Chiesa Di Totti - Roma Winter Transfers: Real and Imagined.Cautiously Optimistic Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48469/totti-fave.png2014-01-31T01:36:37+01:00http://www.chiesaditotti.com/rss/stream/48659292014-01-31T01:36:37+01:002014-01-31T01:36:37+01:00The Final Countdown
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<figcaption>Mark Nolan</figcaption>
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<p>As we head into the final hours of the transfer deadline day, the eyes of the football world fall upon the men in the suits. Fortunately for Roma, there may be no man more well equipped for this unique pressure than Walter Sabatini. It's transfer deadline day, come join the madness. </p> <p>Somewhere high above the streets of Rome there is a man. Not a young man by any stretch of the imagination, but not past his worth. On this evening, this man is cloistered in an office, his fingers deftly wrapped around a cigarette, his laptop the only light piercing the billowing smoke that fills the room. He has a job to do, a deadline, and the pressure of decades of shortcomings weighing on his withering white locks.</p>
<p>Sure, he's not the only one facing this deadline. There are plenty of other men in this guild, wracked with the same worry, pressing the same buttons, and making the same pitches; hopeful that their pleas can curry the favor of the young and well feted; a last minute gift to his people, a desperate attempt to quell the panic on the streets. But this man in Rome is not alone; the scene unfolds the same in Britannia as it does in Iberia, the man in Munich under the same strains as the one in Sevilla.</p>
<p>And though these men take the same pledge, none of them are perched above a city as ancient and as anxious as Rome, where people fill the avenues and alleyways seeking everything from simple sustenance to eternal salvation, and where the city itself seeks validation; some sign of deference from its contemporaries who have long left them wanting, hell, even an ounce of begrudging respect would suffice.</p>
<p>While his city may not be able to match them in fashion, finance, or foundries, football provides a path towards equality, towards self-respect and a chance for reckoning. But he's ventured down this road before; he's faced the pressure, and sowed the seeds of success.</p>
<p>Tonight? Tonight is just another deadline.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*****</p>
<p>Before we delve into the latest rumors, a quick rundown of Saba Season thus far:</p>
<h4>Arrivals</h4>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> Radja Nainggolan-M</li>
<li> Michel Bastos-M</li>
<li> Rafael Toloi-D</li>
<li> Valmir Berisha-F</li>
<li> Petar Golubovic-D</li>
<li> Tomáš Vestenický-F</li>
<li> Alberto Tibolla-M</li>
<li> Leandro Paredes-M</li>
<li> Antonio Sanabria-F</li>
<li> Nemanja Radonjic-F</li>
</ul>
<h4>Departures</h4>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> Michael Bradley-M to Toronto FC</li>
<li> Marco Borriello-F to West Ham United</li>
<li>Nicolas Burdisso-D to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/genoa">Genoa</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><span>The Final Countdown</span></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44566/toloi-set-roma-move" target="_blank">Roma Take Toloi</a></h4>
<p>Well, there's your Nicolas Burdisso replacement. Roma add to their youthful reserves with the signing of 23-year-old Brazilian center back, Rafael Toloi. Unlike yesterday's signing of Antonio Sanabria and Leandro Paredes, Toloi actually has a chance of suiting up for Roma in the near term, thanks in no small part to his ancestral ability to obtain an Italian passport. I know nothing about him, but in Walter we trust.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/roma/?action=read&idtmw=524724" target="_blank">Jedvaj and Romagnoli Loaned Out?</a></h4>
<p>Of course, with the arrival of the slightly older and slightly more experienced Toloi, Roma's resident teenage defenders, <span>Tin Jedvaj</span> and <span>Alessio Romagnoli</span>, will be knocked down the pecking order, thereby making them prime loan candidates.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.laroma24.it/mercato/mercato-mercato/2014/01/mercato-night-live-ursino-ds-crotone-avevamo-preso-ricci-poi-la-roma-ha-deciso-di-tenerlo-foschi-ds-cesena-dalessandro-restera-con-noi/" target="_blank">Ricci to Remain in Roma</a></h4>
<p>There are only a couple of tidbits in this one, the juiciest of which saw Roma reportedly refuse a loan deal for Federico Ricci. In the short term, this means nothing, he won't garner more than a few complimentary minutes at the end of lopsided match, but you have to like the signal this sends for his future in Roma.</p>
<p>We'll try and stay on top of the final fray as best we can, but feel free to keep your own tallies below, substantiated or otherwise.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/roma-transfers/2014/1/31/5362962/roma-transfers-seriea-deadline-daybren2014-01-30T01:32:46+01:002014-01-30T01:32:46+01:00It's Walter's World
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<figcaption>Stanley Chou</figcaption>
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<p>Walter Sabatini was at his best on Wednesday, securing the signatures of several impressive youth products, while holding out hope that someone will take Marquinho off his hands. </p> <p>With no midweek matchups on the docket, Wednesday was all about what goes on off the pitch. This particular hump day saw the official and imminent signings of several impressive prospects, and the official announcement of Roma's next opponent in the Coppa Italia, a two-legged clash with <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Napoli</a>. However, with little more than a day left before the transfer deadline, Wednesday was all about wheelin' and dealin'</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44505/barcelona-sanabria-sassuolo">Sanabria to Sassuolo</a></h4>
<p>Antonio Sanabria, who is apparently known as <i>'Tonny'</i>, is a Roma player at long last. Well, sort of, in a somewhat convoluted way.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Barcelona and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sassuolo" class="sbn-auto-link">Sassuolo</a> have agreed a transfer for Tonny Sanabria to the Serie A club in an operation that is close to €12m. Of this sum, €4.5m are guaranteed, while the rest are tied to the player’s performances and his future market value. The contacts for Sanabria’s transfer began with Roma, then the Italian club put Barcelona and Sassuolo in contact to finally conclude the operation.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In this scenario, if Barcelona B is an illicit narcotics dealer, and Roma the junkie, then Sassuolo is the drug mule, the intermediary through which the goods are concealed and processed. €12m worth of goods, to be exact.</p>
<p>When you consider Roma's successes, or lack thereof, with Barcelona B products and Paraguayans, this move looks pretty risky. See Krkic, Bojan. Enrique, Luis or, Piris, Ivan.</p>
<p>All kidding aside, this could prove to be a steal, but at 17-years-old, please be patient with Tonny, it could take several years before that windfall occurs.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44507/chievo-sign-parades-boca">Chievo Sign Parades From Boca</a></h4>
<p>Leandro Paredes, the other prospect pursed upon Roma's lips for the past four weeks, is officially an Ex-Boca player, headed to Chievo (see the drug mule reference above) with his eventual destination being, of course, Roma. There is a small wrinkle in this deal, however. It is Chievo, not Roma, who technically hold the option to renew the loan at the end of the season, meaning Paredes might be another year from Roma still.</p>
<p>Now, without knowing all the finer points of the deal, there is ample room for speculation. Is it possible, given Roma's glut of young midfielders, that Sabatini had this in mind all along, to let Paredes adapt to life in Europe through the tail end of this season, establish a firm footing next season with Chievo, and arrive in Roma raring to go in the fall of 2015.</p>
<p>On the flipside of that argument is this; knowing full well how talented this kid is, might there be some sort of back channel, cash laden guarantee that Chievo will cede their renewal at season's end, leaving Paredes to truly cut his teeth in Trigoria?</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.vocegiallorossa.it/primo-piano/roma-ad-un-passo-da-golubovic-domani-nella-capitale-per-la-firma-del-contratto-65701">Roma Grab Golubovic</a></h4>
<p>In his continued attempt to mine the Balkans for all they're worth, Walter Sabatini has grabbed 20-year-old Serbian right back, Petar Golubovic. Fresh off a U-19 European Championship in 2013, Golubovic brings a still developing, nearly 6 foot tall frame to Sabatini's supply of young talent. You have to like this move for a number of reasons, but chief among them is Roma's continued ascendence in the Balkan market, which is ripe with talent.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.romanews.us/2014/01/29/sweden-and-slovakia-rooting-for-as-roma-signings-valmir-berisha-and-tomas-vestenicky/">Roma Signs Vestenicky & Berisha</a></h4>
<p>Continuing the youth theme, Sabatini branched out of his usual Argentinian comfort zone and landed Slovak forward Tomas Vestenicky and Swedish striker Valmir Berisha. Investing heavily in youth, particularly at the pace with which Roma has recently, can sometimes be a zero-sum game. Out of the dozens of names we've discussed in these spaces in the past few years, maybe three of four become regulars, and of those, perhaps one becomes a star in the truest sense. The combination of cash and potential is always fraught with peril. With that in mind, the best Sabatini can really do is, to the extent possible, ensure that Roma's investment in inexperience is done so pragmatically. Based on the press surrounding these two, as well as Sanabria and Paredes, the risk appears to be a well calculated one.</p>
<p>You know, if you believe what you read on the Internet, that is.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44482/marquinho-target-serie-pair">Marquinho Mulling Offers</a></h4>
<p>With the winter transfer window about to slam shut, Marquinho's <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Inter Milan</a> dream is dying a slow death, leaving #7 with fewer and fewer alternatives to life as Roma reserve. If Singular wants to keep his Serie A career alive, his options appear to have dwindled to only <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/genoa" class="sbn-auto-link">Genoa</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/hellas-verona" class="sbn-auto-link">Hellas Verona</a>.</p>
<p>I personally don't revile him as most Roma fans, but, just make a decision, Marquinho!</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.laroma24.it/mercato/mercato-mercato/2014/01/mercato-offerta-della-juve-per-osvaldo/">The Old Lady Loves Osvaldo</a></h4>
<p>We'll end this one with an old favorite. Fresh off yet another clash with a teammate, it looks like Pablo Osvaldo's career in England will be short lived, indeed. Word came down today that none other than your Serie A leaders, <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Juventus</a>, are keen on bringing on PDO on a short-term loan, which is most likely dependent upon Mirko Vucinic heading off to England himself, Arsenal to be specific.</p>
<p>This seems like a desperation move for Juve, one that could reap rewards and, at the very least, would make for an interesting return fixture.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/roma-transfers/2014/1/30/5359370/roma-signs-sanabria-paredesbren2014-01-28T01:53:46+01:002014-01-28T01:53:46+01:00Monday Musings
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<figcaption>Paolo Bruno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tonights rumor roundup includes a Sanabria signing, a potential Marquinho move and some hand wringing from Rosella.</p> <p>With less than 100 hours to go before the transfer window slams shut, Walter Sabatini and Roma laid down a few million Euros on a teenage sensation, while preparing to shed themselves of some unwanted midfield weight.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44386/sanabria-set-roma-sassuolo">Sanabria Set for Roma, Sassuolo</a></h4>
<p>Stop me if you've heard this one before, but it appears as though the Antonio Sanabria swindle is finally over. The final price tag? €4.5m. Not a small price to pay for a 17-year-old by any means, but if he's half as good as they say he is, it will be money well spent, and, if you follow the stock market or even just the weather, <i>They </i>are always right.</p>
<p>But with Sanabria joining Luca Antei--suddenly one of the league's most promising defenders--Roma fans suddenly have ample reason to follow <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sassuolo">Sassuolo</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44399/verona-await-marquinho-response">Verona Await Marquinho Response</a></h4>
<p>For a man so unwanted by his current team, he sure is picky about his next locale. After turning down a move to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/genoa">Genoa</a> earlier this month, word on the streets seems to indicate that Marquinho has a standing offer from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/hellas-verona">Hellas Verona</a>, but is waiting for a desperate 11th hour move from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>.</p>
<p>With only one point separating Inter and Hellas Verona, you have to wonder which side would be the better fit for the man formerly known as Singular.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44403/de-sanctis-roma-trophy-hunt">De Sanctis: Roma in trophy hunt</a></h4>
<p>MDS chimes in on Roma's suddenly tough February :</p>
<blockquote>
<p>They say that when you are a great team you have to take advantage of your rivals’ slip-ups. It was important for us to make a really strong statement on Sunday following the Juve and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a> games on Saturday. Six points ahead is still a strong position for Juve to be in but we just need to concentrate on our own job...We have a crucial period coming up soon. We play strong teams like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crusaderschorus.com/">Parma</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sampdoria">Sampdoria</a> in addition to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/kentucky-derby">the derby</a> and the two Coppa Italia semi-finals.</p>
<p>The Giallorossi knocked out <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> in the last round of the Coppa Italia and face the prospect of three derbies in the space of a week should arch-rivals <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a> overcome Napoli...We consider the Coppa Italia an important target and we want to get to the final regardless of who the opponents are. We can’t underestimate the fact that Roma have won nine Coppa Italias and we want to make the fans proud by becoming the fist team to wear a silver star [awarded for winning 10].</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The final four months of the 2013-2014 Serie A season should be a mad dash, and it appears as though MDS is ready for the insanity.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.romanews.us/2014/01/27/gervinho-i-have-great-chances-to-win-at-as-roma-i-couldnt-at-arsenal/">Gervinho: "I have great chances at Roma, I couldn’t win at Arsenal" </a></h4>
<blockquote>
<p>There is nothing better than winning trophies. That was the reason why I had joined Arsenal, but couldn’t win any. Now I am at Roma where we have great chances to win titles this season and in the years to come</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There isn't a ton in that quote or that link, but its pretty self-evident; Gervinho's Roman days are a sight better than his time in London. We'll have much, much more to say about Gervinho later in the week, stay tuned.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.laroma24.it/altre/2014/01/roma-verso-il-parma-con-il-ginocchio-di-strootman-da-valutare/">Strootman To Undergo Knee Test</a></h4>
<p>Well, well, well, look who got themselves a new website. LaRoma drops a hint that <span>Kevin Strootman</span> is experiencing some mild knee discomfort--I'm guessing it's mild, but Google is really doing a hack job on this translation--but with <span>Radja Nainggolan</span> suspended next week, and with Marquinho potentially gone, this is certainly something to keep an eye on. To say nothing of the suddenly plausible Scudetto chase.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.laroma24.it/approfondimenti/2014/01/tiki-taka-vs-pragmatismo-il-possesso-palla-della-roma-da-luis-enrique-a-rudi-garcia-infografica/">Luis v Rudi</a></h4>
<p>La Roma offers up an interesting, albeit strange, comparison between the Roma of Luis Enrique and the current incarnation. I'm not quite sure why they felt the need to contrast these two managers--it's not as if one succeeded the other--but some of the numbers are strangely similar, the identical 29.4 minutes of possession per match, for instance.</p>
<p>But, I mean, come on, is this even a fair comparison for Enrique to begin with? Perhaps it was his own doing, but can you actually compare the respective qualities of Bojan/PDO/Jose Angel/<span>Simon Kjaer</span> to Destro/Gervinho/Ljajic/Benatia?</p>
<p>Ultimately, Enrique didn't have the stomach for Roma, but Garcia's Giallorossi are far more equipped to make some noise than either of his predecessors squads.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44417/sensi-worried-foreign-influx">Sensi Worried by Foreign Influx</a></h4>
<blockquote>
<p>Milan, Roma, Juventus and Inter have so many foreigners in their squads, but all those who come to our country are third choice foreigners. They are coming here just because they are being discarded by teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United. If we want to see the new Messi, he’s going to be in Spain – whereas the reserve is coming to Italy.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We'll end this one with an opine from Sig.ra Sensi herself. Italy is not short on young talent of it's own, look at Matia Destro, <span>Mario Balotelli</span>, <span>Mattia De Sciglio</span>, Stephan El Sharaawy, <span>Domenico Berardi</span> etc., but does bringing in reserves from other shores inhibit that development? Perhaps a case can be made that Italy's own reserves are being jeopardized, but surely a blue chip Azzurri talent won't suffer from this influx, what do you think? Wouldn't Italy's thinner rosters offer a better opportunity for a young, foreign talent to blossom?</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2014/1/28/5352148/antonio-sanabria-to-roma-for-4-5mbren2014-01-25T05:16:07+01:002014-01-25T05:16:07+01:00It's So Hard to Say Goodbye
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<figcaption>Paolo Bruno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Roma made a flurry of moves to close out the work week, finally finding a temporary home for Marco Borriello and a host of youngsters. </p> <p>Sometimes, well, all the time, really, the worst part of being a working adult is when your schedule inordinately and inevitably saves the worst, the most hectic, and the most frustrating tasks for Fridays. For Walter Sabatini and Roma, the story was no different, as they jammed a week's worth of work into a mere 48 hours.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44295/borriello-arrivederci-roma">Borriello: 'Arrivederci Roma!'</a></h3>
<p>Now that <span>Marco Borriello</span> has finally accepted a loan move to West Ham, one of the stranger careers in Roma history comes to a rather ignominious conclusion. No one ever doubted Borriello's talents, but the circumstances in which he landed in Roma, on a free loan from Milan, and the immediate rewards, a game winning goal the very next week <i>against</i> Milan, pretty well encapsulates Borriello's time in the Eternal City, if not his career as a whole.</p>
<p>He's always had the talent, the instincts, and the panache, but the three never seemed in lockstep for more than a few matches at a time. He played for some of the biggest clubs in the land, but never really made his mark, yet he was always a sought after player. Borriello's failings aren't necessarily attributable to lack of talent or effort, and certainly not down to his supporting cast, but it's hard to precisely pin down why he wasn't more. Why was consistency seemingly always at arms reach? Why didn't his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/genoa">Genoa</a> numbers translate at his other stops? Why wasn't he a slightly shorter and arguably more handsome version of <span>Luca Toni</span> that he seemed to be?</p>
<p>All told, Borriello's Roma career, which may not actually be over yet, features 50+ appearances and a dozen goals.</p>
<p>But, off he goes. Fathers of Upton Park, hided your daughters.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><a href="http://www.romanews.us/2014/01/24/burdisso-i-had-no-future-at-as-roma/">Burdisso "Had No Future at Roma" </a></h3>
<blockquote>
<p>The club made me understood they would have counted on other players. I had to think about myself, my present. And without a future at Roma, it was useless to wait for the summer, so I packed my bags and I left. I had to make the right choice. I still feel like I can play at these levels, I played for Roma and Inter, the best you can get...I didn’t speak with Garcia, but since the beginning we have been clear with each other. I am happy for my two team-mates, but I had to make different choices.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>A rather pithy and professional quote from Burdisso, but at his age and with his final shot at dancing in the Big Show this summer, you can't fault Burdisso for chasing playing time at a lesser club.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44291/balzaretti-out-two-months">Balzaretti Out For Two Months</a></h3>
<p><span>Federico Balzaretti</span> has been gone so long, we'd almost overlooked the fact that we never really received a true diagnosis. Well, consider that chapter closed. Balzaretti traveled all the way to Massachusetts for a sports hernia surgery. Not the most dire of circumstances, I'll grant you, but that probably spells a long and horrible flight back to Fiumincino.</p>
<p>Balzaretti has another year on his deal, but it's starting to feel as if his Roma career, at least in any significant way, is already coming to a close.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><a href="http://www.laroma24.it/mercato/2014/01/mercato-roma-ag-heitinga-nessuna-trattativa-ma-sabatini-conosce-la-sua-sitazione-e-seguito-dal-galatasaray/">Heitinga: No News Is, Well, News</a></h3>
<p>The only thing worse than a protracted transfer rumor is a protracted transfer rumor that carries with it the excitement of vanilla ice cream. Which, let's face it, isn't even really ice cream; its devoid of flavor and purpose. Could Roma do better than <span>John Heitinga</span> for their reserve centerback role? Sure, could they do worse? Absolutely.</p>
<p>It is what it is; sign him, don't sign him, just get a move one, would ya?</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><a href="http://www.laroma24.it/mercato/2014/01/mercato-roma-accordo-col-barcellona-per-sanabria-ai-blaugrana-4-milioni-piu-bonus/">The Sanabria Saga Continues</a></h3>
<p>Apparently the on again, off again, market fluctuating transfer of Barcelona B star Antonio Sanabria is once again on, with the young Paraguayan reportedly signed, sealed, and delivered for €4m. I'm sure you'll join me in saying, I'll believe it when I see it.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44281/roma-whittle-down-squad">Roma Rid Themselves of Youth</a></h3>
<p>Roma made some minor waves to close out the work week, parting ways with <span>Gianluca Caprari</span>, Giammario Piscitella, <span>Federico Viviani</span>, <span>Alessandro Crescenzi</span> and Tomas Svedkauskas.</p>
<p>50% of Caprari went to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/pescara">Pescara</a>, Viviani heads down a level to Latina for six months, Crescenzi heads to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/novara">Novara</a>, while Svedkauskas heads to Pescara as well, or, as they're soon to be known, Roma Juniors. Not earth shattering moves in any sense, but better they play than watch.</p>
<h4>Let's see, what else happened in Romaland today?.....Bam!</h4>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>AS Roma would like to stress that there are no talks underway regarding the exit of Miralem Pjanic. The player is not for sale <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Pjanic&amp;src=hash">#Pjanic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ASR&amp;src=hash">#ASR</a></p>&mdash; A.S. Roma (@OfficialASRoma) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma/statuses/426745654853902338">January 24, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>With each passing week, Miralem Pjanic's importance to this club, both as creator in the here and now, and as the bridge to Post-Totti Roma, grows exponentially. This isn't a secret--not to the club, its fans, or its competitors--but it is reassuring to see the club, in a semi-official capacity, slam the door on the latest round of Pjanic-to-Paris rumors.</p>
<p>That's just a quick taste of what went down in Trigoria the past 48 hours, we'll delve into the Verona fixture shortly.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/roma-transfers/2014/1/25/5343680/marco-borriello-heads-to-west-hambren2014-01-23T02:24:21+01:002014-01-23T02:24:21+01:00Burdisso's Last Gasp
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<figcaption>Paolo Bruno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>He may not have the credentials of his colleagues, but if the book does indeed close on Nicolas Burdisso's Roma career, it will be a tale short on accomplishments, but long on love.</p> <p>In the traditional life of a Roma fan, with the highs, come the lows. Fresh off their Coppa Italia quarterfinal victory over <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Juventus</a> on Tuesday, Roma fans awoke to news that Nicolas Burdisso, one for whom the crest was more than mere garnishment, may be leaving the club.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44199/burdisso-and-motta-genoa">Burdisso and Motta to Genoa </a></h4>
<p>You'll want to tip your 40 ozs on this one. Roma mad man, club favorite, and de facto third captain, Nicolas Burdisso, appears to be on his way out of Roma. Nico, who joined Roma from <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Inter Milan</a> in 2009, has made over 100 appearances for the Giallorossi and even scored six goals. Burdisso will be remembered best for his intensity, passion, and dedication to the club. Surely one of the more beloved players of the past decade, even if his resume isn't as sparkling as his Roman contemporaries.</p>
<p>Oh, there's also something about <span>Marco Motta</span> in there....remember him?</p>
<h4><a href="http://gianlucadimarzio.com/roma/roma-toloi-ultima-idea-per-la-difesa/">Sabatini After San Paolo Defender</a></h4>
<p>If the first link does indeed prove true, Roma has a sudden vacancy at centerback. Not one to waste time, Walter Sabatini has apparently trained his eyes on 24 year old defender Rafael Toloi, presumably to be Nico's nominal replacement. I know nothing about him, but he's relatively young and from America Sud, so you know how that goes.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44166/psg-fail-pjanic-bid-report">PSG fail in Pjanic Bid</a></h4>
<p>When you have a player as young and as supremely talented as Miralem Pjanic, warding off the oil barons is just part of the job. PSG's latest foray into the Pjanic market was a tad more interesting, however. To bring Pjanic to the city of lights, the Parisian outfit was willing to part with El Flaco himself, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110054/javier-pastore" class="sbn-auto-link">Javier Pastore</a>, plus €5m. While that's certainly enough to give you pause, their respective careers have taken different trajectories since Pastore's move to Paris.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.romanews.us/2014/01/21/pastore-if-as-roma-call-me-we-will-see-they-are-a-wonderful-team/">Pastore: "If Roma call me, we will see… they are a wonderful team!" </a></h4>
<p>El Flaco deftly plays the media game in this extremely brief link. I have no doubt that Pastore could right the ship in Rome, but is he worth losing Pjanic? Pastore is a hell of a player, though, so it would be nice for the game in general if he found a proper home.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44181/bastos-apologises-lazio-fans">Bastos Apologises to Lazio Fans</a></h4>
<p>Speaking of media politics, Roma's newest recruit, Michel Bastos, fresh off a public appearance ensconced in a less than flattering <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio" class="sbn-auto-link">Lazio</a>-themed scarf, does the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=737Jj9gNvGg">Denial Twist.</a></p>
<h4><a href="http://www.romanews.us/2014/01/22/ntep-agent-denies-as-roma-contact/">No Roma Contact For Ntep </a></h4>
<p>While Marco Borriello remains a Roma player, the search for his eventual replacement continues. One of the more recent names to grace that list is Auxerre forward Paul Georges-Ntep. The 21-year-old French forward has seven goals through sixteen appearances in Ligue 2, which is pretty impressive, regardless of the level of competition. But, if we take his agent at his word, the connection is a mere fabrication.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/44161/de-rossi-roma-and-juve-level">De Rossi: 'Roma and Juve Level'</a></h4>
<blockquote>
<p>When games are this balanced between two great sides, a single goal can be decisive. We focused a great deal on set plays, which was where the goals came from in Turin, and perhaps playing at home made us a little bit more aggressive....I didn’t see Juve looking particularly superior in Turin, nor were we particularly superior here. The two teams are on a similar level and I am pleased to say that.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Some wise words from Roma's resident lumberjack. If Tuesday's match proved nothing else, it was that Roma can hold Juve in check, to the point that, as DDR alludes, the game can and will come down to a single moment.</p>
<p>We'll close this rumor wrap at that, but with the 11th hour of the winter transfer window fast approaching, expect heaps more.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/roma-transfers/2014/1/23/5336356/nicolas-burdisso-to-leave-romabren2014-01-19T20:48:01+01:002014-01-19T20:48:01+01:00Roma Bag Bastos on Loan Deal
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<figcaption>Juergen Schwarz</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>While it's not yet official, Michel Bastos has landed in Roma for a medical examination prior to his six month loan spell with the Giallorossi. </p> <p>Lost amid the route over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/livorno" class="sbn-auto-link">Livorno</a> yesterday was some quasi-big news, the potential-and-almost-official signing of Michel Bastos from UAE side Al Ain. Bastos, 30, seemingly impressed with Roma's utter dominance of Livorno, spurned Rafa Benitez and <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Napoli</a> to rejoin his former Lille manager, <span>Rudi Garcia</span>, in the Eternal City.</p>
<p>The very nature and timing of the signing pretty much tells you all you need to know. Bringing in a 30-year-old player in the winter transfer window, let alone one who has collected more passport stamps than playing time the past 18 months or so, is a depth move, nothing more, nothing less.</p>
<p>But Garcia, as is often the case with new managers, leans on the familiar to ease his transition. We saw it with Gervinho, and now it appears that Garcia has set his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.football-italia.net/44035/bastos-due-roma-medical">rejuvenatory powers on the versatile feet of Bastos</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He is a versatile player, which is what interests me. He can play on the right or left, has a strong shot, good technique and can also play left-back, so we are covered in many different areas. I have been tracking this player since he left Lille, going through Lyon, Schalke and Al Ain. I always spoke to him and knew this was a possibility for us. Above all, he was very eager to come back to Europe, so I am happy. He's not just a player of a top level, but also a good man</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.football-italia.net/44012/garcia-bastos-close-roma">separate interview</a>, Garcia mentioned the simple need for bodies, particularly in the wake of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110920/michael-bradley" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Bradley's</a> departure and some continued injuries:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We are in second place and want to do everything possible to have an even better second half of the season. This is why we needed a player if Michael Bradley left and one more option on the wing.</p>
<p>As Federico Balzaretti is out for the moment, Bastos can also play left-back, though Dodo impressed today and is getting better. Obviously Dodo can't play every game until the end of the season. I am not trying to change Roma tactically. We know Nainggolan and I hope Bastos - if he arrives - above all play good football and are very talented. It's true they have physicality, pace and are good at taking players on, which is what makes a complete player in modern football</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Despite his recent goal scoring struggles, in the larger picture, the singing of Gervinho brought a new dynamic to the Roman offense, so, in terms of his faith in Bastos' ability and what he can potentially contribute to Roma's ranks, we'll have to continue our confidence in Garcia. Bastos, as mentioned above, seems like he can step in for anyone from Balzaretti, to Dodo, and even to Gervinho.</p>
<p>With less than two weeks remaining in the winter transfer window, Walter Sabatini's focus has been squarely on shoring up the weak spots for a run at the Champions League. If this is indeed a pure depth move, there isn't too much to complain about; Bastos has experience, a varied set of skills, and apparent motivation to thrive in Europe once again, all of which will help Roma stave off the duel advances of Napoli and fatigue.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/roma-transfers/2014/1/19/5325036/michel-bastos-to-roma-on-short-term-loanbren2014-01-09T01:14:35+01:002014-01-09T01:14:35+01:00Michael Bradley Moving to Toronto?
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<figcaption>Paolo Bruno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It looks as if one of the more controversial Roma signings of the American regime has come to an abrupt and surprising end. With a reported €7m on the table from Toronto FC, Bradley's days as a Roman may be done.</p> <p>While we're not necessarily breaking the news, where else on the internet is <span>Michael Bradley</span> discussed more than in the pews of Chiesa di Totti? If you were stuck at work, in traffic or submerged in a snowdrift somewhere, you may have missed the latest and juiciest bit of news in Romaland, the potential sale of Roma's now surplus midfielder, 26-year-old Michael Bradley, to Toronto FC of the MLS.</p>
<p>Multiple media outlets on both sides of the Atlantic are now reporting that the deal is done, with Bradley heading to the jewel of Canada for a reported €7m, though the figures vary between the European and North American outlets; conversions are hard. While it will take a while to digest this move--what his signing meant in the first place, how he performed, and the legacy he leaves--one thing is for certain, if Walter Sabatini managed to nearly double his investment on the American midfielder, while simultaneously offsetting the initial down payment on <span>Radja Nainggolan</span>, someone get his canonization application to Pope Francis, pronto! The man is a chain smoking saint.</p>
<p>So, besides playing time, what's in this for Michael? After all, there can be no debate; the MLS is a massive step down from the Serie A. For that answer, let's turn to the folks at the<a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1674922/toronto-fc-set-acquire-michael-bradley-roma?cc=5901" target="_blank"> World Wide Leader</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Sources confirmed that the proposed financial commitment TFC is making is considerable. MLS is poised to sign Bradley to a contract in the five to six-year range at an annual salary in the neighborhood of $6.5 million. There was conflicting data in terms of the transfer fee, with one overseas source indicating that Roma expects to receive $7 million and multiple MLS sources stating that the Italian club will receive in excess of $10 million.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I don't have the particulars of Bradley's Roma deal on hand, but, suffice it to say, he's getting a hefty raise. It has pretty much become par for the course for the MLS: if you want to lure top American talent back to the homeland, you gotta pony up.</p>
<p>So, while we await legitimately official news of this move, let's bid Arrivederci to Michael. Congratulations on your nearly $40 million deal, thank you for your 41 appearances, two goals and two assists. If we find the time, we'll give Michael a more proper farewell, after all, he was one of the more contentious signings in club history, but for now, let's put a quick cap on today's rumors.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/43559/sanabria-reveals-roma-deal">Sanabria Reveals Roma Deal</a></h4>
<p> </p>
<p>The last two times Roma dipped into the Barcelona B pool, things didn't work out too well. One was too short, the other short tenured. But that hasn't stopped folks from getting pretty stoked about the capture of teenage striker Antonio Sanabria. Roma has reportedly secured the Paraguayan for €3m, though, due to the vagaries of international football, he won't officially be a Roma player until the summer, spending the remainder of this season at either <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sampdoria">Sampdoria</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sassuolo">Sassuolo</a>.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/43491/paredes-i%E2%80%99m-roma-player">Paredes: I’m a Roma Player</a></h4>
<blockquote>
<p>I am a Roma player. I’m very happy, it was what I wanted...I’m only a little confused, I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly....To play with <span>Francesco Totti</span>? He is an idol of Roma. For me, it is an immense pleasure to be in the same stadium, with the same people. The fans of Boca are know around the world but also the Giallorossi are very welcoming. I am looking forward to playing</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We knew this one for a day or so, but let's throw it in here anyway. He may or may not be the next, or even a better, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/143177/erik-lamela">Erik Lamela</a>, but he's all Roma's now. Whether it's a permanent move right out the gate remains to be seen, but, at the very least, Paredes is a Roma employee for the next 18 months.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.romanews.us/2014/01/08/abner-confirms-move-to-as-roma/">Abner Confirms Move to Roma</a></h4>
<p>Another move we've been discussing for several weeks appears all but official, with Roma at long last landing the signature of the young Brazilian left-back. Again, this is probably a long term move, but you have to like the potential of this one.</p>
<p>So that's it for now, if you had any doubts about it before, it is now officially Saba Season. In the span of a mere two or three days, Sabatini has managed to snare two of the games more intriguing attacking prospects, an injured-but-potentially great left back, and, by signing Radja Nainggolan, put the wraps on Italy's best midfield.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/roma-transfers/2014/1/9/5289758/michael-bradley-to-toronto-fc-nearly-donebren2013-12-28T03:02:37+01:002013-12-28T03:02:37+01:00Roma Join Race for Radja
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<figcaption>Claudio Villa</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>CdT may have been on hiatus for the past 48 hours, but that didn't stop the Roman rumor mill. In this edition, we recap the latest tenuous transfers rumors, highlighted by a reported €7.5m offer for Radja Nainggolan.</p> <p>Apologies for the two day sojourn, but while we were awash in eggnog and tree shaped cookies, the Roma rumor mill churned out a few interesting tidbits. So let's take a somewhat delayed look at the latest names connected to Roma.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/43182/roma-bid-%E2%82%AC75m-nainggolan">Roma bid €7.5m for Nainggolan</a></h4>
<p>Somehow, someway, you knew these two would be connected again. Over the summer, <span>Radja Nainggolan</span> was nearly a weekly player in this section, seemingly always on the brink of a move to The City of Seven Hills. Well, 16 weeks later, here we are, back at it again. With word that the Belgian midfielder is keen on leaving <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/cagliari">Cagliari</a>, Roma appear ready to (half) pounce for Nainggolan, reportedly offering €7.5m for 50% of his mohawk, and presumably at least one of his tattoo sleeves.</p>
<p>In the immediate sense, it's hard to see where he fits into <i>this</i> particular squad. Yes, he's an immediate and substantial upgrade over <span>Michael Bradley</span>, but would you start him over <span>Kevin Strootman</span>, <span>Daniele De Rossi</span> or <span>Miralem Pjanic</span>? That's a definitive no in my book.</p>
<p>So, then, the question we have to ask is simple; is Nainggolan capable of accepting a lesser role at a larger club, knowing that regular minutes may not be immediately available?</p>
<p>For a club with Champions League aspirations, he's exactly the type of player you want, whether he's a starter or not. Nainggolan currently averages 3.2 shots per game, 1.3 key passes per game, 1.3 dribbles per game, 1.5 interceptions, 1.6 clearances and nearly 4 tackles per game. What those string of numbers tell us is this; Nainggolan is a complete midfielder in every sense of the word, flashing a strong combination of offensive and defensive skills.</p>
<p>So, while the rationale is clear, beyond the cost, it's more a matter of fitting him into the squad and his own willingness to delay gratification until Roma once again earns the right to play outside of Italy.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.football-italia.net/43166/cerci-eyes-roma-return">Cerci Eyes Roma Return</a></h4>
<p> </p>
<p>This one is a few days old, but, what the hey, let's keep the conversation moving. <span>Alessio Cerci</span>, he of nine goals and seven assists through sixteen matches, is eyeing a return to the city of his birth.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It is no secret that I would like to return to Roma one day, I’ve said that before. I feel as if I am ready to play in the Champions League. I’m mature, I think the time may have arrived for me to take a step up in quality.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When discussing the prospect of Cerci returning to Roma, the concerns, much as they are with Nainggolan, revolve around his willingness to accept a lesser role, at least while Roma is a Serie A-only competitor. As a pure offensive talent, one dependent upon having the ball at his feet, the concern with Cerci is a more pressing matter than it is with Nainggolan, who can contribute in a number of ways.</p>
<p>Cerci leads <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a> in goals, assists, shots, key passes, dribbles, turnover, dispossessions, while being second in fouls drawn. While some of these are actually indicative that he is not, in fact, a one dimensional player, they point to one thing and one thing alone.In the Torino offense, Cerci sees A LOT of the ball. He carries it, he shoots it, he takes on defenders, he draws fouls and he gets dispossessed, consequences be damned.</p>
<p>He is, to borrow an antiquated phrase, the cock of the walk; no one stands in his way, when he wants the ball, he gets it , which would obviously not be the case in Roma. So, can Cerci go from being the first scoring option to the fourth or fifth? Would he even be as effective in such a deferential role?</p>
<p>These are important questions to ask, particularly with a side as cohesive as Roma. There is no denying Cerci's talent, however, and, provided he could adapt, he could be absolutely vicious in a part-time, instant offense-type role.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.foxsportsla.com/noticias/134993-la-roma-se-interesa-en-juan-manuel-iturbe?country=us">Roma Itchin' for Iturbe</a></h4>
<p> </p>
<p>Former would be Porto starlet and current <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/hellas-verona">Hellas Verona</a> forward, Juan Manuel Iturbe, is the latest South American wunderkind to curry the favor of Walter Sabatini. With the usual giants chasing after him, including a reported €16m offer from Liverpool, expect the competition to be fierce for young Iturbe who, the link suggests, will be a June move for Rudi's crew.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.laroma24.it/archivio/98946/mercato-il-boca-offre-paredes-alla-fiorentina.html">Boca to Offer Paredes to Fiorentina?</a></h4>
<p>We'll keep the Argentine train rolling for one more link. While it seemed that he was all but Roma's, it now appears that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> are horning in on Roma's unspoken claim to Boca whiz kid Leandro Paredes. If the word around the campfire is true, that this kid is Lamela Prime, then this one could sting a bit.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.laroma24.it/archivio/98947/mercato-roma-dall-olanda-giallorossi-su-finnbogason.html">Alfred Finnbogason on Roma Radar?</a></h4>
<p>This extremely brief story attempts to link Heerenveen striker Alfred Finnbogason to Roma, Milan, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a>. I don't know much about him, but a quick search reveals that he's the Dutch league's top scorer with 17 goals and that he's Icelandic. I'll go out on a limb and say that would make him Roma's first player from the tiny North Atlantic island nation. No word on whether or not he enjoys the musical styles of Bjork or Sigur Ros, though.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.romanews.us/2013/12/24/heitinga-ready-to-discuss-as-roma-move/">Heitinga Ready to Discuss Roma Move</a></h4>
<p> </p>
<p>This one? This one, I, uh, don't get....of course he's ready to discuss a Roma move, what Everton player wouldn't be? But at 30 years old, the Dutch defender would provide little beyond being a confidant for Strootman, unless he's the new Burdisso. In summation, yawn.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.vocegiallorossa.it/calciomercato/marquinho-piace-al-genoa-64030">Marquinho to Genoa?</a></h4>
<p> </p>
<p>First there were two, then there was one, now there might be none. <span>Rudi Garcia</span> doesn't seem to have a ton of use for Marquinho, so, to the joy of many, Singular might soon find himself with a new address.</p>
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.vocegiallorossa.it/altre-notizie/svanera-ag-fifa-pjanic-potrebbe-andare-via-borriello-piace-in-inghilterra-e-anche-in-italia-64027">Some Guy at FIFA Places Pjanic at PSG</a></h4>
<p>Until he puts pen to paper on his much deserved contract extension, don't expect these sort of stories to abate anytime soon. As we expected, and should probably be used to by now, anytime any good-to-great player in the world is even the slightest bit unsettled, whether real or imagined, PSG will be waiting in the wings. While this link is just one man's opinion, he intimates that Laurent Blanc is quite fond of Pjanic. Also making appearances in that link are Bradley-to-Fulham and Borriello-to-Spurs rumors.</p>
<p>Well, thats it for this rumor roundup. T-minus nine days until <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> v. Roma.</p>
https://www.chiesaditotti.com/2013/12/28/5249538/roma-join-race-for-radja-nainggolanbren