08 May 2019
ROMA'S PATH...
We played Roma at the Allianz earlier this season, winning 1-0. At that time, compared to the Bianconeri, Roma had less than half of the points that we had (24 to 49). 5 heavy defeats affected their ranking, which saw them drop many points down the table. However, the most critical week came in the space of a few days when Roma lost the city derby (0-3) and were eliminated in the Champions League by Porto. At that moment, new manager, Claudio Ranieri was appointed and after 9 games with the new coach, the situation is unchanged.
ON THE UP...
Roma v Lazio, in the league, at home. Lorenzo Pellegrini's performance was one of his best yet, scoring the first goal just before the end of the first half, sending Roma into the break with the advantage. Lazio equalised with Immobile but the balance only lasted for four minutes. It was then Kolarov’s turn to step up, thumping in a goal with his world-renowned left foot. Finally, it was Pellegrini again who was involved in Roma’s third goal, finding Fazio for a winning header to conclude the game at 3-1.
...AND THE DOWN
Roma’s season was strongly characterised by a series of subpar results which took place at times when the team was giving impressions of having found good form. A surprising lack of continuity influenced not only the team, but also the mood of the environment. The defeat in Udine was arguably the match that sent the team into full crisis after they had just changed their coach. However, it was more the fact that the defeat arrived after one of Roma’s most positive performances of the season. A 4-1 win against Sampdoria.
THE PROTAGONIST
11 goals so far: The Pharaoh has returned to his "old" times, when in 2012-13 with Milan he had closed the season with as many as 16 goals. Exploding onto the scene at a very young age, the twenty-six-year-old from Savona is a player who attacks spaces well and is very good at changing directions. His best seasonal performance was Roma v Sampdoria, when he scored half of the four goals for the hosts.
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
On Sunday, we will find ourselves in front of a team that in the first part of the season differs so much from the second although Di Francesco and Ranieri have developed the squad to what you see today. The 4 2 3 1 formation was used by both: However, high pressing was used by the former Sassuolo coach, while a more tame defense is used by the current Giallorossi coach. Building play from the back from Di Francesco and long ball forward from Ranieri.
In the first leg , Roma made it difficult for Allegri's team in the first few minutes, looking for quick balls into the strikers, the strategy was clear for forward runs from the full-backs, to inhibit more attacking options.
However, we’ve always managed to find the winning goal by exploiting the will of the visiting team to build from behind, even if pressed. Many balls were lost by the Giallorossi and Juventus managed to take advantage by scoring and creating chances to score.
