Serie A: Livorno - Roma [21-01-07]

[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 20 - 21/1/07 (14.00 UK)
Livorno - Roma

Stadio Picchi

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Scudetto hopefuls Roma travel to the Stadio Picchi to take on crisis hit Livorno. The Amaranto have endured a chaotic few days after their 5-1 defeat to Atalanta, with Coach Daniele Arrigoni initially sacked and then reinstated on Tuesday.

Unfortunately for supporters of the Tuscan outfit, these scenes aren’t exactly uncommon with President Aldo Spinelli around. Having failed to learn his lesson from last season’s harsh criticism of Roberto Donadoni – now deemed good enough for the Nazionale – he gave Arrigoni his marching orders despite Livorno being just four points off the Champions League places – only to then sensationally change his mind.

Goalkeeper Marco Amelia and skipper Cristiano Lucarelli both slated the chief for his actions, only to feel the sharp end of Spinelli’s tongue in return. However, both men are likely to retain their places in a starting XI which sees few changes from the side drubbed in Bergamo.

Sami Kuffour and Dario Passoni both return from suspension, replacing Dario Knezevic and Carmine Coppola. The former picked up an injury, whilst the latter was sent off on his debut. Paulinho – with just one Serie A goal to his name – is expected to be favoured ahead of Luca Vigiani in attack, and Fabio Galante is tipped to replace Rahman Rezaei at the back.

Roma lost more ground in the title race last weekend thanks to a last minute moment of madness from Cristian Chivu, as he needlessly conceded a penalty which allowed Messina to draw level. The gap at the top is now nine points which, given Inter’s current form, could prove to be too much for Luciano Spalletti’s boys.

The return of Philippe Mexes comes as a welcome boost for the Giallorossi, with the French ace tipped to slot into the side in place of Matteo Ferrari. However, Daniele De Rossi and David Pizarro are both suspended, handing Marco Cassetti and new boy Christian Wilhelmsson a chance to impress. And they’ll need to be on top of their game – anything other than three points would surely spell the end of Roma’s title aspirations.

Man on fire: Amantino Mancini (Roma) – Despite rumours of a bust-up with Totti, Mancini is at the top of his game with five goals in his last four Serie A appearances.

Last season: Livorno 0-0 Roma

Form guide: Livorno (L D L D L) Roma (L W W W D)

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Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Kuffour, Galante; Pfertzel, Morrone, Passoni, Filippini, Pasquale; Paulinho, Lucarelli

Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Chivu, Tonetto; Cassetti, Perrotta; Wilhelmsson, Taddei, Mancini; Totti

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[dukeofdavinci]

well last week was a disappointing one,but its over now.

livorno is next and i think spalletti will ring some changes.also it maybe debut for our new signings and lets hope they can create the impact we hoped for whn we got them.

obviously we cannot look down on livorno just bcoz they got a beating last week.they will be very though this time around and we need to avoid silly errors and make sure we dont go too laid back.a 2-0 victory for us

[Forza_Roma]

Well this comes at a great time as Livorno seem to be going through some difficult times as an orginization. Glad Wilhelmsson will ge the start. Unfortunately, Daniele and David will miss this clash. Mexes is a welcomed return to our backline. He is always missed when not playing. We need to gain maximun points and hope Inter have a difficult time against Fiorentina!

[D-Kin]

With Mexes back I can see you winning this but then again we just don't know how the Livorno players will react to the recent turmoil at the club.

[Forza_Roma]

True...they may play with something to prove to management. They may play full out in honour of their coach. I guess we'll find out this weekend!

[TrentBlue]

Livorno have one of the worst defences in Serie A and are hardly prolific. Even with De Rossi & Pizarro suspended I fully expecting Roma to come away with all 3 points.

Hopefully Wilhelmsson will take his chance to impress if he starts.

Prediction: Livorno 1 - 3 Roma.

TrentBlue.

[Forza_Roma]

Wilhelmsson already impressed yesterday in CI. He is lightning quick. Seemed to be in good position and did well to circulate the ball. I wouldn't be surprised if he got a goal this weekend!

[D-Kin]

Against Livorno it's likely.

[Forza_Roma]

Not what Roma need at the moment. Any other week we could of dealt with this. But with David and Daniele missing the Livorno match, it puts us in a difficult position. Spalletti will have Wilhelmsson, Rosi, Perrotta, Taddei and Mancini to make up the midfield and Chivu.
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Roma suffer Cassetti loss

Thursday 18 January, 2007

Cristian Chivu may have to play in midfield for Roma this weekend after Marco Cassetti picked up an injury.

The latter was all set to start in the game at Livorno due to the suspensions of David Pizarro and Daniele De Rossi.

However, the former Lecce player picked up a knee problem in the warm-up before last night’s Coppa Italia draw at Parma.

Cassetti underwent tests and scans at the Villa Stuart clinic on Thursday which revealed a minor ligament strain.

The Italian has been ordered to rest completely for the next five days before being able to resume normal training next week.

Given his absence, Chivu [pictured] may be used as a holding midfielder – alongside Simone Perrotta – rather than in his usual centre-back role.

[D-Kin]

I'm not sure about Chivu playing in midfield but at the moment you really don't have many options. It looks like Ferrari will keep his place in the side.

[D-Kin]

Oh and I've merged this with the Livorno game thread.

[bludhaven]

Chivu could be used in MF...but in more of an oppressive way, staying back. We could also try to revert the MF around, so Chivu goes back into DF and we bring on Rosi.
Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Chivu, Tonetto; Rosi?, Perrotta; Wilhelmsson, Taddei, Mancini; Totti

It is an option that could be tried out

[D-Kin]

Roma squad:

BERTAGNOLI J. Sergio
CASSETTI Marco
CHIVU Cristian
CURCI Gianluca
FERRARI Matteo
MANCINI Alessandro
MARANGON Alexander
MEXES Philippe
OKAKA C. Stefano
PALERMO Simone
PANUCCI Christian
PERROTTA Simone
ROSI Aleandro
TADDEI Rodrigo
TAVANO Francesco
TONETTO Max
TOTTI Francesco
VIRGA Valerio
VUCINIC Mirko
WILHELMSSON Christian

[Forza_Roma]

Originally Posted by bludhaven

Chivu could be used in MF...but in more of an oppressive way, staying back. We could also try to revert the MF around, so Chivu goes back into DF and we bring on Rosi.
Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Chivu, Tonetto; Rosi?, Perrotta; Wilhelmsson, Taddei, Mancini; Totti

It is an option that could be tried out

That's the same lineup that i invisioned. But i would put Wilhelmsson on the right and have Taddei in more of a central position. We can bette rutilize Wilhelmsson on the right with his pace and Taddei can play a role similar to Perrotta. We definitely lack creativity in our midfield without De Rossi, Pizarro, but we will make due.

[D-Kin]

Well you've got a number of youngsters in the squad so maybe one or two will get a chance.