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Italy: Serie A Preview- Roma v Parma [Wed Sep 21st, 2005]
This week Serie A tantalises our senses with two games; one in midweek like this one and the other on the weekend. Two fallen powers who are looking for payback from a horrid season last year square off in an enticing encounter.
Both teams are recovering and the fallen power status could cease to be by the end of the year.
Background
Roma had a horrid season last year and faced relegation in the face. 4 coaches, a captain who was suspended for long periods of time, a team with no discipline and vision, a team that faced fines from FIFA and was banned from the transfer market, and financial crisis all plagued their season and summer.
Yes, the team still have money problems but they kept Cassano, Totti, Panucci, Mancini and acquired Nonda, Taddei and Kuffour. Mexes and Chivu still cannot play, but when they recover and are allowed to play again, Roma does have the team to shine. Their new coach Spalletti has imposed his philosophy and so far it has worked.
Yes they lost to Udinese, but they recovered in UEFA Cup competition, winning 5-1 and they sit with the same points as Udinese. This could be a good year for Roma and the team of Cesar could march to a UEFA Cup and 4th spot and if Cassano, Totti and Spaletti do well, expect them to leave for a new adventure.
Cassano and Spaletti may perhaps move to Juventus, as Elkan wants Cassano and Juve would like a good coach to replace Capello when he eventually leaves. Totti could wear the Madrid shirt, or perhaps the AC Milan jersey.
Parma suffered too the same fate as Roma did last year. Annus Horribulus. A horrible year. They had to contest a playoff with Bologna to survive in Serie A. They had a young team and a young coach, but the coach could not get it together and the caretaker coach barely saved them. The team was young and with the inexperience, it nearly proved deadly.
However, in the summer the problems mounted as Gilardini was let go to Milan, Frey went to Fiorentina and the Swiss takeover failed forcing Parma to sell their jewels. Finally a man came to the rescue in Lorenzo Sanz, the former President of Real Madrid, as his investment company acquired Parma.
He was in prolonged negotiation, however, and due to the limbo the jewels still left Parma. However, Parma has a knack to create talent. Sanz stated that he would make this team into a contender and he can claim it, as he won a Primera and 2 UEFA Champions Leagues as President of Real Madrid and has a good relationship with Capello.
Yes, Parma did not get a whole new team, but Del Vecchio, Corradi, and Lupatelli are good additions. Beretta may not be the coach that they wanted, but bear in mind he bought the team on short notice. They are playing well, but they have lost a game. Any more losses could bear trouble though.
However, Parma has cash and a plan and as long as they stay consistent they can have a rosy future and if Sanz does bring Capello to Parma, future Scudetto celebrations could arise.
Team news
Both teams have no suspensions, but both have a list of injuries. Roma have: Chivu, Mexes, Cassano, Mancini in the injury ward as Parma have: Morfeo, Bonera, Coly, Marrchioni and Ferronetti in their sick bay.
Players to watch
Totti (Roma)
Roma’s symbol. So far has played well and showed signs of maturity. Can he keep it up and carry this team and live up to his reputation as one of the world’s best we shall see.
Delvecchio (Parma)
Faces hid old team that deemed him surplus to the requirements. Wants to rediscover his form and perhaps gain a spot for the Azzurri (a long shot though), but he does have the drive and he could have a good season and what a better way to do it by scoring a goal on your old team.
Probable formations
Roma (4-3-3):
Curci, Panucci, Kuffour, Boro, Cufre, Perrotta, Aquilani, De Rossi, Totti, Nonda, Taddei. Coach: Spalletti.
Parma (4-3-3):
Lupatelli, Cannavaro, Cardone, Contini, Pasquale, Pisanu, Bolano, Simpilico, Bresciani, Delvecchio, Corradi. Coach: Beretta.
Bruno Cardile
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