Serie A: Genoa - Roma [24-11-07]

[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 13 - 24/11/07 (17.00 UK)
Genoa - Roma

Stadio Ferraris

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Genoa are looking to arrest a slump, but they have their work cut out as they host a Roma side itching to return to action after Week 12’s postponement.

It is crucial that Genoa get back on track after slipping to 12th place. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men seemed to be adapting to life in Serie A when they saw off Napoli and Cagliari and held Fiorentina, but the Rossoblu are now without a win in five and headed for trouble.

A defeat at the hands of Reggina in Week 12 showed worrying signs for them and Gasperini can’t afford to let the players lose confidence ahead of vital games against Siena and Empoli. Genoa’s tactician has insisted that he wants Francesco Totti to recover from injury and start for Roma to improve the spectacle – he could look a little foolish if Er Pupone undoes his side.

Roma are also looking to bounce back after drawing with Empoli and have had a frustrating wait after their game against Cagliari was rescheduled. The Giallorossi are in a three-way tie for third place and need to assert themselves to scare off Juventus and Udinese.

Despite being demolished by Inter in Week 6, the capital club are just three points behind the reigning champions and are still harbouring strong Scudetto aspirations. Luciano Spalletti’s troops are still unbeaten away from home and will fancy their chances of extending that impressive record if the strains of international football haven’t taken their toll.

Genoa stole the points the last time the two sides met in a 1-0 win back in February 1995.

It promises to be an emotional day for Genoa defender Cesare Bovo who plays against his hometown club and former employers. Reserve goalkeeper Alessio Scarpi has flu and probably won’t sit on the bench. Abdoullay Konko has muscle fatigue, but he should still be able to take his place at the back.

The big question is whether Totti will return to action. The talismanic captain has spent an agonising period recovering from an ankle injury, but has been further hampered by bronchitis. Alberto Aquilani, Rodrigo Taddei and Marco Andreolli will travel to Genoa, but they are set to miss out. Philippe Mexes should get the nod ahead of ex-Genoa man Matteo Ferrari, but he is still fragile after a heavy collision in the Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon.

Keep an eye on: Christian Panucci (Roma) – The veteran defender was Italy’s hero in Scotland and returns to his former club in the best of form.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Genoa (L D L D L) Roma (D W W D P)

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Genoa (probable): Rubinho; Konko, Bovo, Lucarelli; Rossi, Paro, Juric, Danilo; Leon, Borriello, Sculli

Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Juan, Cassetti; De Rossi, Pizarro, Mancini, Perrotta, Giuly; Vucinic

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Bovo’s Roma regrets Tuesday 20 November, 2007

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Genoa stopper Cesare Bovo is ready to take on former side Roma and has explained his regrets at leaving his hometown club.

The 24-year-old left the Giallorossi for Palermo after the 2005-06 campaign, despite protests from fans in the Eternal City.

“The affection of the fans always made me happy as a Roman and a Roma supporter,” Bovo told Il Romanista.

“To play for the Giallorossi was the best and that’s why I was upset when I was sold.

“I had a good relationship with Luciano Spalletti as we arrived at Roma at the same time.

“I was happy with my time at the Stadio Olimpico as I played in every position at the back. Looking back two years later I can see that the experience helped me so much.

“At times I made the mistake of saying I wasn’t happy with playing out of position and today I wouldn’t do it again.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[sinoy1]

Even us fans regret letting Bovo go.He was going to become a star.Sadly we cut him even though he played great.Everywhere and anywhere in the backline.I hope he plays just as good as he did when he was with us.

[LaVecchiaSignora]

This game is on saturday morning instead of sunday this week?

[LaVecchiaSignora]

Its going to be on at 10:00PM EST on fsc on saturday!

[D-Kin]

Totti may or may not travel, a decision will be made tomorrow.

[D-Kin]

Spalletti gives injury update Thursday 22 November, 2007

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Luciano Spalletti has given an update on his injured trio ahead of Roma’s trip to Genoa on Saturday.

In addition to captain Francesco Totti, midfielder Simone Perrotta and winger Rodrigo Taddei could miss out on Marassi.

Totti has been out of action since October 23 when he picked up an ankle injury against Sporting Lisbon and as he seemed set to recover, he aggravated the problem in training.

“Sadly, he kicked the ground,” Spalletti told Radio Radio.

“Tomorrow we will see how he is. We will know if it was just a small knock or whether it has worsened the inflammation that was already there.”

While there is a chance that Totti could make the trip north, Perrotta will certainly not be travelling with the squad.

“Simone won’t be in Genoa as he isn’t in the squad,” Spalletti confirmed.

“He has had a recurrence of his injury and has been sent home before the game in Kiev on Tuesday.”

However, there is good news regarding Taddei whose calf injury has lingered for longer than expected.

“He is a great professional as ever and he’s ready even when he’s tired, especially mentally,” the Roma Coach enthused.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Totti and Taddei are out.
channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Roma squad: Antunes, Barusso, Brighi, Cassetti, Curci, Cicinho, De Rossi, Esposito, Ferrari, Giuly, Juan, Mancini, Doni, Panucci, Pit, Pizarro, Tonetto, Vucinic, Zotti.

[D-Kin]

No Mexes or Perrotta, they're injured.

[D-Kin]

Genoa admire Roma's style Saturday 24 November, 2007

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Roma play the best football in Europe and should win the Scudetto, warns Genoa defender Francesco Bega as he prepares to face them today.

“We will take on a team that is imposing even without Francesco Totti,” he said ahead of the 17.00 UK time kick-off at Marassi.

“Luciano Spalletti’s side play the best football in Italy, possibly even in Europe. We will try to do well and play our style. I think a great game will come out of that battle.”

The Giallorossi are making the trip without many of their star players, including Totti, Rodrigo Taddei, Simone Perrotta, Philippe Mexes and Alberto Aquilani.

“The quality at Roma is clear for all to see,” agrees Genoa teammate Fabiano. “Yet we have everything needed and the belief that we can beat them.”

Genoa have an excellent record against Roma here, winning 20 times in Serie A, drawing 15 and losing on just five occasions.

However, this fixture has not been played since a 1-0 home victory in February 1995.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[dukeofdavinci]

whats up guys, just popedto say a quick helo before im swallowed back in a wave of work for another week.any way hoping for win in this game and kick start a momentum through the festive periods.

ciao, be back in a weeks time.forza giallorossi!!

[sinoy1]

1-0 Panucci so far.

Barruso in for Pizarro.

[sinoy1]

final 1-0.

Panucci scoring from a header.....Di Vaio's goal should have counted but was called offside.Tough decision.

[LAF]

Panucci is a cock .

I forgot this was on. I thought you would have slipped up here by the sounds of it you should have.