re: AS Roma 2013-14 / Serie A Thread

AS Roma intermezzo thoughts:

Il Brutto:
The loss at Juve was disappointing but any Roma fan should be pleased sitting 2nd in the table at this juncture of the season.



Such a complete meltdown including the obligatory rash De Rossi tackle for a red card, a comically intentional handball, an offsides goal to one of the Big Three and a Pjanic nagging injury probably should also do much toward helping longtime Roma fans realize a more comfortable emotional bond with this year's squad. It happily dissuades any concern that our favorite players have been clandestinely replaced by rational, clear headed professionals or something so un-Roma-like as that.



Il Cattivo: The steep decline in form following Totti's injury and his slow return to form throws into stark relief what most already realize: he's the creative impetus that makes players like Gervinho, Florenzi (or Borini or Lamela etc etc etc) so effective. There's still no one that can take up that slack.




Il Buono: Benatia, who some already thought was one of the few best CBs in Europe while somewhat hidden at Udinese, has been even better than expected. He may well be the most indispensable player on the squad. The defense isn't quite as great as the numbers from the record setting start suggested but it's still very good and easily the best Roma has had in a decade.





Seconda Parte: Roma looks to be following the excellent summer market with a strong statement this winter: Radja Naingollan was signed today from Cagliari. Not only is this a good sign that money is committed to address some weak areas but also that Roma was able to get Naingollan over Juve, Milan, Inter and Napoli who were all in hot pursuit of his ball winning expertise.

That we're doing this while also continuing to add highly rated younger players like Abner and Leandro Parades this winter is even better.


If death is the mother of beauty, Roma's ritual suicide at Juventus Stadium may well see La Lupa Capitolina happily nursing a CL return.