ll likely be a much more “first team” starting XI. However, Roma will be without captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, who had some left knee inflammation after the loss to Milan on Sunday. Aside from Pellegrini, Chris Smalling remains out injured while newcomer Felix Afena-Gyan is not part of Roma’s UEFA roster. </p>
<p id="dxU2fx">With that in mind, don’t expect more than a couple of changes to Roma’s starting eleven from the last few Serie A matches. Rui Patricio will defend Roma’s goal and in front of him expect to see a defense of Karsdorp, Mancini, Ibañez, and Viña. It would be unlikely that we see Max Kumbulla or Riccardo Calafiori after their subpar performances in Norway. </p>
<p id="Nuljz9">Where we <em>could </em>see a change is in the midfield double pivot. It’s possible that Ebrima Darboe could start alongside Bryan Cristante—giving Jordan Veretout a rest. Meanwhile, the attacking third of the formation will likely see the most turnover. With Pellegrini out, Mkhitaryan will likely slide into a more central role, which potentially opens up the left wing for El Shaarawy. One other change we could see is at right-wing where Carles Pérez— who scored Roma’s only goal in Norway—and could spell Zaniolo, who’s had a heavy workload of late after two injury riddled seasons. </p>
<p id="2gtwe0">Rounding out the starting eleven will be Tammy Abraham, who Mourinho spoke about in his presser. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="bcOpiL">“The problem is always with us. It’s not about indviduals. He’s a player that has come here from a different culture: different footballing culture, different refereeing culture, different social culture … I don’t think that is ever easy.</p>
<p id="kUVssw">“But he started pretty well. He made a very positive impact. Right now he’s going through a quieter spell. But he is a great player and we have confidence in him. There’s no issue. He will be back to his best, he will score, we have complete confidence in him.”</p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/29WoIYwfEwr6aqsfDer75fbkQjM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22983611/86C94C59_CDB7_4C5D_826D_B6899C802C62.jpeg">
<cite>Buildlineup.com</cite>
<figcaption>CDT Projected XI vs Bodo</figcaption>
</figure>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/3/22761831/roma-bodo-probable-lineupsssciavillo2021-11-03T16:06:26+01:002021-11-03T16:06:26+01:00Roma Look For Redemption In Return Match Against Bodø/Glimt
<figure>
<img alt="FK Bodo/Glimt v AS Roma: Group G - UEFA Europa Conference League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZQ8ad4jniHjQzkfwKZALOZZQZ2E=/0x0:2186x1457/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70086030/1347927754.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can the Giallorossi turn the page after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Milan?</p> <p id="eZk9g6"><a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a>’s last match against Bodø/Glimt has already entered the pantheon of nightmare Giallorossi games that will be forever burned into my subconscious. A small loss or even a draw would have been an unexpected result for José Mourinho’s men when they traveled up to Norway. The 6-1 drubbing that occurred promptly ended Mourinho’s honeymoon period in Rome and resulted in the exile of most of Roma’s bench, including promising players like Gonzalo Villar, Marash Kumbulla, and Bryan Reynolds. </p>
<p id="8FVIyA">Roma’s luck hasn’t exactly rebounded since that match, as <em>I Lupi</em> have won one, drawn one, and lost one in the last week and a half. If there was a time for Roma to get itself a signature win, it’d be now; an emphatic beatdown of Bodø/Glimt might kickstart a redemption story, particularly if it’s led by goals from one of Roma’s highly-talented but so far unlucky forwards.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nKco3Y">
<p id="4hSkzU"><strong>Roma vs. Bodø/Glimt</strong>: November 4th. 21:00 CET/4:00 EDT. Stadio Olimpico, Roma.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="YICCoZ">
<p id="v1OtHT">However, this match isn’t just a chance at redemption for the Giallorossi. It’s also a chance to seize first place in a group where such a result should be the minimum expectation. As it currently stands, Roma is one point behind Bodø/Glimt for first place in Group C. Although qualification is practically guaranteed for both sides given the poor performances of Zorya Luhansk and CSKA Sofia, let’s be real here and admit that <em>not</em> placing first in this group would be a source of major embarrassment. A win against Bodø at the Olimpico would go a long way towards getting Roma that first place spot, even if their miserable performance last time out means that the Europa Conference League is no longer a chance for a much-needed squad rotation. </p>
<h1 id="M4csFQ">What To Watch For</h1>
<h3 id="iQfB5G">How Does Roma Stop Erik Botheim?</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FK Bodo/Glimt v AS Roma: Group G - UEFA Europa Conference League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NgQ6gkHnGAwdU4uYxIaUdf5B5Y8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22982374/1347941258.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="UIb0UT">If Roma wants to get anything out of this return fixture, they’re going to have to find a way to contain Erik Botheim. The 21-year-old Norwegian youth international was absolutely unstoppable last time out, as his two goals and three assists played a huge role in setting up the shocking final score. Even beyond those goals and assists, though, Botheim’s passing accuracy (74 percent) and ability to win ground duels (four out of six) showed that if given space to breathe, Botheim can and will punish Roma in a million different ways.</p>
<p id="Y6fbS6">The likely pairing of Gianluca Mancini with Roger Ibañez instead of Marash Kumbulla will certainly help the Giallorossi find more consistency in defense; the Mancini-Ibañez pairing is far more tested and has held its own against the likes of Victor Osimhen and João Pedro in recent weeks. Add in the fact that Roma won’t exactly be surprised by Botheim if he shows the same offensive spirit tomorrow, and there’s reason to be hopeful about the Giallorossi’s prospects of neutering the Bodø offense. Still, being anything other than extremely aggressive when planning for Botheim would be tactical malpractice on José Mourinho’s part.</p>
<h3 id="cPO5VU">Can Rui Patricio Show His True Self?</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FK Bodo/Glimt v AS Roma: Group G - UEFA Europa Conference League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v7j3_HUWhynGydb4vdvMsRR7CC0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22982384/1347927754.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="Wr8tHY">As mentioned earlier, it’s highly unlikely that most of the Roma side that started against Bodø on the 21st will see the pitch again tomorrow (or maybe ever, at least while José Mourinho is in charge). Despite that, one player who is practically guaranteed to see the pitch is Rui Patricio. Patricio definitely had a howler of a performance against Bodø last time out; he only made one save from inside the box and received a 5.0 match rating, the worst of all Roma players. </p>
<p id="iBZelW">Now, a lot of a goalkeeper’s performance hinges on the defense he’s surrounded by, and it’s true that the equally terrible performances by Roger Ibañez, Max Kumbulla, Bryan Reynolds, and Riccardo Calafiori in Roma’s last ECL match did the Portuguese shot-stopper no favors. José Mourinho’s decision to likely forego rotation for the medium-term may be having a negative effect on some players’ stamina (more on that later), but it will at least provide Patricio with his tried-and-true A-team defense who he’s gelled with in Serie A to date. If Patricio wants to show that he’s more mentally prepared for hardship than nearly every other goalkeeper Roma has had since Alisson Becker, helping the Giallorossi to a clean sheet against Bodø would do wonders for his cause.</p>
<h3 id="MjCfTP">Will A Tired Mkhitaryan Turn It Around?</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma Travel To Cagliari" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZFclLj6thZ2bxgdPHigN3OTq5oY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22982358/1349210016.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="5PGBi7">While it’s understandable that Roma’s defeat against Bodø has resulted in José Mourinho only trusting 12 or 13 players in the senior squad, there’s no denying that running those players into the ground has been having ill effects on their stamina and fitness. A key example of this is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose performances have been declining as Roma’s schedule has gotten more and more hectic. Mkhitaryan’s match ratings never went below 6.8 prior to the last international break, the combined effect of playing every match for club and country since then has made the Armenian look decidedly average, and sometimes even like the worst forward on the pitch.</p>
<aside id="xUWkO7"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Pellegrini Likely to Miss Bodø Match With Knee Inflammation ","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/1/22757133/lorenzo-pellegrini-knee-injury-bodo-milan"}]}'></div></aside><p id="4ZRkfx">Before Lorenzo Pellegrini picked up a knock prior to last weekend’s Milan match, I had been hoping that Mkhitaryan might get to rest up for an extended period, perhaps with Mourinho granting either Eldor Shomurodov or Stephan El Shaarawy a run in the starting eleven. With Pellegrini’s injury sidelining him from this match, it seems likely that Mkhitaryan will once again get the start, albeit perhaps from the attacking midfielder role usually inhabited by <em>capitano</em>. </p>
<p id="h9K336">If Mkhitaryan is given the chance to move off the left-wing, I’m hoping he can play a slightly less draining version of his style of play, allowing Stephan El Shaarawy and Nicolò Zaniolo to bomb up the wings when necessary and providing service to Tammy Abraham. Remember: Mkhitaryan is still the same player who scored five matches in a row to close out last season. Father Time may be undefeated, but I’m confident that Mkhitaryan has more to offer, particularly if he’s given the chance to breathe every now and then or even if he’s just given a slightly less mobile role.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/3/22761020/roma-bodo-glimt-previewJimmy Miotto