CL: Dynamo Kiev - Roma [27-11-07]

[D-Kin]

Totti and Mexes miss Kiev trip Sunday 25 November, 2007

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Francesco Totti and Philippe Mexes will not make Roma’s Champions League trip to Dynamo Kiev.

The two players also missed out on Saturday’s 1-0 Serie A win away to Genoa and have not recovered in time for European duty.

Totti has been out since October 23 with a bruised right ankle and has still not returned to full training, as he feels pain when kicking the ball.

Mexes is out with head trauma he suffered during an accidental clash with teammate Alexander Doni during the game with Sporting Lisbon.

Luciano Spalletti must also do without Simone Perrotta, who had a thigh problem during international duty with Italy this week, Alberto Aquilani and Marco Andreolli.

The match with Dynamo Kiev will be officiated by German referee Wolfgang Stark.

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

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[LaVecchiaSignora]

WTF seriously, totti needs to get back now...he could have broken his ankle again and heeled in less time...he either hurt his ankle worse then they are telling us or something

[sinoy1]

Yeah apparently the bruising is a bit more complicated then first thought.The blood somehow got between the ankle bone and ligaments thus creating a slow process of healing....or so I read.

He's still feeling some pain and the Docs wont let him play unless he has no pain what so ever.

Id rather loose him now that we're facing all these crap teams then loose him when we're facing the 5-8 monster teams in a row.

Mexes' head trauma is worrying me though.

Perrotta should be back after the Kiev game.



I want to see CICINHO PLAY!

[D-Kin]

Panucci prepares for Kiev Monday 26 November, 2007

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Christian Panucci couldn’t be on better form as his Roma side prepare to face Dynamo Kiev in Tuesday’s key Champions League clash.

The veteran stopper was the hero for Italy against Scotland at Hampden Park and he popped up with a replica header to hand Roma three points against Genoa.

A win in Kiev will secure qualification for the Giallorossi and Panucci is in a confident mood.

“It is a very important game and it’s crucial that we go out there with the right attitude,” he explained.

“We feel like a very strong team. We are doing well and we have the right balance so we are going to Kiev with high hopes. I expect us to get through to the last 16.

“I don’t feel like I’m the form player at the moment as there are lots of us playing well.”

Although Dynamo Kiev are propping up the Group F table with no points and 12 goals conceded against their name, Panucci isn’t taking anything for granted.

“Dynamo are a good side and they play nice football, even if they haven’t done very well in the Champions League,” he insisted.

“We will be going from today’s 28 degrees to almost polar temperatures. We are just hoping that the pitch is in good condition.”

Brazilian winger Rodrigo Taddei returns to the squad, but captain Francesco Totti is still out of action. Mirko Vucinic remains Roma’s only striker.

Roma (squad): Curci, Doni; Antunes, Cassetti, Cicinho, Ferrari, Juan, Panucci, Tonetto; Barusso, Brighi, De Rossi, Esposito, Giuly, Mancini, Pit, Pizarro, Taddei; Vucinic

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[D-Kin]

Spalletti sees Dynamo danger Tuesday 27 November, 2007

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Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti isn’t taking victory over Dynamo Kiev tonight for granted and fears a Ukrainian side playing without pressure.

The Giallorossi can ensure qualification if they better Sporting Lisbon’s result away to Manchester United.

Kiev are yet to pick up a point in this season’s Champions League, but Spalletti doesn’t see three points as a formality for his injury-ridden squad.

“We have to book our place in the next round, while Dynamo have nothing to lose and they will have no fear or nerves,” he told UEFA.com.

“They have motivated players determined to show their best and they won recent League matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Arsenal Kiev.

“Dynamo are fighting for the title in Ukraine, so there is no reason to underestimate them.”

Roma are without captain Francesco Totti, Philippe Mexes and Alberto Aquilani, but winger Rodrigo Taddei is set to return.

“It is down to the Coach to ensure that the absence of players isn’t felt because a boss rarely has a full squad at his disposal anyway,” Spalletti concluded.

Dynamo tactician Oleg Luzhny doesn’t seem so optimistic as his side fight for three of the six points needed to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

“Our position is far from ideal,” he admitted. “We have to win our last two matches to have any chance of playing in the UEFA Cup, but we have big selection problems.

“Everything depends on me and the players now. They have to be motivated and fight hard for every ball.”

Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Ferrari, Juan, Cassetti; De Rossi, Brighi, Mancini, Pizarro, Tonetto; Vucinic

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[sinoy1]

Mirko with a Brace Panucci scoring YET A FUCKING GAIN and Pizarro playing some of the silkyest football Ive ever seen.We're on fire folks.

4-1 we're in the final 16.

[LaVecchiaSignora]

Good news! I didnt get to watch the game but i heard great things!

[D-Kin]

Champions League, Gp F Matchday 5 - 27/11/07 (19.45)
Dynamo Kiev 1 - 4 Roma
Panucci 4 (R), Vucinic 36, 78 (R), Giuly 32 (R), Bangoura 63 (D)
Olympic Stadium, Kiev

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Roma booked their ticket to the knockouts in spectacular fashion with a 4-1 victory away to Dynamo Kiev.

The Giallorossi would qualify for the next round with a victory, but made the visit to Ukraine without Francesco Totti, Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani and Philippe Mexes. Rodrigo Taddei made his comeback and Amantino Mancini was surprisingly dropped after a series of disappointing performances. Dynamo also had injury worries that ruled out striker Kleber, defenders Rodrigo and Pape Diakhate as well as goalkeeper Olexander Shovkovskii.

Roma could not have had a better start, as they broke through after 189 seconds of play in Kiev. There was a little confusion over who got the final touch, as Christian Panucci seemed to net his third goal in four official games, having already given Italy a crucial victory in Scotland and his club a 1-0 win away to Genoa at the weekend. Panucci's cross from the right appeared to go straight in, as although Mirko Vucinic was at full stretch from six yards, he did not seem to make contact. UEFA at first assigned the goal to Vucinic, then changed their position later on.

Panucci almost made it 2-0 without doubts when he turned a free header wide at the back post from Max Tonetto's cross.

Tonetto ran on to a David Pizarro searching pass and created another good chance for Ludovic Giuly's wayward header. Vucinic had a promising counter close down with some difficulty and Alexander Doni dealt with a tricky Bangoura cross-shot.

But the Italians had the better of the overall play and goalkeeper Olexander Rybka had to thrust out a desperate leg to deny Vucinic's left-foot strike.

It was no surprise to see them double their advantage on 32 minutes. Marco Cassetti disposessed Ninkovic and immediately set the ball rolling for former Barcelona star Giuly sprung the offside trap and calmly waltz round Rybka.

Roma were in stunning form and moments later gave themselves a third goal. This time Vucinic could have no doubts about his celebration, as he ran on to Giuly's searching pass to complete a counter with the inside of his right foot.

Taddei was making his comeback after two months and did not seem match fit, so he made way for Mauro Esposito after the break. Rincon immediately had a chance to get Dynamo back into it, but wasted a counter-attack.

Rybka parried a Tonetto left-foot effort, but there was bad news for Roma when Daniele De Rossi limped off with an ankle problem caused by Pizarro clattering into his teammate.

Dynamo got back into the game when Juan missed the ball and allowed Bangoura to beat Doni in a one-on-one.

Giuly really should have restored the three-goal advantage, set up by a brilliant Vucinic move only for the Frenchman to aim a weak effort wide of the target with the goal gaping.

Vucinic completed his brace 12 minutes from time. Tonetto was the creator, the Montenegro international fired in with his right foot from the edge of the area to leave the goalkeeper stranded.

It was so nearly a hat-trick, his shot skimming the upright before he made way for Cicinho.

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Dynamo Kiev: Rybka; Dopilka, Gavrancic, Vaschuk, Nesmachniy; Ghioane; Gusev, Ninkovic (Shatskikh 55), Rotan (Belkevich 46); Rincon (Milevskyy 69); Bangoura

Roma: Doni; Panucci, Juan, Ferrari, Tonetto; De Rossi (Barusso 60), Pizarro; Taddei (Esposito 46), Giuly, Cassetti; Vucinic (Cicinho 84)

Ref: Stark (Ger)

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[D-Kin]

Spalletti proud of Euro Roma Tuesday 27 November, 2007

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Luciano Spalletti was brimming with pride after Roma qualified a round early. “This proves our quality.”

The Giallorossi’s 4-1 thrashing of Dynamo Kiev ensured second place behind Manchester United and a spot in the knockouts.

“Qualification a round early in a very difficult group is a confirmation of the quality in this squad,” said the Coach.

“We scored early, moved the ball around well and pushed forward while keeping compact. The lads really did do well, as this was a dangerous game and we knew Manchester United had to come to the Olimpico in the final round. The side played like they knew the right attitude and exactly what had to be done.

“We played very well and from now on it will all be extremely difficult. It is the second year running Roma have gone through to the knockouts and that is because there are players of real quality.”

The 4-1 triumph came despite missing Francesco Totti, Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani and Philippe Mexes.

“In recent results and the way our matches go I can say we do have more strength in depth now and maintain our identity even when some players are missing. This is thanks to the club providing me with a solid squad and we are confident about the future.”

With Mirko Vucinic netting a brace, how will Spalletti adjust the side when Totti returns from his ankle injury?

“I must make choices in every game and Totti and Vucinic can quite happily play together. Mirko is a very modern, complete player who can adapt himself to situations and find space out wide. It is this characteristic that allows him to often shake off markers to get the ball. He is a great football player.”

The tactician surprised pundits by leaving Amantino Mancini on the bench in favour of Rodrigo Taddei, Ludovic Giuly and Marco Cassetti.

“We were rather forced into this because Matteo Brighi has a muscular problem, so I chose Giuly next to Vucinic to give us more strength and defensive help on the flanks with Cassetti and Max Tonetto.

“Mancini taken out robbed the flank of some quality, but I put it back in to the centre with David Pizarro.”

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[D-Kin]

Panucci's magic moment Tuesday 27 November, 2007

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Christian Panucci was finally given the goal by UEFA as his incredible scoring streak continues. “Everything’s going my way!”

His cross whipped in at the near post just four minutes into tonight’s 4-1 win at Dynamo Kiev, but for an hour the goal had been attributed to Mirko Vucinic.

“I was a little lucky tonight, even if it was a curling cross. At the moment everything is going my way. I am happy with the goal, but the important thing was the qualification and how the team played.

“We have a lot of enthusiasm and need to improve on our concentration, especially in moments of difficulty, as we tend to get a bit too wrapped up in playing the beautiful game.”

Panucci had the chance to extend Roma’s advantage, but turned a free header off target moments later.

“I should’ve made it 2-0, but I waited and by the time I got to the ball it was too late, so the contact wasn’t right.”

Nonetheless, the 34-year-old defender is in stunning shape after scoring decisive goals for Italy against Scotland and for Roma in Genoa and Kiev.

“I have always lived a healthy lifestyle and tried to give 100 per cent, as that is the way to get results. Another four years seems like a bit much, but I’ll keep going as long as I enjoy my football.”

The Giallorossi are through in second place behind Manchester United, who fought back to beat Sporting Lisbon 2-1 at Old Trafford, so they’ll be paired with one of the top seeds.

“There are some fascinating squads in the draw and I want to just enjoy it rather than worry about who we’ll end up against,” added Panucci.

The final group game is irrelevant, but the veteran could still face a tough task when Manchester United come to the Olimpico.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a tough player to mark and very fast, but we’ll see what Spalletti decides. I may need to borrow a moped!”

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[D-Kin]

De Rossi faces injury race Wednesday 28 November, 2007

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Daniele De Rossi hopes he can recover from an ankle injury in time to face Udinese after he limped off in Kiev.

“My ankle isn’t in great shape, but it isn’t serious and I don’t think it will take too long to recover,” said the Roma midfielder.

“I hope to be back for Sunday against Udinese. It has swollen up a little, but the trouble is I have always had problems with my ankles and broke both of them as a youngster, so we have to be careful.”

The Giallorossi crushed Dynamo Kiev 4-1 last night to go through to the next phase of the Champions League.

They were 3-0 up by half-time and took the lead after just 189 seconds with Christian Panucci’s cross-shot.

“The real impact was the cold, which we were not accustomed to. So we decided to start strong just to keep ourselves warm! We have more quality and in the end that showed.”

General Manager Rosella Sensi was also pleased with the performance and Roma’s ticket for the knockout round.

“I strongly hoped we would qualify, especially after all the good work we had done, but it was truly a great game,” she noted.

“This was a very important game, as it was by no means certain we would qualify. The team needs to be praised and nobody should underestimate this achievement.”

Mirko Vucinic bagged a brace on the night and has filled in admirably for the injured Francesco Totti.

“I hope Vucinic can still improve and become a world class star, perhaps better than Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

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[D-Kin]

Mirko’s magic night Wednesday 28 November, 2007

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Roma marksman Mirko Vucinic has spoken of his pride after last night’s brace against Dynamo Kiev.

The Montenegrin star eased the Giallorossi into the last 16 of the Champions League with his double in a 4-1 win in the Ukraine.

“I’m happy with yesterday’s two goals,” he told the Press before leaving Kiev Airport this morning.

“And to think that in the past I have made so many mistakes, like against Empoli when I missed an absolute sitter. Now things are going so much better.”

There was some concern for Vucinic after he picked up a knock last night, but he has allayed fears.

“I took a decent blow and I felt severe pain,” the ex-Lecce man explained. “I broke my boot and I had to change it, but I hope to be back for Sunday.”

Vucinic concluded by describing his feelings when he heard that Montenegro had been paired with Italy in World Cup 2010 qualification.

“I will be emotional when I face the Azzurri in World Cup qualification,” he grinned.

“Lots of players from our national side play abroad and together we are a good side.

“I’m also excited because they are building a new stadium in Podgorica that will be similar to the one in Montecarlo.”

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[LaVecchiaSignora]

At least we dont have to worr about the next game we can mind of just rest our players because weve already advanced