Chiesa Di Totti - Serie A 2021-2022, Matchday 22: Roma vs. CagliariCautiously Optimistic Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48469/totti-fave.png2022-01-18T00:42:54+01:00http://www.chiesaditotti.com/rss/stream/226497552022-01-18T00:42:54+01:002022-01-18T00:42:54+01:00Across the Romaverse Podcast, #75: Oliveira’s Debut, Pellegrini’s Injury Woes, Shomurodov Struggles & More
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<img alt="Football Serie A Roma-Cagliari" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JT5cUNcwJyh9sBprKkP1hxeFKqg=/0x0:3543x2362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70401471/1365096913.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We tackle a slew of listener Qs in the wake of a narrow 1-0 win over Cagliari at the Olimpico while continuing to bask in the glory of Sérgio Oliveira's impressive debut. </p> <p id="gQPuw6"><a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> got back to winning ways on Sunday at the Olimpico after back-to-back gut-wrenching defeats to <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a> and <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a>. This time around it was the debutant, Sergio Oliveira, who led the way for the Giallorossi in a narrow 1-0 victory over relegation battling Cagliari. However, it wasn’t all peaches and cream as the Roma midfield suffered another blow with the loss of Lorenzo Pellegrini in pre-match warm-ups. </p>
<p id="HxZMU1">In this episode, we look at the team from a broader perspective beyond yesterday’s result. And thanks to your listener questions we have plenty to talk about from the results on the pitch to individual players to the future of the club. </p>
<aside id="Xanfex"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Three Things We Noticed in Roma’s 1-0 Win Over Cagliari","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/17/22886934/three-things-we-noticed-in-romas-1-0-win-over-cagliari"},{"title":"Sinners & Saints: Roma 1, Cagliari 0","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/17/22887000/roma-cagliari-player-ratings"}]}'></div></aside><p id="KUgZQl">We discuss some specific players in particular: Zaniolo, Pellegrini, Eldor, Felix, and, of course, Roma’s newest signing: Oliveira. Plus, a name from the past pops up in the form of Cengiz Ünder. And we discuss what Roma should do on the market moving forward. </p>
<p id="paPIA2">So, listen in and be sure to weigh in below. We can’t thank you enough for listening, submitting questions, and being so active on the discussion boards after last week’s episode. </p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/18/22888508/across-the-romaverse-podcast-75-oliveiras-debut-pellegrinis-injury-woes-shomurodov-struggles-moressciavillo2022-01-17T20:00:00+01:002022-01-17T20:00:00+01:00Three Things We Noticed in Roma’s 1-0 Win Over Cagliari
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<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mm5BXQZtUTlPqg5cYaZ0sXKhpjU=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70400686/1364992645.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After a brief hiatus for this series, we take a look at three things we noticed in Roma’s much-needed win over Cagliari.</p> <p id="zYPauM">It wasn’t pretty, but we’ll absolutely take it. After a deflating loss to Milan followed by an almost inexplicable collapse against Juve, anything less than a win against Cagliari would simply have been unacceptable for the Giallorossi, who went into the match having failed to win in each of their previous three matches.</p>
<p id="iRHj3J">Along with questions surrounding <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a>’s ability to rebound from their crushing loss to Juve, a much-anticipated debut for Sérgio Oliveira was one of the major headlines going into the match, who started the match alongside Roma’s other newest addition, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.</p>
<p id="xqLz99">An Oliveira penalty-kick ended up being the difference on Sunday, helping Roma weather a stubborn Cagliari and secure a much-needed three points. And having said that, we now bring back CdT’s newest series following a brief hiatus, where I examine three things I either liked, or didn’t like, from the match.</p>
<h3 id="5S1vL1">Sérgio Oliveira Is Our Best Player</h3>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/buf9zjjZ2ocif4Od9LLDvBdbENc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23173058/1237773330.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="x4snBA">Let’s get right into it, after one match I'm ready to say that Sergio is already the best player on our squad, easily. Okay...I don’t <em>actually </em>believe that (for now) but what a debut from the former Porto man. Winning and converting the winning penalty aside, in my mind it has been a LONG time since Roma had a midfielder that looked as cool and comfortable on the ball as Sérgio did against Cagliari, or at the very least, one you didn’t really have to worry about when they were under pressure.</p>
<p id="Kf6diH">Now, of course, is it entirely likely that I'm setting expectations way too high for Roma’s newest acquisition off the strength of a single match? Absolutely. </p>
<p id="2Xxpg7">But having said that, credit to Pinto, Mourinho, and Co. for identifying and bringing in a player who could come in and be a MOTM candidate on their club debut. Oliveira may end up being a strictly rotational piece for Roma down the road, but the early returns seem extremely promising, and he seems to be the exact type of player you bring in during the winter market, someone that definitively gives your team a boost for the second half of the season.</p>
<h3 id="YjGIHs">It Might Be Time to Give Up On the Shomurodov Experiment</h3>
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<img alt="FBL-ITA-SERIEA-ROMA-CAGLIARI" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P7uFdFRGYRRbGlwR6k6sO2SIHjM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23173060/1237772358.jpg">
<cite>Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="NcTIu6">On the flip side of how much I adored Oliveira’s performance against Cagliari, Eldor Shomourdov’s contribution off the bench on the evening left much to be desired, at least in my eyes. The Uzbek international replaced Felix Afena-Gyan in the 75th minute, the same exact substitution Mourinho made in the Juve match, just minutes before Roma put the finishing touches on their collapse.</p>
<p id="M0DFdm">Thankfully, the Giallorossi avoided a similar implosion against Cagliari, but Shomourdov’s time on the pitch needed to be more productive, particularly in the context of how much Roma spent to acquire the former Genoa man. Players like Zaniolo and Abraham also weren’t as clinical as any of us would have liked them to be, but more than a couple counter attacks in the latter stages of the game were halted following an errant pass or weak shot from Shomourdov. </p>
<p id="u0aPY3">Granted, Eldor is a rotational piece for a reason, but for close to €20 million, you’d expect better returns from one of your first subs off the bench. I’ve been skeptical of Shomourdov’s value since he was brought in, to begin with, and lackluster contributions like he had against Cagliari only serve to reinforce that.</p>
<h3 id="sVIdd3">The Togetherness Is Still There For This Squad</h3>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ggglLq0Gj-Y1ueFHx3-0vZZ2il8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23173056/1364992645.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="e5GEG8">Whether in previous articles or on episodes of our podcast, I’ve talked a bit about how in seasons past, some of the crushing losses that we’ve experienced so far this season, would’ve completely derailed the rest of the campaign. I can remember a handful of times during both EDF and Fonseca’s tenures watching this team and seeing a dejected group of players in matches following tough results. And granted, Roma weren’t perfect nor dominant against Cagliari, but securing a win in difficult circumstances is a great indication that the togetherness Roma have been desperate to cultivate is still there for this squad.</p>
<p id="DYePWK">In Mourinho’s pre-match presser, he was asked about his comments on the squad following the Juve debacle, to which Mourinho responded by saying that everything he says to the media he says to the players themselves, and that he had the sense that they took his comments well. Of course, we’re not privy to the atmosphere in the dressing room, so who’s to say what the actual environment is like, but grinding out results such as the win over Cagliari certainly hints that everybody is still on the same page, despite the difficulties of the last few weeks.</p>
<p id="yp4KFW">Well, that’s all from me. With a midweek Coppa Italia against Lecce on the horizon, you hope that today’s result is the beginning of a winning run, something certainly possible given Roma’s upcoming run of games. The Cagliari win might not have been the prettiest, but truly the three points here is all that mattered. The win, combined with a sterling debut from Oliveira and a solid shift from Maitland-Niles, goes a long way in erasing the sour taste from Roma’s first couple matches in 2022, and hopefully serves as a springboard for the next couple weeks of the season.</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/17/22886934/three-things-we-noticed-in-romas-1-0-win-over-cagliariBSanti2022-01-17T14:00:00+01:002022-01-17T14:00:00+01:00Sinners & Saints: Roma 1, Cagliari 0
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<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LFfj3EUYtZkKFgLdjubOMJTSP5w=/0x0:4670x3113/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70399458/1364990529.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Despite the subdued scoreline, there was a lot to like from the men in maroon last night. Join us as we run through all the highs and lows from Roma's 1-0 victory over Cagliari. </p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="HtCtmp">Yesterday's victory over Cagliari was a reminder that the final score doesn't always paint the entire picture. Despite failing to score in the run of play, José Mourinho's men did nearly everything to perfection. Well, maybe not <em>perfection</em>, but they played with more fluidity and precision than we've seen in several weeks. With a greater share of possession, a near 2:1 shot ratio, and an impressive 12 key passes among them, Roma had nine-tenths of the equation down pat. </p>
<div><aside id="PpCBsD"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Roma 1, Cagliari 0: Match Highlights","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/16/22886898/roma-1-cagliari-0-match-highlights"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="oNiMUV">Had Alessio Cragno been a step slower last night, then Roma's fluid approach would have produced more <em>actual </em>highlights. However, despite Cragno's persistence, Roma flashed enough promise to make you believe the demons of the Juve match have been fully exorcised and that brighter days are ahead in 2022. </p>
<p id="Jhlx2r">And a big part of that performance last night was due to Sérgio Oliveira's impressive debut, so we might as well start our Sinners & Saints rundown with <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> newest toy.</p>
<h1 id="GSIUwA">The Saints</h1>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hEZHUdD06R5NRYz6WsqDlyD2p78=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23173220/1364992658.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="7uz1Yc">Sérgio Oliveira</h3>
<p id="lhl2ew">Want to talk about a dream debut? How do four shots on goal (two on target), two key passes, eleven balls into the final third, three of seven duels won, two interceptions, seven recoveries, 80% passing, one big chance created, three of five long balls completed, and one cooly struck penalty attempt grab you?</p>
<p id="dMV8vt">Oliveira will struggle to recreate that stat line every week, but his 90 minute run against Cagliari gave us a glimpse of what the 29-year-old veteran brings to the table: a little bit of everything. </p>
<p id="M6HvmC">As far as mid-season additions go, he's practically perfect. Mourinho dropped him right into the lineup at a moment’s notice, and he didn't miss a beat. He's going to fit in quite nicely.</p>
<h3 id="Tkr9wZ">Henrikh Mkhitaryan</h3>
<p id="eT9E3v">Were it not for the new guy, Mkhitaryan would have garnered all the headlines last night. In addition to leading fast breaks like vintage Tim Hardaway, Mkhitaryan was a one-man passing machine last night, doling out six key passes while completing 85% of all his passes, including one accurate cross and one accurate long ball. </p>
<p id="lcTGIL">In addition to his work with the ball, Mkhitaryan recovered seven balls, picked off one pass, drew one foul, and covered 12.5 kilometers; the most of any Roma player. Keep this guy healthy and rested, and this is what he can do. </p>
<h3 id="OXwQVk">Marash Kumbulla</h3>
<p id="pjXime">Normally, we fill these spaces with all manner of stats, but for a kid as maligned as Marash Kumbulla, yesterday's win had to be incredibly cathartic. So, rather than focusing on figures, we'll let Mourinho <a href="https://football-italia.net/mourinho-feels-zaniolo-lacks-the-confidence-to-score-goals/">do the talking</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="XKriw5">For me, as a coach, Kumbulla was the best of the team. He played a fantastic game. It gives me great satisfaction because in a certain moment of the season he had difficulties, I was very negative in the aggressiveness I used to put in the confrontation in training and he has always been very calm, humble and has grown.</p>
<p id="lIRyJH">I think he’s a player who’s better suited to a 3-man defence, where he’s learnt. He had a good game, Mancini too. The coverage of the two midfield players was also good. Against Juve, when Dybala scored, we didn’t make the right moves. We’ve worked on that and Oliveira and Veretout did very well today</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="46Z2Ka">In a lot of ways, Kumbulla reminds me of someone like Boris Diaw, the somewhat portly French forward who carved out a respectable 16-year NBA career thanks in large part to his understanding of the game, soft touch in the post, and keen playmaking skills. </p>
<p id="tHatGZ">Kumbulla will never be confused for Franz Beckenbauer, but as we saw last night, when he's locked in, he's sensational. And that was certainly the case last night as Kumbulla cleared six balls, blocked three shots, and completed 92% of his passes, including 4-5 long balls. </p>
<p id="wxwhWj">Mourinho's patience and faith in the young Albanian are finally starting to bear fruit.</p>
<h3 id="JDMVJe">Matías Viña</h3>
<p id="pE5B1q">After suffering through a bit of a dull patch, Viña broke through in a major way against Cagliari. Going the full 90+, Viña was incredibly active behind the ball, which is even more impressive when you consider how timid Cagliari played for most of the match. Viña won 10 of 15 duels, cleared two balls, intercepted two passes, and completed two tackles while completing 78% of his passes and creating one scoring chance. </p>
<h3 id="YnAuWN">Jordan Veretout</h3>
<p id="5vdBJ4">A surprise addition to the starting lineup, Veretout was plucked from the bench and dropped into Mourinho's starting eleven after captain Lorenzo Pellegrini pulled up lame during pre-match warmups, but you'd hardly know that given how well Veretout played. In 90 minutes, the Frenchman completed 90% of his passes, including 5-8 long balls, while clearing two balls, intercepting one pass, and completing one tackle.</p>
<p id="aUxuNL">We've definitely seen more electric performances from Veretout before, but when you consider the circumstances, he did quite well. </p>
<h3 id="MKh24B">Rui Patricio</h3>
<p id="FIHQ8V">He wasn't called on much, but his late denial on Joao Pedro likely saved Roma's bacon last night. All told, Patricio faced only two shots while making one save and overtaking an average of 4.22 players per long pass, according to the official match report.</p>
<p id="bWsU3k">One of these days, I hope we have more to write about him, but he's been steady, self-assured, and up to the task all season long. </p>
<h1 id="qXzYwU">The Sinners</h1>
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<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wa0h8n5rlDHvFaRpms-XZJxD6oE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23173222/1364997160.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="5s0bi6">Nicolo Zaniolo</h3>
<p id="gQZHSO">In the grand scheme of things, last night's performance wasn't terribly troubling; we have to remember just how much time this kid missed and what he's attempting to overcome while playing for an incredibly demanding manager. Having said all that, The Kid wasn't great last night, losing possession 14 times in 48 touches while misfiring on his only genuine attempt at goal. </p>
<p id="h8WDfI">As Mourinho mentioned in his post-match presser, despite doing all the little things well last night, his lack of confidence in front of goal was on full display last night. </p>
<p id="so0Xhu">Given how well Roma played (minus their lack of finishing), we'll stow away the pitchforks now and head straight to our post-match purgatory...</p>
<h1 id="IkuJpN">Stuck In Between</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wvQ0K_JVFzaid_OpFuQV1U5ea98=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23173225/1364990220.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="fdNBHd">The following players did a bit of good and made a few missteps but were otherwise passable.</p>
<ul>
<li id="YKbU9b">
<strong>Tammy Abraham</strong>: The lanky number nine fired three shots on goal, but only one struck its intended target, while his dribbling (1-5) left a bit to be desired. However, in testament to how finicky this sport can be, if his first-half header had just a bit more juice on it, and if Felix could have converted the lovely long ball Abraham played, he walks away a hero with one goal and an assist.</li>
<li id="C9offy">
<strong>Gianluca Mancini</strong>: A few rash challenges, including one that sent Joao Pedro careening into the ad boards, but he completed 80% of his passes and managed two clearances, one tackle, and one interception</li>
<li id="YDekHV">
<strong>Ainsley Maitland-Niles</strong>: Roma's new utility man completed 74% of his passes, won two of three ground duels, and chipped in one key pass. We'll have to wait and see where he fits in once Rick Karsdorp is back in the starting lineup, but he's already starting to show his value in his first handful of matches with Roma.</li>
<li id="vapKqN">
<strong>Felix Afena-Gyan:</strong> Whatever criticism you want to throw his way, just keep in mind that, for an 18-year-old, it's remarkable that he's even earned Mourinho's trust. The stats weren't kind to Felix last night, but the extent to which he's already commanding attention from opposing defenses is astounding. </li>
<li id="hlu9rQ">
<strong>Eldor Shomurodov:</strong> He made the most of his brief cameo, firing one shot on goal and chipping in one key pass, but 15-minute spot appearances aren't exactly what Roma envisioned when they dropped €17 million on him last summer.</li>
<li id="d4Uay7">
<strong>Rick Karsdorp: </strong>Took four touches in only 11 minutes.</li>
<li id="PizGGE">
<strong>Edoardo Bove:</strong> Only one minute of action, but his hair was fucking flawless, per usual. </li>
<li id="evVTdB">
<strong>Dimitrios Keramtsis:</strong> Did you know he existed before last night? </li>
</ul>
<p id="tAPflp">Until next time...</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/17/22887000/roma-cagliari-player-ratingsbren2022-01-16T22:30:00+01:002022-01-16T22:30:00+01:00Roma 1, Cagliari 0: Match Highlights
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R7dBLOfj0WOswFxtsh_aqafy7S4=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70397400/1364992658.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A Sergio Oliveira spot-kick ends up being the difference for Roma on the evening.</p> <p id="3jqYtX">Three straight winless games for <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> following their massive victory over Atalanta mid-December meant that their showdown with Cagliari on Sunday was an absolute must-win, lest they risk entirely falling out of the race for <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> football. It’s pretty safe to say, the panic button would certainly have been hit had Roma failed to win this match. But win they did, with the Giallorossi overcoming a stubborn Cagliari side to stay within six points of Atalanta in fourth, who have two games in hand.</p>
<aside id="IwuDXk"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Roma 1, Cagliari 0: Sérgio Oliveira PK Seals the Deal for Giallorossi","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/16/22886708/roma-1-cagliari-0-match-recap"}]}'></div></aside><p id="LMZxki">Sérgio Oliveira was the difference in this one, both winning <em>and </em>converting the penalty that gave Roma the lone goal in the match. While not Roma’s best match by any means, getting the result was all that mattered here, particularly after the devastating collapse against <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a>. Going forward, Roma may soon come to regret their inability to convert their chances, but for now, the Giallorossi are able to put their winless run behind them and enjoy a much-needed three points. </p>
<p id="MQ4Dvf">In case you missed any of the actions, enjoy the highlights below. If you want a deeper look, here is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWoGbobw7LE"><strong>extended highlight package</strong></a>.</p>
<div id="6YgGYW"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RSYLLeDF1sQ?rel=0&list=PLFTjYT0jsEKwfMXStyetJdvaOSH2hUOD3" 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="mQ5AzI"></p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/16/22886898/roma-1-cagliari-0-match-highlightsBSanti2022-01-16T20:18:42+01:002022-01-16T20:18:42+01:00Roma 1, Cagliari 0: Sérgio Oliveira PK Seals the Deal for Giallorossi
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qbHmOSelq11ipveNMbKs_--QBHk=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70397085/1364992643.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A stunning debut for Roma's new midfielder, who was cool, calm and collected all evening, particularly from the penalty spot, where he delivered the win for the Giallorossi. </p> <p id="A3qRhO">After watching their 3-1 lead over <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> disappear in a six-minute span last weekend, José Mourinho and Roma didn't need to just defeat Cagliari today, they needed to beat them <em>convincingly</em>; we're talking a blowout of epic proportions, the kind that makes you think Caligari owed Mourinho money or maybe made disparaging remarks about his family in the tunnel pre-match. That's much easier said than done, of course, but <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma's</a> quest for a resounding victory was dealt a swift blow before the opening whistle even blew, as Lorenzo Pellegrini was forced out of the lineup due to a last-minute injury.</p>
<p id="SpuUOw">Certainly an inauspicious start for a club chasing its first win since mid-December, but without his captain, Mourinho was forced to reinsert Jordan Veretout into the lineup, alongside new signing Sergio Oliveira in Roma's midfield; not the worst circumstances we've ever endured, but we know all too well what happens when Roma's creative sparkplug is pulled from the lineup.</p>
<p id="JqXkuf">With Pellegrini absent, Nicolo Zaniolo seized the early initiative today, barrelling into the box in the opening moments. And with Andrea Carboni hot on his heels, the Cagliari defender appeared to upend Zaniolo, leading to an early penalty appeal from the Giallorossi. While there appeared to be clear contact between the two Italians, VAR ultimately saw nothing dodgy about this sequence, and Cagliari manager Walter Mazzarri's claims of <em>“la palla, la palla”</em> (the ball, the ball) were proven correct. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FBL-ITA-SERIEA-ROMA-CAGLIARI" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PL_yqNQ3uk1vVkxYS4qPfdZS_Qs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23172869/1237768698.jpg">
<cite>Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="wzYZm4">Undaunted, Roma continued their early assault in the sixth minute when Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Tammy Abraham, and Felix Afena-Gyan started an odd-man rush in midfield. With a numerical advantage, a Roma goal seemed like a formality but after receiving the ball on the left, Felix opted for his own shot—a tight angled effort at the near post—rather than squaring the ball back to either Mkhitaryan or Abraham. While the end product was lacking, this simple passage of play provided a glimpse into the mind of Mourinho: Roma were going to break/counter at a moment's notice, flexing the combined speed and passing of Mkhitaryan and Felix to subdue the Cagliari defense. </p>
<p id="qOV6i4">The match paused for another VAR appeal in the 12th minute when Ainsley Maitland-Niles appeared to touch the ball with his hand while making a diving stop. Once again VAR saw nothing untoward but Cagliari had a golden chance to draw first blood with a free kick deep in Roma territory. Fortunately, Pavoletti's effort sailed wide of the mark, sparing Roma for the moment. </p>
<p id="wKq56X">The Giallorossi would continue to hunt for an early goal when Maitland-Niles flashed his athleticism, blazing past the defense down the right flank thanks to a clever stall-and-go move, before firing a cross to Tammy Abraham in the middle of the box. With Cragno tracking the flight to the ball, Abraham wisely decided to flick his header in the opposite direction, catching Cragno off-guard, but he just couldn't get enough of his head on the ball to power it past the Cagliari keeper. </p>
<p id="MPlBn7">The match would hit a lull after twenty minutes or so, but fortune finally smiled on Roma once the match crept past the half-hour mark. With Mkhitaryan leading another fast break through the heart of the Cagliari defense, the Armenian maestro laid the ball off to Sérgio Oliveira at the right edge of the box. With the defense quickly collapsing on him, Sérgio had no choice but to fire a one-timed effort at Cragno, only to see his shot blocked by Dalbert. </p>
<h3 id="wxkW9K">Sérgio Oliveira: 33rd Minute (Roma 1, Cagliari 0)</h3>
<div id="0GtGEk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="pt" dir="ltr">A debut goal for Sérgio Oliveira <a href="https://t.co/SIe0Kd2o35">pic.twitter.com/SIe0Kd2o35</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1482769747905155072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2022</a>
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<p id="R1lwP9">In real-time, it looked like a clever play from Dalbert, but upon further review, VAR found that Dalbert actually blocked the shot with his hand, and after a quick check, Roma were awarded a penalty, which Oliveira converted with ease, beating Cragno to his left.</p>
<p id="NXgsEX">Given how quickly Roma were marching up the pitch, it's a shame they couldn't score in the run of play, but this was a clear and obvious penalty and Oliveira converted it without batting an eye, so you won't catch us complaining. </p>
<p id="9nRnNa">Roma's impressive transition play continued down the stretch, this time with young Felix darting down the left flank before cutting into the middle. With Felix pulling the defense off its moorings, Zaniolo seemingly had time and space to make some noise on the right, but he couldn't manage to corral Felix's pass, giving the defense that extra split second to reorganize and snuff out the chance.</p>
<p id="orMszT">The referee tacked on three minutes of stoppage time, but neither side managed to make hay in those 180 bonus seconds, setting the stage for a potentially anxiety-inducing second half.</p>
<h1 id="ytxLfP">Second Half</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8pJK4W8BuBM6aLJNCgCvxmt5rQA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23173000/1364997160.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="KHJ4Rk">With a one-nil lead to protect and the visions of last week's disaster fresh in his mind, Mourinho opted for no changes to start the new half, both in personnel and approach. Almost immediately, Roma went right back to the well: springing Felix down the flanks on a fast break. With the young Ghanian outracing the defense, the Giallorossi once again had Cagliari's defense off-kilter, but the final product was (once again) lacking, as Felix's long-range shot petered out on the grass before settling into Cragno's arms. </p>
<p id="J9uAFy">Felix would have another pop at goal moments later after taking the feed from Zaniolo, but his tight-angled effort was thwarted once more by Cragno. Mkhitaryan would have his number called next, receiving the ball from Zaniolo at the edge of the box, but his long-distance shot sailed wide and to the left. </p>
<p id="ycOU53">It was Felix time <em>again </em>in the 58th minute (are you sensing a theme here?) when the young winger was sprung into space via a <em>lovely </em>long ball from Tammy Abraham. With no one between him and the keeper, Felix was likely salivating at the thought of tucking one home, but Cragno came off his line in a shot, denying Felix a would-be goal. But once again, this was a dramatic signal of intent from Roma, who bypassed Cagliari's defense completely in this instance, lapping the field thanks to Abraham's picture-perfect ball over the top.</p>
<p id="jUc8lt">Whether they were relying on long passes over the top or biding their time waiting to pounce on the counter, Roma were running roughshod over Cagliari, particularly in transition play where Felix's speed proved a vital asset for Mourinho's men. </p>
<p id="y9v19W">Despite not scoring in the run of play, Roma were having their way with the Cagliari defense and produced two golden chances just shy of the 70-minute mark: a Jordan Veretout one-timed effort that nearly squeezed past Cragno at the right post, while Tammy Abraham was played into space by Oliveira only to see Cragno once again spring off his line to pluck the ball off a Roma striker's toes. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma v FC Juventus - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KLaU2v89V6T_uWVXmVP6GkPIvDE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23173006/1237642421.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="tQZUfv">Zaniolo crafted another chance in the 74th minute, charging into the box down the right flank before firing a low effort towards the opposite post. While it was properly weighed and measured, Zaniolo's effort <em>barely </em>miss the mark, rolling harmlessly past the post, sparing Cagliari for the moment. </p>
<p id="5rmDqm">Sensing the impending danger, Mourinho made an attacking switch, bringing on Eldor Shomurodov in place of Felix Afena-Gyan, who put in another solid shift despite not being able to crack the Cragno code. Shomurodov, ironically, was immediately denied by Cragno in much the same way: a soft and low effort meant to tease Cragno out of position, only to trickle harmlessly into his gloves. </p>
<p id="Fl23ns">With the match careening towards its finish, Roma killer Joao Pedro nearly drew the visitor's level in the 85th minute when he pulled Rui Patricio into the thick of the action, with the Roma keeper redirecting Pedro's shot with the tips of his fingers, though it hit the crossbar and nearly fell back into the box. Roma definitely dodged a bullet there, but kudos to Patricio for reacting as quickly as he did, particularly since Cagliari's attack had been dormant to this point of the match. </p>
<p id="surTW7">After the referee tacked on five minutes of stoppage time, Roma opted to play out the string with a series of sideways, time-wasting passes, rather than put the game to bed. Despite those stalling tactics, Cagliari created something out of nothing down the stretch when Nahitan Nandez found space down the right flank. With the slightest of space in the box, Nandez nearly made the most of it but his final touch (a chested ball) let him down and Patricio pounced on the loose ball, denying Cagliari a late equalizer.</p>
<p id="iE7Ilh">And that was all she wrote. Mourinho emptied the bench in the 95th minute, bringing on Edoardo Bove for Veretout and giving a club debut to Dimitros Keramitsis, who replaced Maitland-Niles to close out the game.</p>
<h1 id="oGjKut">Final Thoughts</h1>
<p id="fCMvpe">This was the ultimate <em>a win is a win</em> match. Despite moving and passing circles around the Cagliari defense, and despite putting nearly 50% of their shots on target, Roma were continually frustrated by Alessio Cragno, whose poise and athleticism were on full display this evening at the Stadio Olimpico. Controlling the bulk of possession and flexing their athletic advantage all evening, Roma had the looks of a finely tuned machine, but the end product seldom matched the effort required to create those chances in the first place.</p>
<p id="jsLySe">Of course, the flip side to that script saw an impressive defensive effort that limited Cagliari to only three on-target attempts, while the Gianluca Mancini and Max Kumbulla pairing did extraordinarily well to effectively remove Joao Pedro from the game, limiting him to only one on-target attempt, which came in dying moments of the match.</p>
<p id="QS4U5V">But thanks to new signing Sérgio Oliveira's poised penalty, Roma walked away winners for the first time since their mid-December upset over Atalanta.</p>
<h1 id="h4vKGW">Up Next</h1>
<p id="tSs0qU">Roma host Lecce in the Coppa Italia on Thursday before traveling to Empoli next Sunday.</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/16/22886708/roma-1-cagliari-0-match-recapbren2022-01-16T17:25:32+01:002022-01-16T17:25:32+01:00Roma vs. Cagliari: Lineups & Game Thread
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<img alt="AS Roma Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U4oPnQCSlNbrY-0xJurdkbnK6Jw=/0x0:1974x1316/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70396645/1364802586.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Serie A, Round 22</p> <p id="dY3QKH">After seeing their 3-1 lead over <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> disappear in a matter of minutes, quickly reversing to a 4-3 defeat, <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> should have spent the past week licking their wounds and crying woe is me. However, rather than ruing that embarrassing defeat, José Mourinho and Tiago Pinto got to work immediately, sewing up former Porto midfielder Sergio Oliveira on a six-month loan with an option to buy. Taken together with their previous capture of Arsenal utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Roma’s Portuguese brain trust has focused on smoothing out the rough edges rather than dwelling on what's gone wrong in 2022.</p>
<p id="EYSebt">The Serie A schedule makers, in their infinite asynchronous wisdom, have gifted the Giallorossi with an eminently winnable match: a home fixture against 18th place Cagliari. While the Islanders are riding a two-match winning streak, they've been among the worst teams in Italy this season, if not the whole of Europe itself. </p>
<aside id="aT0NH1"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Roma Look To Pull Out of Their Tailspin With a Win Against Cagliari","url":"https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/15/22885042/roma-cagliari-match-preview"}]}'></div></aside><p id="CX97ME">With only three wins on the season and a -21 goal differential, Cagliari has struggled mightily this season and shouldn't give Roma, even in this depleted state, much trouble—we hope.</p>
<p id="ZtcCoH">The lineups are in, so let's see if Roma can put last weekend's ghosts behind them.</p>
<h1 id="9QhI5k">Lineups</h1>
<h3 id="wBnnGw">Roma</h3>
<div id="oKmI0a">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="it" dir="ltr"> Sergio Oliveira dal primo minuto! <br><br> Ecco la formazione scelta da José Mourinho per <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RomaCagliari?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RomaCagliari</a> <br><br>DAJE ROMA! <a href="https://t.co/1p7JmQ8wjT">pic.twitter.com/1p7JmQ8wjT</a></p>— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma/status/1482744478821715969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2022</a>
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<h3 id="MdsSfA">Cagliari</h3>
<div id="6HHaZs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="it" dir="ltr"> Gastón titolare <br>✅ Goldaniga all'esordio<br> Dalbert dal primo minuto <br><br>Ecco la formazione rossoblù <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RomaCagliari?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RomaCagliari</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forzaCasteddu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forzaCasteddu</a> <a href="https://t.co/JmpLB1YKlA">pic.twitter.com/JmpLB1YKlA</a></p>— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) <a href="https://twitter.com/CagliariCalcio/status/1482745172630949889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2022</a>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/16/22886527/roma-vs-cagliari-lineups-game-threadbren2022-01-16T00:26:16+01:002022-01-16T00:26:16+01:00Probable Formations: Roma vs Cagliari
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZuSARWaSYyt7hYRXDraYUYq5lC8=/0x0:2188x1459/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70395115/1364802530.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With a large number of absences, we could see another Giallorossi debut from the opening whistle. </p> <p id="a95wuu"><a href="https://www.asroma.com/en/news/2022/1/mourinho-the-new-arrivals-give-us-more-options-and-better-balance">Jose Mourinho heaped plenty of praise on his newest signing, Sergio Oliveira, in his pre-match press conference. </a>And the Portuguese veteran may have arrived just in the nick of time considering the Giallorossi’s recent results and the large number of potential absences for Sunday’s match at the Olimpico. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="mdXd3X">“In terms of your first question, let me just say that I never thought it would be possible to get a player like Sergio on loan. His was not a name I had brought up, because I know what are parameters are for the January<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors"> transfer window</a> and I know what Sergio is worth and, given he was with Porto who are fighting for the league and the Europa League, I did not think it would be possible. So when Tiago Pinto told me that the deal was possible, obviously I immediately said yes. But not just because he is, as you like to say in Italy, a ‘regista’ or because he is a central midfielder that could improve a lot of teams from an organisational standpoint. That’s not what Sergio is.</p>
<p id="FuYlrg">“Sergio is a different sort of player, he’s a player with the sort of character and know-how that we need. He’s come through the ranks at a club where I know the mentality really, really well and I immediately felt that with that character and the way he is out on the pitch he could be a valuable player for us.</p>
<p id="ATddQz">“Beyond that, he is a multi-functional player – he can arrive late into the box, he can shoot from distance, he’s got plenty of experience and he will improve our squad. With the transfer approach we have, we are trying to improve the group step-by-step and improve the amount of options we have. That’s why I think the window has been positive for us: we’ve picked up two players early on, considering the window closes on January 31, and that means Tiago Pinto deserves credit. We’ve picked up two players who really improve our options.</p>
<p id="Cp8PcK">“For seven months we’ve been playing with just one right-back. Whenever Rick Karsdorp had an issue it was a big problem for us. Now, with Maitland-Niles, if Karsdorp isn’t available like he wasn’t against<a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com"> Juventus</a> then it isn’t an issue for us. Maitland-Niles can also play left-back, he can also help out in a midfield three. Sergio, meanwhile, in every formation can play every midfield position – he’s not a regista, who can sit in front of the defence, but everything else he can do. So given the limits we are working within it’s great to improve our options a little bit.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="B77A04">Oliveira should be thrust right into the starting eleven due to the suspension of Bryan Cristante for yellow card accumulation. In addition to Cristante, Roger Ibañez is also suspended for the match. The suspensions aren’t the only issue that could force changes to<a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com"> Rom</a>a’s line either.</p>
<p id="GfgljW">Mourinho could have a few key absences in other positions as well. He wouldn’t confirm the status of Rick Karsdorp, Chris Smalling, or Stephan El Shaarawy, but initial indications as to their availability seem bleak. </p>
<blockquote><p id="6T3Hah">“You already know the players that are suspended. Beyond that we will have to see when it comes to Stephan El Shaarawy, Chris Smalling and Rick Karsdorp – they haven’t trained with the team this week, so we will see what happens today.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="LrJNRG">Due to the potential absences of Smalling, Ibañez, and Cristante, a move to a back four seems likely. Gianluca Mancini and Max Kumbulla would center the defense with Ainsley Maitland-Niles getting a second consecutive start. </p>
<p id="jybJSo">We expect Roma to line up as follows:</p>
<p id="5AMoZV"><strong>ROMA (4-2-3-1):</strong> Patricio; Vina, Kumbulla, Mancini, Maitland-Niles; Veretout, Sergio; Mkhitaryan, Pellegrini, Zaniolo; Abraham.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/16/22885647/probable-formations-roma-vs-cagliarissciavillo2022-01-15T15:53:51+01:002022-01-15T15:53:51+01:00Roma Look To Pull Out of Their Tailspin With a Win Against Cagliari
<figure>
<img alt="AS Roma Unveil New Signing Sergio Oliveira" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/An6ixUvF8g5ZKFnX_HNAkzjFW0E=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70393825/1364275007.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After two losses in a row, Roma have to hope that their reinforcements will provide the turnaround necessary to save the season.</p> <p id="zjmqUk">January hasn’t been kind to Romanisti so far. While many entered the new year with optimism about where the Giallorossi could go with the right squad adjustments, losses to both <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> and A.C. Milan (for <em>very </em>different reasons, to be fair) have made the mood quite dour around the Romaverse. The signings of <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/12/22880864/sergio-oliveira-roma-loan-porto-mourinho">Sergio Oliveira</a> and <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/as-roma-transfer-news-rumors/2022/1/10/22874809/getting-to-know-ainsley-maitland-niles-with-the-short-fuse">Ainsley Maitland-Niles</a> look to be a step in the right direction, as do the club’s <em>adieus</em> to both <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/12/22879113/gonzalo-villar-borja-mayoral-roma-getafe-loan">Gonzalo Villar and Borja Mayoral.</a> Beyond a night-move signing of a star defensive midfielder like Boubacar Kamara, though, the best thing that Roma could do to turn some frowns upside down would be getting a big win tomorrow as they host Cagliari.</p>
<p id="OVXwYE">Unfortunately, even with their new signings on board, Roma won’t be heading into this match at full strength. Chris Smalling, Roger Ibañez, and Bryan Cristante will all be out due to suspension, and Rick Karsdorp appears to be out as well. That means that <em>I Lupi</em> will be working with a defense that is far from first-choice, with new boy Maitland-Niles likely paired up with Max Kumbulla, Gianluca Mancini, and Matias Viña. Cristante’s suspension will similarly throw Sergio Oliveira right into the fire of the Giallorossi starting eleven, so it’s safe to say that although this match won’t be as difficult as either of Roma’s two previous outings, the sheer lack of depth available could pose some problems over the course of ninety minutes.</p>
<p id="mXwPCn">Cagliari aren’t in great shape either as we reach the halfway point of the winter mercato. Prior to the winter break, DS Leonardo Capozucca announced that some players had “played their last match in a Cagliari jersey. Some don’t have respect for anyone,” and sure enough, players like Uruguayan international Diego Godin have already left the club for greener pastures (specifically Brazilian ones, as he moves on to Atletico Mineiro). </p>
<p id="6HFzvf">With injuries sidelining three key starters (including our former midfield hero Kevin Strootman) and with Nahitan Nández only testing negative for COVID-19 earlier this week, neither side will be entering this match at full strength. The good news for the Giallorossi is that even a weakened Roma side should be able to beat a weakened Cagliari, at least on paper. Unfortunately, we all know how much “good on paper” has meant for Mourinho’s men to date, so I fully expect to be on pins and needles throughout the full ninety.</p>
<h1 id="HQD8YW">Last Match</h1>
<h3 id="1RaiaT">October 27, 2021: Cagliari 1, Roma 2</h3>
<div id="yfyMXB"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ih0AILT8SPM?rel=0&list=PLFTjYT0jsEKwfMXStyetJdvaOSH2hUOD3" 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="uNMrwe">Ah, October. Back when the leaves were on the trees, Omicron was a figment of our collective nightmares, and the Giallorossi were looking solid to start the season. Although Roma’s unbeaten start to the season was over by the time <em>I Lupi</em> traveled to Sardinia, they still managed to get the three points against Walter Mazzarri’s men in a come-from-behind victory. </p>
<p id="BlCEPc">The difference-maker here was Lorenzo Pellegrini, as it usually was at the start of this season. <em>Capitano’s</em> free-kick goal in the 78th minute finished a comeback started only seven minutes prior by a Roger Ibañez free-kick, more than making up for a dull first half with no goals and little of interest on the pitch.</p>
<h1 id="OqSFyD">What To Watch For</h1>
<h3 id="sH278g">Will The Sergio Oliveira Effect Save Roma’s Skin?</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma Unveil New Signing Sergio Oliveira" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6xy21IGdiKck6RfqYMBHcyt2utg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23170876/1364275042.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="v1KGU0">Sergio Oliveira certainly entered the Giallorossi world with flare, as you can see from his announcement photo above. The midfielder certainly seems quite excited to start his new chapter in Rome, telling the press that “Roma has great players, players with personality, and I feel like another one of those – with the task of helping us to improve and to reach the targets we have.” I doubt that even Oliveira anticipated that he would be starting his new gig in Rome as a midfield starter alongside Jordan Veretout, however; the confluence of suspensions that have piled up practically guarantees that the Portuguese international will be on the field from minute one against Cagliari.</p>
<p id="5PGNII">Bren already wrote a <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/12/22880864/sergio-oliveira-roma-loan-porto-mourinho">great introductory article</a> on Oliveira’s signing, so be sure to head over there when you have a moment. I’ll just add that although Oliveira is definitely <em>not</em> the defensive midfielder Roma has been searching for since José Mourinho was hired, he <em>does</em> have more defensive ability than most of our other midfielders who see the pitch with any regularity. If I was a betting man, I’d suggest that Oliveira might be insurance for an eventual Jordan Veretout sale more than anything else, but until that big-money offer from <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com">Newcastle</a> comes, it’ll be interesting to see how well he pairs with the Frenchman and Bryan Cristante. If Oliveira is able to provide more defensive ability on the pitch than either of his midfield compatriots, it might be just what Roma needs to get out of this disappointing stretch of losses.</p>
<h3 id="oqH2Oo">Can This Match Be Zaniolo’s “Turning Point?”</h3>
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<img alt="AC Milan v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IjAtkts7ltDdGJ9qIjEe8-opeaE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23170877/1363303711.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="71oPgw">Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: <a href="https://www.pagineromaniste.com/riecco-zaniolo-sente-il-cagliari-come-la-svolta/">according to rumors</a>, Nicolò Zaniolo is very tired of how long it’s taking him to get back to his pre-ACL tears greatness, and he’s targeting this next match (yes, this next one!) as a chance for him to truly announce his return to the world. What, you’ve heard that before? Practically every week? Oh. Well, even still, I’m going to argue right now that out of all of Roma’s matches in January, this is without a doubt Zaniolo’s best chance to turn things around.</p>
<p id="IY9Pg5">On the most basic of levels, relegation-battling Cagliari are not Juventus and Milan. They may try to play a far more defensive game than either of those clubs <em>because</em> they have less talented players, and that can certainly cause problems for a player like Zaniolo who thrives on open space. Despite that, playing Cagliari means that at the very least, when Zaniolo slaloms forward with the ball he won’t be shooting the ball towards a Mike Maignan or a Wojciech Szczęsny. Instead, it will be Alessio Cragno, a good goalkeeper on his day but not one who gives attackers nightmares. That enough should be encouraging for all the Nicolò fans out there, but beyond that, there’s also the idea that everyone in Roma’s camp knows just how badly the Giallorossi need a win tomorrow. </p>
<p id="krlcOW">Prior to his ACL tears, one of Zaniolo’s defining traits as a player was his ability to perform in high-stakes matches, to be a difference-maker when it <em>counted</em>. His first match was a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> game against <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a>, for Totti’s sake, and although this match is clearly not as much of a showstopper as that one, the pressure of expectations for the club right now <em>does</em> feel similar.</p>
<p id="CNpYBX">The ability to shine in difficult situations isn’t something you learn on the training ground, and it isn’t something that disappears after an injury. Despite his frustrating form this season, I have faith that Zaniolo has that ability still. Even one goal from The Kid tomorrow would do a lot to repay that faith.</p>
<h1 id="FNjVF1">Match Details</h1>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2022/1/15/22885042/roma-cagliari-match-previewJimmy Miotto