Chiesa Di Totti - Serie A 2022-2023, Matchday 28: Roma vs. SampdoriaCautiously Optimistic Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48469/totti-fave.png2023-04-04T15:50:55+02:00http://www.chiesaditotti.com/rss/stream/234299472023-04-04T15:50:55+02:002023-04-04T15:50:55+02:00Across the Romaverse #125: Roma Runs Past Sampdoria
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<img alt="AS Roma v UC Sampdoria - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/trLlWiQKwCQpTuPcazhULNjVM8g=/0x0:3543x2362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72145990/1479352988.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Massimo Insabato ATPImages/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Giallorossi were down three regular starters to suspension, but it made little difference against relegation-bound Sampdoria as Roma walked away 3-0 winners. </p> <p id="8PaQuB">We’re back after the international break hiatus. And thanks to a solid all-around performance from Mourinho’s men, we get to talk about an important <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> victory. It’s a win that gets the Giallorossi back on the right path after a rough few weeks to end March. Plus, it puts the team just <em>a bit</em> closer to the top four after Inter dropped three more points. </p>
<p id="7lNHRO">The starting eleven and formation looked a little different this Sunday, thanks to the suspensions of Mancini, Ibañez, and Cristante. Yet, that made little difference, thanks to some solid individual performances and a Samp red card. </p>
<p id="qIiPcc">In this episode, we discuss:</p>
<ul>
<li id="yPMNjH">The shift to a 4-2-3-1</li>
<li id="4b4tLS">Zalewski over Celik at RB</li>
<li id="IgC8SR">Abraham disappoints again</li>
<li id="MEPi33">Wijnaldum's goal and performance</li>
<li id="LMsASY">El Shaarawy’s role and future</li>
<li id="gRLSco">and much more</li>
</ul>
<p id="iHMMv9">Thanks for listening, and catch us next after Roma faces Torino.</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2023/4/4/23669047/across-the-romaverse-125-roma-runs-past-sampdoriassciavillo2023-04-03T15:08:55+02:002023-04-03T15:08:55+02:00Three Things We Noticed in Roma’s 3-0 Win Over Sampdoria
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<img alt="AS Roma v UC Sampdoria - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uyvSWum_-HEWHMYGfxNjSyFyp2o=/0x0:3542x2361/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72142325/1250531815.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Giallorossi finally returned to action following the international break, and we’re back to discuss three things we noticed in Roma’s 3-0 win over Sampdoria.</p> <p id="ZEKpz6">Now that’s more like it. Following a demoralizing loss to Lazio in the derby and an agonizingly long wait for the international break to end before a return to action, <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> comes out against Sampdoria and cruises to a 3-0 win following goals by Gini Wijnaldum, Paulo Dybala, and Stephan El Shaarawy.</p>
<p id="bcE3MV">Sampdoria went down a man very early into the second half, so that always makes the task easier, but the result sees Roma go level on points with Inter in third place at the time of writing and back into a much coveted <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> spot. {Editor's note: Roma is now officially in 5th place} </p>
<p id="1mfauO">It’s a fantastic result to set the tone for the remaining ten league fixtures, and now let’s take a look at three things I noticed from Roma’s win over Sampdoria. </p>
<h2 id="SsBzbt">#1: Georginio Wijnaldum Delivers</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v UC Sampdoria - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nxehqelAFCDQ2TVOZKFmuRvIebI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24555421/1479128477.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="DNoAGF">An unfortunate leg injury derailed the start of Gini Wijnaldum’s Roma career, but now that the Dutchman is healthy again and finally getting matches under his belt, we’re starting to get a glimpse of the talent the former <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> star has at his disposal.</p>
<p id="bOFsnY">Wijnaldum hit the post in what was the first-half’s best chance, scored the opener, and won the penalty that allowed Dybala to double Roma’s advantage from the spot. It remains to be seen whether the Giallorossi will extend Gini’s stay in the Italian capital, but with performances like these, it’d be a no-brainer for Roma.</p>
<h2 id="Ox7onm">#2: The Red Card Plays a Starring Role Once Again</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v UC Sampdoria - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZTCw_qAtzhB97HtUYTsppzEk6OY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24555423/1479128515.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="yT3oiP">Roma played poorly against Lazio, but a first-half red card for Roger Ibañez was always going to represent the turning point in the match, forcing Roma to play over an hour down a man. And, of course, in the match before against Sassuolo, the Giallorossi’s comeback bid was derailed by yet another red card, this time with Marash Kumbulla being the party responsible. </p>
<p id="FM4CUQ">So as fate would have it, the red card would play a starring role in Roma’s match against Sampdoria as well, although the Giallorossi were the beneficiaries this time around. Sure, you could argue Roma would be the likely winners regardless, but I think the lesson here is the importance of maintaining discipline; that issue has now determined Roma’s last three Serie A results.</p>
<h2 id="Tbr9Up">#3: Roma have....depth?</h2>
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<img alt="AS Roma v UC Sampdoria - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YwS_lajkZpBHa-aGP9MG0wX3scs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24555426/1479135373.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="wAwBzR">With the knowledge that both Ibañez and Gianluca Mancini would be out for the match against Sampdoria, you’d be forgiven for worrying whether the defense would be able to hold, even against a side at the bottom of the table.</p>
<p id="vxxxkA">Not only did they hold and keep a clean sheet, but new arrival Diego Llorente had himself a game, nearly getting on the scoresheet and drawing praise from Mourinho in his post-match comments. In addition, usual super-sub SES played the full-90 this time around, killing the game off with a gorgeous shot that was assisted by substitute Ola Solbakken. The man only scores beautiful goals.</p>
<p id="B3GGWK">Don’t look now, but Roma’s rotational players are starting to provide key contributions at the perfect time.</p>
<p id="DdbuNd">Well, that’s all from me. Roma returns to action next Saturday on the road against Torino. A crucial Europa League fixture against Feyenoord follows that in midweek, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed that the Giallorossi don’t overlook a league fixture that could easily morph into a trap game.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2023/4/3/23667065/three-things-we-noticed-in-romas-3-0-win-over-sampdoriaBSanti2023-04-02T20:59:08+02:002023-04-02T20:59:08+02:00Roma 3, Sampdoria 0: Match Highlights
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<img alt="AS Roma v UC Sampdoria - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xuc-lbyQpIsjRvmrh8Q_4pAf3T8=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72140525/1479126291.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Roma take care of business at home against Sampdoria to climb back into the top-four.</p> <p id="imafqs">Not a bad way to come out of an international break, right? <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> put three past 10-man Sampdoria, with Gini Wijnaldum, Paulo Dybala, and Stephan El Shaarawy all getting their names on the scoresheet. The result sees Roma provisionally climb back into the top-four pending Milan’s result against Napoli. I won’t jinx that one here, but Roma absolutely set the tone for their last 10 league fixtures with this result.</p>
<p id="I4TWnH">The first half saw Roma control possession but unable to get past a stubborn Sampdoria side, no surprise given their fight to overtake Spezia and climb out of the relegation spots. One of Roma’s earliest opportunities came in the form of a Diego Llorente header that forced a fine save from Ravaglia, Roma once again showcasing their ability to threaten with the header.</p>
<p id="j4i3k8">The best chance of the first half saw Gini Wijnaldum in-behind and one on one with the keeper, however his chip attempt hit the woodwork and Roma were forced to continue their push for the opener. A Zalewski shot from distance tested Ravaglia once again, but the half ended with the scores level and Roma with plenty of work to do.</p>
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<img alt="AS Roma v UC Sampdoria - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e_rl7KQU5cX3TfFrBrauRfC42J8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24555250/1479128668.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="y69YYG">If you were worried about a prolonged struggle to breakdown Sampdoria in the second half, the football gods favored you, as just seven minutes into the second half, Jeison Murillo lunged for the ball, instead clipping Tammy Abraham and earning himself a second yellow and a subsequent red card.</p>
<p id="nYYhQ8">And just five minutes later the Giallorossi quickly capitalized on their man-advantage, pushing forward into Sapmdoria’s box, where Leonardo Spinazzola laid it off to Nemanja Matic, who crossed the ball right to Gini Wijnaldum, the midfielder making no mistake with his header, burying the ball in the back of the net for his second league goal with Roma and the all-important opener.</p>
<p id="U6lbMs">Roma continued to push for a second for the remainder of the second half, however 10-man Sampdoria were able to hold firm, and even began to push forward and began to threaten themselves on occasion as we approached full-time.</p>
<p id="tkZw0O">A couple minutes from full-time saw Roma once again at the top of Sampdoria’s box, having broken a spell of pressure from the opposition. A succession of passes culminated in Matic once again finding Wijnaldum in the box, however the Dutchman was clipped from behind by a Sampdoria defender and the referee automatically pointed to the spot.</p>
<p id="E01oGe">Of course, as we’ve seen so often this season, Dybala stepped up to the spot and once again made no mistake, waiting till the last possible second and passing it into the back of the net once the keeper made his move.</p>
<p id="079rMx">With five minutes of extra-time awarded, Roma continued to push forward in possession, aiming to leave no doubt about the result. And with a minute to spare, Ola Solbakken found Stephan El Shaarawy in space, and as <em>Il Faraone</em> so often does, hit it first time and curled the ball beautifully into the back of the net to kill off the game.</p>
<p id="gfY1Xb">In case you missed any of the action, enjoy the highlights below. The official league highlights are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmUaSl-Kgrc"><strong>available here</strong></a>.</p>
<div id="EMkLC6"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/02R7LgaStqc?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; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2023/4/2/23667064/roma-3-sampdoria-0-match-highlightsBSanti2023-04-02T17:07:22+02:002023-04-02T17:07:22+02:00A.S. Roma vs. U.C. Sampdoria: Lineups & Match Thread
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<img alt="AS Roma v Atalanta BC - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gqaZCSheMqhftEhGoLBshuRg3RU=/1x0:4093x2728/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72140014/1380556068.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Serie A 2022-2023, Giornata XXVIII</p> <p id="1FlR1g">The Giallorossi have once again been handed a golden opportunity on a silver platter (clever, huh). Inter’s loss to <a href="https://www.violanation.com">Fiorentina</a> yesterday combined with <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a>’s evening match against league leaders Napoli has left <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> with a simple mission: win against Sampdoria and keep the pressure on in the hunt for top four football. While Roma are down a good number of players, there’s no doubt that this side has the quality to defeat Samp; the real question is will their quality see them through.</p>
<p id="gRge7L">Today’s match is also a chance for players like Tammy Abraham and Nicola Zalewski to bounce back from runs of poor form. While the starting eleven is down a couple key defenders (congrats on the start, Diego Llorente), the lineup is still at its core Roma’s first eleven.</p>
<p id="2wHstx">As always, follow along with us here and on Twitter, and <strong>Forza Roma!</strong></p>
<h1 id="xLh0jU">Lineups</h1>
<h3 id="Jqn4mC">Roma</h3>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="it" dir="ltr"> Ecco la formazione scelta da José Mourinho per <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RomaSamp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RomaSamp</a> <br><br> DAJE ROMA! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASRoma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASRoma</a> <a href="https://t.co/o88wy55Urd">pic.twitter.com/o88wy55Urd</a></p>— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma/status/1642542688967720961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a>
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<h3 id="bGD2Fq">Sampdoria</h3>
<div id="vlc5g0">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> | FORMAZIONE<br><br>Mister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Stankovic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Stankovic</a> ha scelto i primi 1⃣1⃣ per <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RomaSamp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RomaSamp</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SerieATIM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SerieATIM</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FORZADORIA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FORZADORIA</a> ⚪️ ⚫️⚪️ <a href="https://t.co/wwklhD8H24">pic.twitter.com/wwklhD8H24</a></p>— U.C. Sampdoria (@sampdoria) <a href="https://twitter.com/sampdoria/status/1642539247335792640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2023/4/2/23666880/a-s-roma-vs-u-c-sampdoria-lineups-match-threadJimmy Miotto2023-04-01T21:00:00+02:002023-04-01T21:00:00+02:00Probable Formations: Roma vs Sampdoria
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<img alt="AS Roma Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0j6tAC_ofDBaaNDR6ksgLAHVGLQ=/0x24:2800x1891/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72138141/1477875106.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With this side beset by suspensions, José Mourinho will have to get creative, particularly in defense. But the real question pursed on our lips is who will start up top?</p> <p id="VUPOb4">So far this season, <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> has five players that have eclipsed the 2,000-minute mark in league play: Rui Patricio, Chris Smalling, Roger Ibañez, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante. That quintet has been relied upon all season to provide solidity through the middle of the pitch for a team that has the second-best expected goals allowed and the fourth-best goals-allowed record in Italy’s top flight. </p>
<p id="ifuGjh">And up to this point, all of those players have been healthy and available match in and match out (<em>knock on wood</em>). That’s allowed Mourinho to put very little thought into almost half of his starting lineup. Patricio has played all 27 matches, and the other three have only missed out on one match apiece.</p>
<p id="yHfDBU">However, this time around, a chippy derby defeat will catch up with the Giallorossi two weeks later. In the derby against Lazio on March 19th, Ibañez was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, dooming Roma that day. Later in the match, Mancini was booked for the fifth time this season. And after the final whistle, Cristante received a straight red card, meaning all three players are suspended for one match. </p>
<p id="kumYTn">On top of that, Max Kumbulla will have to serve one more match in the stands after his straight red card against Sassuolo earned him a two-match ban. With Kumbulla also out, Mourinho will be down three of his five center-backs. That leaves just two central defenders available for a team that typically plays a three-man backline. That’s less than an ideal situation with bottom-of-the-table Sampdoria coming to the Olimpico on Sunday. </p>
<p id="vuOd9o">With just Smalling and January arrival Diego Llorente available for this one, Mourinho will have to improvise a bit. That means right-back Zeki Celik will slot in as the right-sided center-back in Mancini’s place. With Celik playing in the back three and Rick Karsdorp still injured, Mourinho will also be limited on the wings, where Leo Spinazzola and Nicola Zalewski will start.</p>
<p id="lWyOvX">In midfield, Georginio Wijnaldum and Nemanja Matic will form the double pivot in the absence of Cristante. In front of them will be the usual attacking midfield duo of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. </p>
<p id="uu0Ckn">Who leads the line is the one question mark heading into this match. Tammy Abraham is no longer the out-and-out starter at striker for Mourinho. And at the moment, it seems to be a coin flip between Abraham and Andrea Belotti as to who starts. </p>
<h2 id="uMQNw5">Probable Formation</h2>
<p id="JnXszL"><strong>ROMA (3-4-2-1):</strong> Patricio; Llorente, Smalling, Celik; Spinazzola, Matic, Wijnaldum, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Dybala; Belotti</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2023/4/1/23665907/probable-formations-roma-vs-sampdoriassciavillo2023-04-01T15:44:54+02:002023-04-01T15:44:54+02:00Roma Host Sampdoria With a Chance To Put Pressure on Top Four
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<img alt="Jose Mourinho talks at the Pontifical Gregorian University" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pgwneoRPCyBgQyNnKgqbLPKqwG4=/0x0:4195x2797/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72137379/1250139398.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A win against Samp makes Milan’s match against Napoli a must-win. Can Mourinho’s men apply the pressure?</p> <p id="s6OKfr">Spring in Serie A is always a stressful time. Unlike a sports league where the regular season only determines playoff seeding, the “regular season” for Serie A is it. However you place in the league determines your fate, whether that means winning the title, qualifying for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, or ending up in Serie B. That means that while in leagues like the NBA or the MLB, the end of the “regular season” might be a time to rest your stars and coast until the playoffs start, the closer we get to the end of the Serie A season, the more impact each and every match has on a club’s fortunes.</p>
<p id="xouyo6">Take tomorrow’s match against Sampdoria, for example. For <em>I Blucerchiati</em>, who are in nineteenth place in the league and nine points shy of seventeenth place Spezia, any points at all could be the determining factor that saves them from relegation. It certainly would be an uphill battle, but as Romanisti know, all successful uphill battles for the minnows <em>seem</em> to start with a win against the Giallorossi. </p>
<p id="oLGbri">Meanwhile, Roma is in the thick of a hunt for Champions League football that will likely determine the long-term Roma futures of José Mourinho, Paulo Dybala, Rui Patricio, Gini Wijnaldum, and more. The results have been kind to Mourinho’s men lately, and despite some disappointing form in the league, the Giallorossi are only one point behind A.C. Milan for a spot in the top four. </p>
<p id="DW43SC">With Milan facing league leaders and likely Scudetto winners Napoli in the evening match slot, Roma securing three points at the Olimpico would ramp up the pressure on the Rossoneri. All Roma has to do is avoid their nasty habit of playing down to their opposition. Easy.</p>
<h1 id="kPE569">Last Match</h1>
<h3 id="EgP9t4">October 17, 2022: Sampdoria 0, Roma 1</h3>
<div id="WD7ywU"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l8jklLIqfhA?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; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="8QDEK0">Roma got the job done in the away fixture of this match, securing a 0-1 win thanks to a coolly taken penalty from captain Lorenzo Pellegrini. This match saw the Giallorossi do something that they’ve struggled with this season: grabbing an early goal and holding on to that lead for dear life. It wasn’t the prettiest match, but whoever said success was only built on beautiful moments?</p>
<h1 id="QcFABQ">What to Watch For</h1>
<h3 id="SA2zp0">Is This the End for Tammy Abraham in Rome?</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Roma Training Session" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XBbZOhU6KfBc8tjaX9GkNf_z-iY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24552730/1477875599.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="8knW52">The Tammy Abraham Experiment in Rome has always been one of peaks and valleys. When he was first signed in 2021, many people weren’t sure what to expect. Sure, he had plenty of experience with Chelsea, but he wasn’t known as the superstar of those successful London sides; would he be able to make the leap to superstardom under the tutelage of José Mourinho? For the first season, the answer appeared to be yes; now, with Andrea Belotti starting more and more matches (including this one, according to reports), the answer is a whole lot hazier.</p>
<p id="VBV3B0">Abraham has certainly not reached the heights of his first season at the Stadio Olimpico this year, Tammy Two Goals has only scored six goals in Serie A so far, and he’s only scored <em>one</em> at the Stadio Olimpico. That lack of form has kicked the rumor mill into high gear, with everyone from Chelsea to Milan to <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> to... <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a>? deciding to throw their hats into the ring for the English international’s services. </p>
<p id="Fd9ITN">Tomorrow’s match against Samp won’t determine whether or not Tammy Abraham is long for Rome, but if Andrea Belotti is able to start banging in goals as this season draws to a close, it may make it a lot easier for Tiago Pinto and José Mourinho to look elsewhere for a new star striker for the Giallorossi. </p>
<p id="FY2qXT">Personally, I hope Abraham stays around; it seems as if he’s fallen in love with the city, and where would Roma have been if they ditched Edin Džeko after his first mediocre season in Rome? Still, as always, the striker position is one to watch for the Giallorossi.</p>
<h3 id="Z8050W">Can the Giallorossi Avoid Another Buffonesque Performance From a Small Club’s Goalie? Please?</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="SS Lazio v UC Sampdoria - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fadGqXwMoJYnVQZJVA-7ggtFAvw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24552744/1247565166.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="5Tw1Vx">You’ve heard the story before. The Giallorossi play a minnow with visions of an easy three points dancing in Romanisti’s dreams, only for a relatively small-time goalkeeper to receive a blessing from the Patron Saint of Goalkeepers and become Gigi Buffon for ninety minutes and change. It’s frustrating to you, it’s frustrating to me, and I can only imagine how frustrating it is for the players on the pitch that the opponent goalkeeper seems to be turning into Superman. </p>
<p id="kBgLxu">If there was a candidate for this role in the relegation zone, there’s no doubt that it would be Emil Audero. He checks off many of the boxes: former Italian youth international, playing at a smaller club than many would have anticipated when his career was starting out, linked to Roma several times in the past. This is the stuff that dreams are made of. Did I say dreams? I meant nightmares. </p>
<p id="ZQpyM9">Now, the easiest way for Roma to avoid an opponent goalkeeper from having a world-class match is to be more creative with their passing opportunities. Scoring isn’t just about hammering the ball as hard and as accurately as you can (though that certainly helps); it’s about doing what you can to get the goalkeeper out of position as your offense is running toward him. </p>
<p id="ife8EK">The Giallorossi have become markedly better at this since the signing of Paulo Dybala, but if Audero takes a sip from Mike’s Secret Stuff before the match, it will take creativity from him, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and even Roma’s true forwards for Roma to walk away from this match with a win. If that happens, the dream of the Champions League, and all that comes with it, football survives for another week.</p>
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https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2023/4/1/23665181/roma-host-sampdoria-with-a-chance-to-put-pressure-on-top-fourJimmy Miotto