Serie A Preview: A.S Roma vs. Atalanta- Can Totti inspire the Giallorossi to their first home win?
Roma will host newcomers, Atalanta, in the fifth game of the 2011/12 Serie A season at the Stadio Olimpico Rome on Saturday, 01 October 2011 at 17:00 GMT.
Both teams come into this game on the back of narrow wins in their previous league games last weekend. The Giallorossi registered their first win of the ongoing campaign with a 1-0 victory over Parma. On the other hand, the Nerazzurri
beat Novara 2-1 in their encounter at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603
Luis Enrique’s men are currently placed on the 11th spot in the league table and will be looking to build on last week’s result. The Giallorossi are still struggling with their finishing and missed a lot of easy chances
in the last week’s game.
Roma have had a good time playing against Atalanta of late and have emerged victorious on three occasions in the previous four meetings against them.
Atalanta
The newcomers of the Serie A have had a dream start to their campaign and have registered three wins out of the four games played thus far. Stefano Colantuono’s men are yet to taste a defeat this season and could have easily topped
the league table had they not been docked six points because of corruption charges.
The game could be an ideal setting for them to continue their winning momentum as their style of play could trouble Roma.
Team News
Roma
The Giallorossi could welcome goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lucio-c22597 few weeks back. The former Ajax shot-stopper has resumed
training and could be in line for a return.
Roma’s absentees include http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Francesco-Totti-c13940 because his playing style is ideal to combat the opposition’s threat.
Expected line-up: Stekelenburg; Cassetti, Burdisso, Heinze, Angel; Perrotta, De Rossi, Pjanic; Krkic, Totti, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Osvaldo-c28821
Atalanta
The visitors have no fresh injury concerns and will only be without http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Doni-c11553 is out with a three year suspension on corruption charges.
Expected line-up: Consigli; A Masiello, Capelli, Manfredini, Bellini; Schelotto, Cigarini, Padoin, Bonaventura; Moralez; http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Denis-c10837
Players to Watch
Francesco Totti (A.S Roma)
The Talismanic striker is yet to register his first goal of the new season and it’s about time he should carry the goal-scoring burden on his shoulders. Totti has not yet settled in a new role in Luis Enrique’s system but a Champion
player of his class needs only few games to get back into his strides. The former Italian international will have a huge role to play if his team is to perform well this season.
German Denis (Atalanta)
The on-loan striker from Udinese will once again be the player to watch for the visiting side. The 30-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with Maxi Moralez and is the highest goal-scorer for the club this season so far.
Prediction
It will be a tight game given the contrasting styles of both teams but Roma are once again likely to register a hard fought win with Totti scoring his first goal of the season.
Verdict: 1-0
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