Chiesa Di Totti - Serie A 2021-2022, Matchday 12: Venezia vs. RomaCautiously Optimistic Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48469/totti-fave.png2021-11-10T16:58:50+01:00http://www.chiesaditotti.com/rss/stream/225309802021-11-10T16:58:50+01:002021-11-10T16:58:50+01:00Bren vs. Bran: Resetting Expectations, Two Striker Formations and More Fallout From Venezia
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<img alt="AS Roma v CSKA Sofia - UEFA Conference League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vtYeDiFOU-uOk0tJB_tyXBm-7ow=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70122157/1235300855.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bren vs. Bran is back, and in the wake of another disappointing defeat, we tackle a few big picture issues facing Roma and Mourinho at the moment, including new expectations, new formations and second chances. </p> <p id="i2Bi8w">In the wake of <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> 3-2 loss to Venezia <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/7/22768500/venezia-roma-match-highlights">last weekend</a>, one in which some seemingly dormant big picture issues sprang back to life, we thought we'd perform our own resurrection, bringing our polite debate series, Bren vs. Bran, back to life after a brief hiatus. With a season-high 28 shots on goal, including eight on target attempts (their second-best mark of the year), Roma looked livelier in attack than we've seen in weeks. </p>
<p id="xpJKMC">Still, despite that slightly crisper offensive performance, José Mourinho <a href="https://www.asroma.com/en/news/2021/11/mourinho-rues-finishing-after-defeat-in-venice">lamented his club's finishing</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="pPqyjR">It’s difficult to talk about ‘cutting edge’. A key part of the story of this game was our attacking play: we created lots of chances, and lots of what I call ‘half-openings’ – where you get into a really dangerous area but then aren’t able to make that final pass that will lead to a goal... it’s hard to explain how, with so many attacks, we were only able to score two goals.</p></blockquote>
<p id="kajsRo">We'll have much, <em>much </em>more on Roma's shooting woes later today, but before we dive into that, let's dive into today's debate!</p>
<h3 id="92kEl2">Point #1: We’re at a really strange point in time where it feels like the sky should be falling but it’s not, at least not yet. So are the issues we’re seeing systemic club-wide concerns or specific tactical/management failings from Mourinho?</h3>
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<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g1Agk7U5TQZ-NKR4chQztFnaakU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23002394/1351826993.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="c167iL"><strong>Bren</strong>: It’s probably still a bit too early to definitely say, but I’m going to sort of split my answer here. Since Mourinho only just arrived and the club really only signed three players at his behest, whatever lack of quality the squad is currently displaying is a bit out of his control...<em>But</em>, if he’s as good as he believes he is, shouldn’t he be able to muster more from this squad than he has?</p>
<p id="RlzqfW">The quick start with beautiful football has completely vanished and devolved into a squad that, at times, lacks identity and purpose, to say nothing of making in-match adjustments, and that’s on Mourinho. </p>
<p id="Rr8elx"><strong>Bran: </strong>I think it’s a little bit of both as well, although ultimately I think the rough patch the team is in has more to do with the extremely difficult run of games they just went through more than anything. </p>
<p id="TTPRd3">Yes, there are systemic issues that have been present for the past few seasons. And yes, Mourinho could be getting a little more out of this squad, particularly the bench players. But three of the last four league games prior to the Venezia match have been against three of the heavy hitters in the league, and Roma were arguably the better team in two of those matches! So, with that in mind, I think this is a product of the schedule more than anything.</p>
<p id="4DA5ke"><strong>Bren</strong>: Hmm, I hadn’t really accounted for the scheduling of it all, but losing to Venezia tends to cloud over things like that. I suppose what fascinates me most about this Mourinho Makeover is the dual tension between Mourinho and Friedkin. That is to say, whose patience will wear out first? </p>
<p id="1EieSl">At a certain point, Mourinho has to put his money where his mouth is. This “project” isn’t one where money can paper over the cracks, so sooner or later, Mourinho has to elevate the quality of play on his own, through teaching, through coaching, and by creating some innovative solutions to the club’s issues.</p>
<p id="bMJe7G">That’s one area in which a younger manager might have an advantage: the willingness and need to get creative to solve problems. Mourinho is established and, in a sense, set in his ways and accustomed to certain levels of talent, so this Roma gig could open up a new side of Mourinho or frustrate him to no end. </p>
<p id="nPQFK7"><strong>Bran: </strong>If I had to guess, I’d say Mourinho’s patience will wear out quicker than the Friedkin’s patience will, but that’s mainly due to the fact that the owners are notoriously tight-lipped. But it’s still very early on in the project so I’d imagine that we won’t know the answer to that question until around this time next year. </p>
<p id="qjP4Nk"><strong>Bren</strong>: haha, yes, that's an excellent point. They don't tell us *%&@, so we likely won't know until it's too late!</p>
<h3 id="EdsuEI">Point #2: A permanent move to a two-striker system is the best (tactical) solution to fix Roma’s current issues. Agree or disagree? </h3>
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<img alt="AS Roma v CSKA Sofia: Group C - UEFA Europa Conference League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Z9Vl9mKIdxOW6lxrYqPvBY01g0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23002401/1340786257.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="TAQ8N4"><strong>Bren</strong>: If we had better full-back play, I’d say something like a 3-4-1-2 could be the optimal tactical setup for the club. I’m still not entirely convinced of Eldor Shomurodov as a 20Mish talent, but he’s swift, strong, and aggressive—the kind of guy you <em>notice </em>when he’s out there. In that light, getting him out there as much as possible can fix some of the club’s problems, to say nothing of giving the club a chance to get a healthy ROI on him. </p>
<p id="2QVaCC">But since our full-backs, and even our center-backs, have been decidedly average this season, I’m not sure putting them in an even more precarious position is the best idea. Lorenzo Pellegrini is the club’s best player at the moment, so the tactics <em>should </em>revolve around him, and I think the 4-2-3-1 is perfect for him. His best performances over the past two seasons have come in that setup, so I’d stick with it a while more, or maybe slowly morph it into my old <em>FIFA </em>favorite, the 4-2-1-2, with Pellegrini in the hole behind Abraham and Shomurodov/El Shaarawy.</p>
<p id="uHr2mH"><strong>Bran: </strong>Personally, a narrow 4-2-3-1 has always been my go-to <em>FIFA</em> setup. As for whether a 3-4-1-2 is our best tactical solution going forward? Agree against the smaller sides, disagree otherwise. We talked a bit about this exact question on the latest episode of Across the Romaverse, and I maintain that despite the result against Venezia, the formation change may be the way forward against the smaller sides, mostly due to the fact that against these sides, we’re often going to dominate possession, and this formation allows us to get quite a bit of offensive firepower onto the pitch. Against the bigger sides, however, I’m not sure we’re solid enough defensively to risk it with this formation.</p>
<p id="2RT9EN"><strong>Bren</strong>: Well, if this was EA’s old <em>NHL </em>series we’re talking about rather than <em>FIFA</em>, you just take Jeremy Roenick and skate across the face of goal and score. Easy peasy. You do raise another interesting point about varying his approach between small and big clubs, but how confident are we that the club can effortlessly flit between two setups without issues? Maybe a year from now, but we’re already seeing the club become increasingly disjointed, so I’d worry about losing that chemistry if they’re changing formations and approaches every other match.</p>
<p id="JuQKkw">The 4-2-3-1 is typically my favorite formation, but I can’t deny that the few instances in which we’ve seen Abraham and Shomurodov on the pitch together have been very intriguing, so I wouldn’t mind seeing more of that. </p>
<p id="fqPO2P"><strong>Bran: </strong>Yea, completely agree with you here on the potential negative effects of a frequent formation change. I’m curious to see whether Mourinho can dig deep and stick with the 4-2-3-1 in order to establish that vitally important identity and team chemistry, despite his dissatisfaction with the squad depth, or if he’ll throw caution to the wind and change things up from match to match. Maybe experiment a bit more in the Conference League?</p>
<p id="tsSUg3"><strong>Bren</strong>: Yeah, and I think that approach—using completely different setups in the league vs Europe—actually served Paulo Fonseca quite well last year, so it was easy to assume Mourinho would follow suit, but he's rolled with the A-Team more often than not in the Conference League, and now that they're not even a shoo-in to win the group, I fear he may stick with what he knows, no matter the physical toll. </p>
<h3 id="UnJQjj">Point #3: Much has been made about Mourinho’s preference for the top 12 to 13 players but sometimes change can affect short-term improvements. So make a case for one of those dozen players to be replaced by one of the “outsiders”. What change would you make and why? </h3>
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<img alt="On the Set of The Outsiders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t2d2tPeYqfvczuSEaTJc5E0Af8g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23002414/583654004.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Nancy Moran/Sygma via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The Outsiders...get it?</figcaption>
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<p id="DxrUxf"><strong>Bren</strong>: Easy, give me more Riccardo Calafiori. I think Viña is a fine player, but Calafiori just has that extra little <em>something</em>. He’s not as far along as Viña yet, but to me, he has a higher ceiling and provides more of a threat than Viña. </p>
<p id="a3fkg0"><strong>Bran: </strong>I agree with you on Calafiori, but for argument’s sake I’ll go ahead and say Borja Mayoral. Mourinho himself was complimentary of the Spaniard after Borja’s most recent cameo, and with Roma struggling to put the ball in the back of the net as of late, it can’t hurt to regularly give some game time to a player who had the most prolific season of his career just a few months ago.</p>
<p id="t1oDkz"><strong>Bren</strong>: Okay, but whose spot is he taking? </p>
<p id="hb0ofn"><strong>Bran: </strong>Well, therein lies the problem. In my mind, it would really only work in a two-striker set-up, with Mayoral and Shomurodov alternating with each other and playing alongside Tammy. Alternatively, it would be a good opportunity to give Tammy some rest on occasion, but that’s not as strong an argument as it would be if we were talking about Mkhitaryan for example.</p>
<p id="evwsdO"><strong>Bren</strong>: Yeah, I could see that, but I can't imagine that Borja is here past New Year's Day, so maybe it's <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/as-roma-transfer-news-rumors/2021/11/8/22770180/erik-botheim-bodo-roma-transfer-mourinho">Erik Botheim taking that role!? </a></p>
<h3 id="T7b5VZ">Point #4: The Scudetto and perhaps even <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> qualification feel like distant dreams right now. The club, Mourinho, the local press, and hell, even the entire Romaverse feels unsettled now. </h3>
<h3 id="byIL1B">With those two lofty goals possibly out of reach, what would a short-term success look like in Roma this season? Is it all about table position or are there subtler signs of success we should be paying attention to?</h3>
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<img alt="AS Roma Training Session" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0RNWJihAdIe0uP0-yF0C3NRcxVg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23002423/1349168736.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="YCESx2"><strong>Bren</strong>: On paper, this still looks like a club capable of finishing in fourth place, but given their recent struggles, I think we need to dial things back a bit. Mourinho simply needs to rip off a 10 match stretch where the club gets something on the order of 20 points; he needs to prove definitively that the club is internalizing what he’s teaching. </p>
<p id="bPQk9q"><strong>Bran: </strong>Well, the point total necessary to win the Scudetto will likely be a good bit higher than what it’ll take to secure a top-four finish, so I wouldn’t be so quick to abandon ship on the latter happening just yet. Despite the Venezia result, Roma are just three points off the pace for top four, with plenty of season left to play. Now that the murderer’s row that was October’s schedule is firmly in the rearview mirror, I would imagine the Giallorossi string some results together and reestablish themselves as top four contenders.</p>
<p id="qzShdr"><strong>Bren</strong>: Possibly, but we’ve seen this movie before. This slide could easily continue into the easier part of the schedule, so I guess what I really meant was can Mourinho at least get a winning streak back together. If so, then we can reassess, but we’ve been through this far too many times over the years; losing momentum (that is the momentum of losing, that is) is tough to reverse, so in my eyes, he needs to nip this in the bud and then we can figure out what this team really is and what they really need to compete beyond this 5th/6th place purgatory. </p>
<p id="di0c7v"><strong>Bran: </strong>Oh, absolutely I expect this team to get back to winning ways and go on a little bit of a run. Typically, our poor run of form starts in December and carries on into the spring where we can’t recover so maybe this rut we’re in could be a blessing in disguise in that we got it out of the way early? Joking aside, I do think we’ll bounce back fairly convincingly in the near future, the key for Mourinho will be avoiding a rough patch as significant as this one when that time comes.</p>
<p id="FrHzL8"><strong>Bren</strong>: Ugh, you're right. This is typically the beginning of the slide. Thanks for reminding us!</p>
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<p id="z72gUi">We're still trying to perfect the format of this series—it may be week-to-week or more of a monthly check-in—but until we iron that out, please give us your thoughts on these four discussion points!</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/10/22774309/venezia-roma-mourinho-finishingbrenBSanti2021-11-10T02:38:09+01:002021-11-10T02:38:09+01:00Across the Romaverse, #66: Tired Excuses or Words of Wisdom From Mourinho?
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<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KQGEz2Lj7Mkfriwcgdx1xkELuYg=/0x0:3612x2408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70119838/1236411218.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Special One sounded off yet again after Roma’s shocking loss in Venice, so is he simply whining or speaking sagely?</p> <p id="lN6SOl">Well, there’s nothing quite like waking up with the sunrise to watch <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/7/22768286/venezia-3-roma-2-matc-recap">Roma lose </a>to one of the weakest sides in the league. The loss wrapped up what was a painful stretch for the Giallorossi as they head into the international break. Rather than bemoan the refereeing (which was again an issue) or pin the loss on some bad luck (Abraham hit the post again), we tried to get to the bottom of what’s going on in the Italian capital. </p>
<p id="xAI2T3">In this episode, we recount what went down in Venice early on Sunday morning and give our thoughts. Plus, we analyze <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/8/22769860/venezia-3-roma-2-player-ratings">some of the numbers </a>to see what went well and what went wrong from a statistical standpoint. And we take a deep dive into the mind of Mourinho and try to determine whether he’s playing the <em>woe is me</em> card with his post-match comments or simply stating the bitter truth. Plus, we compare this side to Fonseca’s and give our thoughts on whether or not Roma should just mail it in in the Conference League.</p>
<p id="Q5E3IN">Listen in to hear our thoughts on all that and so much more.</p>
<h2 id="YdtCEY">Episode Details</h2>
<ul>
<li id="hKC6nq">Intro/Match Background (0:53)</li>
<li id="SjFBD5">Match Summary (8:08)</li>
<li id="3Tj0uT">Key Stats (29:18)</li>
<li id="XIjybN">Getting Inside the Mind of Mourinho (48:45)</li>
<li id="nhrbQo">Putting this Roma into Historical Context (1:14:00)</li>
<li id="jp1kst">Conference League Debate (1:18:35)</li>
<li id="CaJdGL">Looking Ahead (1:37:00)</li>
</ul>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/10/22773294/venezia-roma-podcast-mourinhossciavillo2021-11-08T15:17:15+01:002021-11-08T15:17:15+01:00Sinners & Saints: Venezia 3, Roma 2
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<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1LCksF5gz_pZHleF5NU9u3nKqAA=/0x0:2298x1532/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70111409/1351829660.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>An entertaining match with a disappointing end, but there were still a few bright spots for Roma. </p> <p id="RtkYDl">We have been able to glean some positives away from <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> recent performances—the plucky scoreless draw against Napoli and the second half come back against Cagliari come to mind—but with the club in an apparent free fall (only one win in their past seven matches in all competitions), we can safely say that José Mourinho's honeymoon period is over. What started off brilliantly with six consecutive victories and plenty of eye-catching football has withered down to our current mess: a team struggling for results and an identity, both of which were on display yesterday in beautiful Venice.</p>
<p id="tapJYW">Roma did exceptionally well not to hang their heads after conceding in only the third minute, holding steady before striking back with two quick goals before the halftime whistle. But their resolve was soon tested when Venezia equalized via a 65th-minute penalty call on Bryan Cristante, which set the stage for David Okereke’s 74th-minute match-winner; a one-v-one in which the Nigerian striker shook Rui Patricio free from his moorings with clever little stutter step—and that was all she wrote.</p>
<aside id="gohrWU"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Venezia 3, Roma 2: Match Highlights","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/7/22768500/venezia-roma-match-highlights"},{"title":"Venezia-Roma Match Review","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/7/22768286/venezia-3-roma-2-matc-recap"}]}'></div></aside><p id="HyucRA">Sure, there were chances for Roma to equalize down the stretch, but Mourinho’s men couldn't close the deal, limping off the pitch in a defeat that dropped them all the way down to sixth place on the Serie A table. </p>
<p id="2cdWq8">And after another uneven match, our Sinners & Saints are equally askew. </p>
<h2 id="lzXyvl">The Sinners</h2>
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<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/awZpKhG6GdOSMU0C06L5XIYh5KI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22995220/1236413855.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ettore Griffoni/LiveMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="dsmUEH">Rick Karsdorp</h3>
<p id="3HE44T">Karsdorp is an interesting case study. As we mentioned several weeks ago, the time cloaking his struggles as remnants of his injury history is over, so what should we make of his current issues? Is he an above-average player going through a rough patch, or is this really who he is: a talented but volatile player prone to wild swings in performance? </p>
<p id="QAqOSy">Yesterday did little to aid the former, as Karsdorp struggled mightily against Venezia, failing to achieve more than one shot on goal. In 90 minutes, Karsdorp had only one tackle, got dribbled past twice, completed only 68% of his passes, and went 1-2 on crosses, which is fine from a percentage standpoint, but a week after pumping 10 crosses into the box, Karsdorp seemed to take a different approach last night—and it didn't work. </p>
<h3 id="8rCpys">Marash Kumbulla</h3>
<p id="Snfupl">You have to keep reminding yourself that this kid is only 21-years-old, but, much like Karsdorp and his injury history, that excuse will only hold water for so long. In 65 mostly forgettable minutes against Venezia yesterday, Kumbulla was bullied off the ball by Okereke and contributed only one interception to Roma’s defensive cause. He did complete 91% of his passes and won three of four duels, but those hardly take the stink off his performance, and with Roma desperately hunting a match-winner in the second half, he was quickly and unceremoniously yanked in favor of Carles Pérez.</p>
<h2 id="uBkq9n">The Saints</h2>
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<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8vWWEvcrn9tYKYLhJehSjNWNiaA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22995226/1351829396.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="SdyGaq">Lorenzo Pellegrini</h3>
<p id="IiYqP1">After getting a short reprieve against Bodø midweek due to lingering inflammation in his left knee, Pellegrini was no worse for the wear yesterday. Playing every single minute against Venezia, Pellegrini was masterful, firing three shots on goal (two on target), pulling off two successful dribbles, completing 84% of his passes (including 80% of his long passes and 47% of his crosses), chipping in three tackles, drawing six fouls and, perhaps most impressive of all, eight key passes. </p>
<h3 id="fnWQXk">Eldor Shomurodov</h3>
<p id="k37GWg">Making his first start since September 30th against Zorya in the Conference League, Shomurodov did a bit of everything in attack yesterday. In 90 minutes, the 26-year-old took two shots on goal, scored Roma's second goal, and chipped in four key passes, including two big chances created and one assist. Something tells me he'll be a bigger piece of the puzzle after the international break.</p>
<h3 id="C8H165">Tammy Abraham</h3>
<p id="3c7h1M">Just a few days after their €45 million man was limited to 17 touches against Bodø, the young English striker was front and center for the Giallorossi yesterday. In 90 minutes, Abraham was far more involved, taking 36 touches, firing seven shots on goal (three on target) while providing one key pass and completing one successful dribble. </p>
<p id="TD5QYh">While that's all well and good, Roma didn't drop forty-five large for Abraham to play decoy; he needs to score. So you can imagine the sense of relief when Abraham found the back of the net in the 45th minute, his first goal since September 30th against Zorya.</p>
<p id="hjtP1v">Time will tell whether or not that goal launches Abraham into a torrid run of form, but for a club seemingly in the throes of an identity crisis, getting your €45 million man involved is a good place to start. </p>
<h3 id="0lxBO2">Stephan El Shaarawy</h3>
<p id="V8Di22">Are we witnessing a resurrection in real-time? After spending the first few months of the season as an auxiliary piece, the Pharaoh is finding new life week-by-week. Making his second consecutive start, El Shaarawy turned in a remarkably effective 76 minute stretch against Venezia, pumping four shots on goal (three on target) while providing three key passes and completing two successful dribbles. SES also completed 85% of his passes and won three of four duels. </p>
<h2 id="qeEJpC">Stuck In Between</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FPlB3q9MWXK43f9d0djBuru2FZM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22995228/1351818627.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="qNnCkz">As always, these players showed out in some areas but struggled in others, neither lifting nor dragging Roma down.</p>
<ul>
<li id="Iggvv4">
<strong>Bryan Cristante</strong>: Three shots (zero on target), one key pass, two dribbles, three tackles, two interceptions; a busy day but conceding a penalty ultimately cost Roma a precious point on the table. </li>
<li id="774H3A">
<strong>Roger Ibañez:</strong> A rather quiet day for the young center-back, as he only contributed two clearances, one interception, and one tackle to the Roma cause.</li>
<li id="Qu8h32">
<strong>Rui Patricio:</strong> Two genuinely excellent saves down the stretch prevented Venezia's fourth goal, but he wasn't up to task on Caldara's early goal. </li>
<li id="Y5TTmd">
<strong>Jordan Veretout:</strong> Two shots (zero on target) and a perfect 4-4 on long balls but otherwise failed to truly influence the match.</li>
<li id="VcubhE">
<strong>Gianluca Mancini: </strong>Two tackles, one interception, and three clearances. Not bad at all, but after conceding three goals to a club that only scored eight all season long, you won't find any halos on Roma's defense. </li>
<li id="btimUI">
<strong>Carles Pérez:</strong> He seems to be gaining Mourinho's trust little by little (at least as a change of pace sub) but he didn't do much to move the needle yesterday: two shots and 87% passing.</li>
<li id="cNQoaC">
<strong>Nicolo Zaniolo/Nicola Zalewski/Borja Mayoral</strong>: Not enough minutes to impact the match in any significant way.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="2XHWUN">Picks to Clicks Revisited</h2>
<p id="dkXXCR">A few days after taking one on the chin in our Bodø predictions, we turned in a <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/roma-matchday-coverage/2021/11/6/22766911/picks-to-click-venezia-vs-roma">bit of a mixed bag</a> this time around. </p>
<ul>
<li id="Yf9O2T">Gonzalo Villar (DNP)</li>
<li id="wIlzsk">Roger Ibañez (So-So)</li>
<li id="NuU9IR">Lorenzo Pellegrini (Clicked)</li>
<li id="ae7JYA">Bryan Cristante (So-So)</li>
</ul>
<p id="SloJzM">Sinners & Saints will take a brief hiatus with the international break descending upon us, but we'll see you back here after Roma's road trip to Genoa on the 21st. </p>
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<p id="Dx7kLa"></p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/8/22769860/venezia-3-roma-2-player-ratingsbren2021-11-07T20:02:28+01:002021-11-07T20:02:28+01:00Venezia 3, Roma 2: Match Highlights
<figure>
<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3gmhMyr_fOArf1GhJEtKR4ZBRLg=/0x0:2976x1984/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70108737/1236416105.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>If you slept in and missed this one, we got you covered.</p> <p id="AX2EmW">Well, if you forgot to set an alarm and missed this one, you might’ve received a blessing in disguise, <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">as Roma</a> fall to Venezia by a 3-2 scoreline, following some dubious defending by the Giallorossi, and once again, some questionable refereeing. </p>
<p id="ehIyG9">A frantic first half saw the Giallorossi come back from a goal down, following goals by both Eldor Shomurodov and Tammy Abraham right at the end of the half, setting the stage for a dominant display in the second half. Unfortunately, this wasn’t meant to be, as a questionable penalty decision halfway through the second half allowed Venezia to get back into the game and ultimately take all three points following a third Venezia goal not long after.</p>
<p id="1bXG8n">An extremely disappointing result for the Giallorossi, who desperately needed to claim all three points in this match following a tough October and in advance of yet another international break.</p>
<p id="H2vB26">In case you missed any of the action, please enjoy the highlights below. If you want a deeper look, here is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=higdGB_jvhg"><strong>extended highlight package</strong></a>.</p>
<div id="E9hTzY"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VyA-RUoUtx4?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="QxwR2Q"></p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/7/22768500/venezia-roma-match-highlightsBSanti2021-11-07T15:05:51+01:002021-11-07T15:05:51+01:00Venezia 3, Roma 2: Okereke Match-Winner Spoils Sharper Roma Performance
<figure>
<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gWDMpbWud0y5-whXti34EWdUyt4=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70107908/1236412076.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Roma looked better in attack than they have in weeks but still came up short thanks to some defensive miscues.</p> <p id="ZgSBZZ"><a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> first trip to Venice in nearly two decades packed more than a few surprises for Roma fans, particularly those of us on the east coast. With a pre-dawn kickoff, this felt like the dark ages of foreign Serie A fandom, when we'd frequently have to roust ourselves out of bed to watch our digital heroes chase a ball on tiny 12-inch laptop screens in the wee hours of the morning. But that wasn't the only shock in store for Roma fans. </p>
<p id="NXKnc5">Apart from the early kick-off time, José Mourinho unveiled a surprise of his own: a new formation. Gone was the 4-2-3-1, chucked out in favor of the 3-4-1-2; a move that puts nearly all of Roma's attacking cards on the table at once. It's a change some fans and pundits have been calling on for several weeks now but still somehow registered as a surprise.</p>
<p id="t3ZBX8">While that decision was all well and good, Venezia rendered Mourinho's tinkering moot almost immediately, seizing an early lead off a beautifully orchestrated setpiece that saw Mattia Caldara beat a hapless Rui Patrico from six yards out. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gyPA7FgicdPcFERt_j65gZ3Fckw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22993011/1236409751.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="zbcMOH">Fortune quickly swung back in Roma's favor when Tammy Abraham was taken down in the box by Ridgeciano Haps while chasing a loose ball. While Jordan Veretout immediately assumed his normal position at the penalty spot, a rather lengthy VAR check judged that Lorenzo Pellegrini was actually offside, nullifying the penalty call. </p>
<p id="COy1Za">The two clubs would trade barbs over the ensuing 10 minutes, highlighted by a beautifully struck shot off the boot of Davide Okereke for the home club that sailed just wide. Eldor Shomurodov would respond moments later, trying to finesse a shot into the lower left hand corner of the goal, only to see it skirt just wide of the mark. </p>
<p id="scXmi5">Roma's best chance of the half came in the 27th minute. With a loose ball bouncing around the Venezia area, Tammy Abraham lashed his long right leg onto the ball, sending a low screaming shot from the right edge of the box, only to see it strike the post—the <em>fourth </em>time Tammy has been foiled by the woodwork this season. Stephan El Shaaraway's immediate follow-up attempt was denied, as was Jordan Veretout’s, marking for a furious but frustrating moment for the Giallorossi, who were desperately hunting for an equalizer as we crept towards the half-hour mark. </p>
<p id="YbV6u4">The Giallorossi wouldn't get that equalizer straight away, but they showed increasing signs of life as the match pushed past the half-hour mark. In the 35th minute, Lorenzo Pellegrini was on the receiving end of a clever little layoff from Abraham at the edge of the box, but the captain couldn't quite get enough on the ball, making for an easy save from Sergio Romero.</p>
<p id="gnTfO7">Not to be outdone, Venezia kept their foot on the gas, doing their best to take advantage of an unexpected lead, and they almost saw that lead doubled a minute later when David Okereke completely muscled Marash Kumbulla off the ball, setting up a veritable one-v-one against Rui Patricio. While he had the space and time, Okereke's shot sailed wide of the mark, sparing Roma for the moment.</p>
<p id="kA4OTL">Venezia would continue their quest for a second goal moments later when a wonderfully orchestrated team movement at the edge of the box—multiple passes, layoffs, and even an overlapping run parallel to the goal line—produced a clean look for Sofian Kiyine, whose low attempt was smothered by Patricio. </p>
<p id="RApl51">Roma responded with the sharpest and quickest bit of calcio we've seen from them in weeks, pinging the ball around the edges of the area and/or bombarding the Venezia final third with a series of progressive passes from Pellegrini and Veretout. However, despite those signs of life, the Venezia defense remained unswayed by Mourinho's all-out attack.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ICoqJX-XcE47LAvyP224-n58LBE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22993015/1351829473.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="TlrKdn">But they could only hold out so long. In the 43rd minute, Roma would finally have their moment in the sun. After El Shaarawy fired a ball to Abraham in the box, the English striker quickly shuffled the ball over to Lorenzo Pellegrini, and in the process of doing so, Romero intervened, denying Pellegrini's attempt but inadvertently gifting Shomurodov with a gimme-goal, which Roma's number fourteen was more than happy to oblige by striking it in the back of the goal to level the match.</p>
<p id="i6mUBM">With only a few minutes plus stoppage time to play, it seemed like Roma would be content to enter the dressing room tied at one, but no one told that to Tammy Abraham, who gave Roma the advantage in stoppage time. </p>
<p id="NxPjjR">This time, Shomurodov played the creator, feeding Abraham in the middle of the box. After settling the ball with his chest, Abraham flashed his strength and poise, shielding the defender from the ball—who was completely draped over his back—and still getting enough on the shot to beat Romero, sending Roma into hysterics and into halftime up 2-1. </p>
<h2 id="Oq7kRR">Second Half</h2>
<p id="ycNLJ4">With a 2-1 lead in hand, it would have been perfectly reasonable for Roma to park the bus for 45 minutes and choke the life out of this match, but the Giallorossi started the second half off searching for a third goal, one that could potentially put this game out of reach for Venezia. In the earliest moments of the half, Roma saw attempts from Veretout, Ibañez, and Cristante all go askew, while Marash Kumbulla squandered a headed chance off a corner, which quickly followed by a blocked Pellegrini attempt in the 50th minute.</p>
<p id="P9rFSy">Still, despite their inability to pad the lead, Roma was playing with intent to start the new half. The mission: get a third goal and close up shop. Despite being thwarted in those early efforts, Roma continued to press the issue and nearly found that third goal when Shomurodov found El Shaarawy at the point of the 18. Thanks to the pace and precision of Shomurodov's pass, El Shaarawy had Romero leaning the wrong way and his side-footed shot almost tricked the Venezia keeper, who essentially just sat on the ball before his momentum completely toppled him over. </p>
<p id="rVom9r">With the pitch tilting in Roma’s favor, Venezia began to scratch and claw their way back into the game, with Kiyine misfiring on a one-timed effort from the edge of the area. He likely had Patricio beat, so Roma was spared by the Belgian's poor technique in this instance. </p>
<p id="SEZYY9">But the Giallorossi's luck would soon run out when Bryan Cristante clipped Mattia Caldara during a leaping/high-booted challenge. After a quick VAR check, Mattia Aramu converted the penalty, drawing Venezia level in the process.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7eEKbgPCt8L9M_fkw7OGqvuty48=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22993018/1236411932.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="wgtHBs">After roaring back with two quick goals to close out the first half, Roma suddenly found themselves chasing a match-winner with 25 minutes to play. Mourinho adjusted to this new game state by shifting the focus to attack, swapping out Kumbulla for Carles Pérez in the 66th minute. </p>
<p id="lRS4er">Moments later, Roma created another genuine chance in the box when Pellegrini squared a ball to Abraham dead center in the box, but Sergio Romero read it perfectly, bolting off his line to intervene and break up the play. Abraham would get another clean look at goal a few minutes later, turning and firing in the box only to see his attempt sail wide and to the left. </p>
<p id="FLtRMq">With the clock ticking away, it felt like we were careening headlong into another 2-2 draw, but Venezia caught Roma napping in the 74th minute. After Ethan Ampadu dropped a long ball in his lap from well beyond midfield, Okereke was played directly into a one-v-one with Patricio, and with one clever stutter step, he turned the Portuguese keeper into a blubbery mess, beating the veteran with ease after injecting that slight moment of hesitation. There wasn’t much Patricio could do; the ball was just <em>that </em>perfect, catching Okereke in stride. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wwQjwp4EKyNm2sWO0UmRXOQkFcs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22993019/1236411960.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="KiShvo">After surviving Venezia's third-minute goal and snatching the lead back at the buzzer in the first half, Roma, who were actually playing quite sharp in attack, now found themselves down 3-2 on the road to bottom-dwelling Venezia, a club that managed only eight goals prior to this morning's fixture. </p>
<p id="HN9HCv">Mourinho would go to the bench once more in the dying moments, bringing on Nicolo Zaniolo, Nicola Zalewski, and Borja Mayoral down the stretch. And while Roma threatened Romero multiple times, they couldn't find a breakthrough. Venezia, meanwhile, very nearly found a fourth goal only to be denied by two remarkable Rui Patricio saves in quick succession: first, a leaping parry over the bar and then a stunning kick save at the near post on the ensuing corner.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Venezia FC v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QI5gOnShFsMyfSqdZedykPlvI24=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22993020/1351837332.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="z8RGfL">With their keeper now standing on his head to provide hope for a draw, it was up to the attack to snatch a point at the death. But you know where this is going—you read the headline. Despite winning multiple corners down the stretch, <em>despite </em>Pellegrini nearly picking out Mayoral at the far post, and <em>despite </em>Pérez forcing a hasty block from Gianluca Busio, Roma couldn't conjure any last-minute miracles and fell for the fourth time in their past seven matches.</p>
<h2 id="0PUiEC">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p id="OeAa5B">With 27 attempts on goal, including 10 on target shots, Roma seemed to correct many of the errors dragging them down over the past 10 days or so, but it simply wasn't enough. Mourinho's decision to shift formations to an attack-minded 3-4-1-2 definitely produced some crisper looks at goal, and definitely a greater volume of attempts, but it came at a cost: defensive cohesion.</p>
<p id="05VSbh">Roma may have only conceded 13 shots at the other end, but 10 of those came within the 18-yard box, seven of which were deemed on-target. And were it not for Patricio’s heroics down the stretch and a late Thomas Henry breakaway shot that hit the crossbar, Venezia could have pumped five past the Giallorossi today.</p>
<p id="qpMDJr">With an international break coming up, Mourinho will have nearly two full weeks to find some sort of balance in his squad, both in terms of their approach and hopefully something approaching a consistent rotation pattern.</p>
<p id="Zzt5JO">Thanks to today's defeat, Roma has temporarily slipped to fifth place but could fall to sixth if Lazio defeats Salernitana later today.</p>
<h2 id="e8n81c">Up Next</h2>
<p id="UQokSO">The international break, which feels sorely needed right now. </p>
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<p id="es2zLB"></p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/7/22768286/venezia-3-roma-2-matc-recapbren2021-11-07T12:18:58+01:002021-11-07T12:18:58+01:00Venezia vs. Roma: Lineups & Game Thread
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v Bodo Glimt - UEFA Conference League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c892KhEuaagH6g0I2rLtlWiy1y4=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70107248/1236365586.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Serie A, Matchday 12 takes us to historic Venice. </p> <p id="5wuAJm">Wake up! It's game time!</p>
<p id="yEf0tg">Thanks to the Serie A schedule-makers gifting Roma with the always rare 12:30 CET kickoff time, those of us on this side of the Atlantic get to jump-start their Sunday with some pre-dawn calcio—and what a matchup it is. For the first time in nearly 20 years, Roma travels to historic Venice to face newly-promoted Venezia FC, who are currently nestled in 17th place, already in the throes of a seven-team race to avoid relegation.</p>
<p id="90xd9C">The lineups are in, so rub the sleep out of your eyes and do whatever pre-match routine guarantees Roma a lopsided victory today.</p>
<h1 id="g7Ypoy">Lineups</h1>
<h3 id="ziBfNt">Venezia</h3>
<div id="PTCdnZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="it" dir="ltr">Giornata 12 • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeneziaRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeneziaRoma</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArancioNeroVerde?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArancioNeroVerde</a> ⚫️ <a href="https://t.co/sDybRCKhnQ">pic.twitter.com/sDybRCKhnQ</a></p>— Venezia FC (@VeneziaFC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/VeneziaFC_EN/status/1457299467015757827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
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<h3 id="slblgn">Roma</h3>
<div id="SU1Cdh">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="it" dir="ltr"> Ecco la formazione scelta da José Mourinho per <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeneziaRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeneziaRoma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASRoma</a> <a href="https://t.co/yC25ogi2AP">pic.twitter.com/yC25ogi2AP</a></p>— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma/status/1457294405153480709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/7/22767586/venezia-vs-roma-lineups-game-threadbren2021-11-06T23:00:00+01:002021-11-06T23:00:00+01:00Picks to Click: Venezia vs. Roma
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v Bodo Glimt - UEFA Conference League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iaMi21YNz3OAnM8SoXnbgtjEnZ4=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70105916/1236365672.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tomorrow's match marks Roma's first trip to Venice in nearly 20 years, but which players will stand out against the most fashion-forward club in the entire sport? </p> <p id="MtIBO8">Roma and Venezia haven't squared off since the spring of 2002, a time when most of <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> squad was still crawling around in diapers—if they even existed at all. Considering that complete and utter lack of recent history, predicting which Roma players may excel against Europe's most fashion-forward club may seem a bit foolhardy, but we're going to do it anyway. </p>
<p id="dkl9jS">Besides, after last week's near-total Pick to Click disaster, we have to save a bit of face! </p>
<h2 id="g5gGSV">Gonzalo Villar</h2>
<p id="dQh71i">I know, I know. Picking a kid who has spent more time in street clothes than on the pitch is a risky proposition, but in his pre-match press conference, Mourinho spoke highly of Villar's impact on Roma's style of play:</p>
<div id="2aHZXy">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mourinho: "I was happy with both Mayoral and Villar in midweek. Mayoral offered a lot when he came on ... Villar added dynamism to our play when we had the ball."<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASRoma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeneziaRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeneziaRoma</a></p>— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASRomaEN/status/1457000669739683842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="H3m8xJ">Much has been made of Mourinho's insistence on playing the same dozen players (give or take), but after Villar's strong 45 minute showing against Bodø, perhaps Mourinho will put a bit more faith in the slim Spaniard? </p>
<p id="rpwzj8">Villar has yet to log a single second in Serie A, but a date with 17th place Venezia is as good a time as any to get Roma's <em>numero ocho</em> some much-needed match time. </p>
<h2 id="z7hP16">Roger Ibañez</h2>
<p id="cuhK5F">After scoring an equalizer against Bodø late in the week, we're riding the hot hand with our next selection. Whether he starts at center-back alongside Gianluca Mancini or is forced to fill in at left-back with Matías Viña and Riccardo Calafiori out injured, Ibañez should have no issues handling the Venezia attack, while he may even surprise us with a few forward runs or near post headers in the box. </p>
<p id="tnQ8Nt">Next to Lorenzo Pellegrini, Ibañez is probably Roma's best player right now, and a match like this, where he can dominate defensively and potentially even help pin Venezia back at the other end, could send the young Brazilian into the break on a massive high. </p>
<h2 id="b5wqBu">Lorenzo Pellegrini</h2>
<p id="xxmImy">After missing Roma's Conference League match on Thursday due to knee inflammation, Pellegrini seemed poised to return for tomorrow's early afternoon fixture. Roma are better with Pellegrini on the pitch—there's zero doubt about that—and against a bottom-feeding club like Venezia, he could have a field day. </p>
<p id="T4pB74">Pellegrini has slowed down a bit since his torrid start (at least in terms of goal contributions), scoring only one goal and providing one assist since the beginning of October, so piling on Venezia's misery tomorrow could get Pellegrini's career year back on track.</p>
<h2 id="g9YMLq">Bryan Cristante</h2>
<p id="RUjjeG">Cristante's exact position tomorrow likely depends on what Mourinho does with Ibañez. If Ibañez starts at center-back, with Filippo Tripi playing at left-back, then Cristante should be up to his usual tricks in midfield alongside Jordan Veretout. If, however, Mourinho decides to utilize Ibañez at left-back, then it's back to defense for Cristante. Either way, this match should feature plenty of pinpoint long-balls from Cristante, who is become remarkably adept at bypassing defenses in total, picking out everyone from Nicolo Zaniolo to Tammy Abraham to Henrikh Mkhitaryan with his assembly of gently arching long passes.</p>
<p id="02xKBJ">Pellegrini, Mourinho, and Abraham have stolen most of the early-season headlines, but Cristante is quietly putting together the best season of his Roma career. </p>
<div id="sPA7wH"><div data-anthem-component="poll:10849424"></div></div>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/roma-matchday-coverage/2021/11/6/22766911/picks-to-click-venezia-vs-romabren2021-11-06T19:00:00+01:002021-11-06T19:00:00+01:00Roma Can Put Disappointing Week Behind Them With Victory Over Venezia
<figure>
<img alt="Football Serie A Roma-Milan" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Er2jh-eHH0SzmukbXXAbX__A38g=/0x0:3543x2362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70105246/1350815860.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The results against Milan and Bodo at the Olimpico aren’t what Mourinho and company wanted to see, but a match at Venezia could be just what the doctor ordered. </p> <p id="8cDUa7">The early season enthusiasm has begun to wane just a bit in the Italian capital after a rough couple of weeks for José Mourinho’s <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a>. The last three weeks have seen Roma give up eight goals to Bodø in two Conference League matches (1W-1D) and collect just one point combined from matches against Juve, Napoli, and Milan. The former was a shock to the system, while the latter is a worrying trend that has carried over from the Paulo Fonseca era.</p>
<p id="EbHXW4">Meanwhile, the side has seen drama with the 6-1 loss up in Norway prompting Mourinho to send five of his players to the stands. Throw in some controversial refereeing decisions and the last three weeks gave us plenty to discuss. For those who aren’t so familiar with the Giallorossi, this may seem crazy. But, to those of us that have been around a while, it feels like <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2020/10/29/21540002/chiesa-di-totti-library-reference-guide"><em>Roma Happened</em></a> yet again. </p>
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<p id="wXZKXv"><strong>Venezia vs Roma</strong>: November 7th. 6:30 EST/ 12:30 CET. Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium, Venezia.</p>
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<p id="IQVSNw">Nevertheless, for as downtrodden as many may be feeling after another negative result against Bodø, we shouldn’t let recency bias cloud our judgment. After all, Mourinho and Pinto have continuously reminded us, that this is, in fact, a project. And, even though Roma has hit a rough stretch, the Giallorossi are still sitting fourth in the league table. </p>
<p id="LsUPT5">Therefore, all things considered, it could be a lot worse. And on the horizon is a very winnable match that could get the Giallorossi back on track before another international break. </p>
<p id="wjF8Dx">So, as Roma embarks on a journey to the city of canals, let's take a look at the possible keys to a Roma victory in Venezia. </p>
<h1 id="M4csFQ">What To Watch For</h1>
<h3 id="iQfB5G">Can the Offense Get Clicking?</h3>
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<img alt="AS Roma v CSKA Sofia: Group C - UEFA Europa Conference League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AfLpRk3djDLhvldqrYfvH8Ycl2g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22896165/1235300911.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="ebdCza">There’s no doubting that Roma has some very promising attacking talents in the form of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Tammy Abraham. Throw in the likes of veterans like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Stephan El Shaarawy—plus nice complementary pieces like Eldor Shomurodov, Carles Pérez, and Borja Mayoral—and José Mourinho has a stable of attackers to work with. And early in the season, the attack looked like the strength of this side. </p>
<p id="5pC0aD">However, after scoring 14 goals in the first six league matches of the season, the Giallorossi have scored just five goals in their last five league matches. Granted, facing the likes of <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a>, Napoli, and <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a> will give even the best attacking players fits, but those matches were especially frustrating when you consider just how little a disjointed Roma attack was able to create. </p>
<p id="eyM5Zl">There’s no doubting that Pellegrini has more than held up his end of the bargain. The Roma skipper already has five goals and two assists as he grows into the face of the franchise. However, Abraham, despite offering a solid all-around game, has struggled in recent weeks and has now scored just twice in 11 league matches. Add in the fact that Zaniolo has yet to score in the league and it becomes clear that Pellegrini needs some help.</p>
<p id="bi5rSy">Mkhitaryan who has been the other regular starter in the attacking quartet has looked like a shell of his former self in recent weeks. Thus, this match could be a good time for El Shaarawy’s second league start. Il Faraone has averaged 0.56 goals per 90—best in the side— and scored in the Conference League on Thursday, so Mourinho may want to ride his hottest hand.</p>
<p id="5MPs1w">No matter who starts, the Roma attack will need to be better against a middle-of-the-pack Venezia defense that has conceded 17 times in 11 matches. </p>
<h3 id="KHwVE9">Will Roma’s Defense Stymy an Anemic Venezia Attack?</h3>
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<img alt="Venezia FC v US Salernitana - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d5itSRJRtJKKfI5HypGl927147w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22990546/1236155295.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alessio Marini/LiveMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="tPmYTk">While we Romanisti may be ruing just how poor Roma’s attack has been of late, it can always be worse. In eleven matches this season, Venezia has scored just eight goals in eleven league matches. That’s correct. <em>Eight!</em> </p>
<p id="TpJw1y">The most dangerous member of the home side’s attack is their number 10: Mattia Aramu. Aramu, who usually plays wide in the attacking trio of Venezia’s 4-3-3, has been directly involved in half of the side’s league goals (3 goals, 1 assist) despite starting just six matches. </p>
<p id="I6DGOc">The Giallorossi have the joint third-best defense in the league having conceded 12 times in 11 matches. Even in Roma’s recent rough patch against some of the league’s biggest sides, Roma has conceded just four times in four matches. Considering the overall solidity of Roma’s backline and the lack of goals this season for the home side, this looks like a match where the Giallorossi should target no less than a clean sheet. </p>
<h3 id="8hSolG">Will Mourinho Mix Up His Starting Eleven?</h3>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Bodo Glimt - UEFA Conference League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/goRIDdJa32XVVUAi0LhGPcfL31g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22990548/1236365176.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="j6QEEW">Despite a busy run of league matches, Mourinho has stuck by his preferred starting eleven week-in-and-week-out, but we all know what happened when the Roma CT made heavy changes in the Conference League against Bodø in Norway last month. So, outside of two injury-forced changes for Matías Viña and Lorenzo Pellegrini, the changes in the return fixture last Thursday were few and far between. </p>
<p id="HLscHU">According to Friday’s updates, both players trained individually, but the <em>Gazzetta dello Sport</em> projects that Viña will likely miss this match due to muscle fatigue. However, the publication says Pellegrini is expected to try and play through knee inflammation. </p>
<p id="PY748o">If Viña is in fact out, then this could be Riccardo Calafiori’s chance to catch Mourinho’s eye with just his third league start. The other player who could be due for a start is El Shaarawy in place of Mkhitaryan. Those two have been trending in different directions over the last few weeks </p>
<p id="qhtkjs">However, other than that, it’s hard to see where else Mourinho could mix things up. Would he bench Abraham for Shomurodov? Could he opt for Pérez over Zaniolo? If he didn’t do it in Thursday’s Conference League match, then it’s unlikely he does it here. </p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2021/11/6/22766378/venezia-roma-match-previewssciavillo