Football Update: Serie A Preview- Roma vs. Bologna
Roma’s disastrous Start
Roma finished a close second last season behind Inter Milan. The appointment of Caludio Raineri as the head coach resulted in a brilliant second half of the season. Roma were able to reinforce their squad without investing a significant amount. Fabio Simplicio
and Adriano were acquired on free transfers. Nicolas Burdisso, who had a brilliant campaign in the heart of Roma’s defence last season, was permanently acquired from rivals Inter Milan. Roma also acquired the services of Rossoneri front man Marco Borriello
in the closing stages of the transfer window.
Much was expected from the team going into the season but Roma were off to a poor start. Roma were held to an opening day stalemate by the giant killer Cesena. The following match day was a nightmare for Roma as Cagliari absolutely trashed them with a convincing
5 – 1 victory. Burdisso made a horror tackle and is suspended for two Serie A matches. Their European adventure also started off with a debut to last season’s finalists, Bayern Munich.
Struggle as usual for Bologna
Bologna are perennial relegation strugglers and not much is expected of them this season. They are relegation candidates this time around and their form has not shown just that. Their opening day draw against Inter was a huge achievement.
Bologna’s keeper, Emiliano Viviano was inspired from against the reigning champions. Ironically, the keeper is on loan from Inter Milan.
Team News
Roma always have a long list of injuries and this season is no different. John Arne Riise, Rodrigo Taddei and Okaka Chuka are all out to injuries. Nicolas Burdisso is suspended after is horror tackle. Marco Casseti will fill in at the left back position
and Aleandro Rosi will take his right back birth after his encouraging performances of late. French International Philipe Mexes will replace Burdisso.
Expected Formation
Roma will lineup with a 4-3-1-2 formation. Francesco Totti and Marco Borriello will lead the line. Jeremy Menez will look to use his pace just behind the strikers. The formidable partnership of Daniele De Rossi and David Pizzaro will play in the midfield.
Probable line up
Julio Sergio, Aleandro Rosi, Philipe Mexes, Juan, Marco Cassetti, Fabio Simplico, David Pizarro, Daniele De Rossi, Jeremy Menez, Francesco Totti, Marco Borriello
Bologna F.C.
Bologna have as many as six players out injured including Swedish starlet Albin Ekdal who put in some impressive performances for Siena last season. Gavilan, Khrin , Morleo, Busce and Pisanu are other injury victims.
Veteran Striker and talisman Marco Di Vaio will lead the line for Bologna. The influence of Belgian midfielder Gaby Mudingayi will be vital in the midfield. Gaby put in a man of the match performance against Inter Milan earlier this season and more of the
same will be expected of him.
Viviano had earned him a national team call up and he will want to impress the National team coach, Cesare Prandelli, with another performance.
Expected Formation
Bologna are expected to start with a defensive 4-3-3 formation.
Probable Lineup
Emiliano Viviano, Gyorgy Garics, Daniele Portanova, Miguel Britos, Nicolo Cherubin, Diego Perez, Gaby Mudingayi, Federico Casarini, Luca Siligardi, Marco Di Vaio, Daniele Paponi
Key Players
For the many past seasons, the influence of Francesco Totti was vital for Roma’s title challenges. He has been performing below par so far this season. His performance against Bayern Munich in particular left a lot to be desired. He will be eager to impress
and find his top form before crunch ties against bigger teams come up.
Bologna will find it almost impossible to get a win. At most, they should be gunning for a draw. Viviano will have his hands full stopping the Roma attacks.
Prediction
Even with the damage limitation strategy, Bologna won’t survive the Roma Onslaught. Roma to win 2 - 0
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