Voller brings Roma realism
Sunday 12 September, 2004
Rudi Voller has been drafted in at the last minute to rescue Roma and concedes he can only do so much in these early stages.
“We are the fourth best team in Serie A, as on paper Milan, Inter and Juventus have something more,” commented the Coach.
“In the first few games I’ll have to put a great deal of trust in these players, their motivation and individual talents to get us through. We have to make sure every team that comes here does so thinking that they'll probably lose.”
The German was a hero for the Giallorossi fans during the 1980’s and early ‘90’s, now rushing to their aid when Cesare Prandelli resigned due to his wife’s ill health. He is expected to give an even greater leadership role to Francesco Totti, but singled out a surprising saviour.
“I am sure that Vincent Candela will do well this season. We spoke for a long time and it will be crucial to get him back to his old self. He really wants to prove himself and I hope this will be his year.”
Candela can give the side some much-needed width, especially with the tactical changes implemented by Voller.
“As a basic rule we will be using the 4-4-2 system,” he revealed as they shelved Prandelli’s more elaborate ideals. “We can change it along the way depending on our needs at that moment in time.”
In this tricky situation, Roma could not have asked for a tougher opening game than to welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Olimpico.
“They had a fantastic transfer campaign and can count on important individual talents. The Viola will no doubt try to win the match, so we have to be very focused, especially in defence.”
That is easier said than done, as although Philippe Mexes is available after his six-week ban was postponed pending appeal, Matteo Ferrari is suspended, Cristian Chivu injured and Traianos Dellas a major risk with a calf problem.
Gaetano D’Agostino, Damiano Tommasi, Gigi Sartor and striker Mido are also out, so we are likely to see fullback Leandro Cufre’ improvise as a central defender alongside Mexes.
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Viola unleash trident on Roma
Sunday 12 September, 2004
Fiorentina boss Emiliano Mondonico has no intention of playing like a Serie A new boy when he travels to Roma this afternoon.
“I don’t want to hear claims that Roma have more to lose than we do,” said the Coach. “I always go on to the pitch in order to win and that is what we’ll do today regardless of the fact we’re facing Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano.”
The Viola have had an extraordinary transfer campaign and are expected to scare the big clubs this season, but first Mondonico must figure out how to field all these stars together.
“I hope that the idea of taking on Fabrizio Miccoli and Christian Riganò will make the Roma players lose sleep rather than the other way round,” added Mondo. “I know I’ll be using lads who haven’t really played together yet, but the trident attack has worked well so far and I hope it’ll maintain its effectiveness.”
Their star of the summer so far has been Javier Portillo, whose goals also helped get Fiorentina through to the second round of the Coppa Italia, but all eyes will be on new buy Miccoli’s debut.
It will be a particularly special occasion for goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli, who will face his former club now that Sebastian Cejas has been ruled out for two months with a thigh strain.
“It won’t be a game like any other,” assured the ex-Roma shot-stopper. “I will look at the Curva Sud where the hard-line Roma fans are and get goosebumps, but after that initial moment I will defend the Viola colours with honour.”
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Baldini: Parma will amaze you
Sunday 12 September, 2004
The Gialloblu have sold off many of their star names, but new boss Silvio Baldini has every confidence Parma will fight for a Champions’ League spot.
“If we are on form,” insisted the Coach, “then Parma can play on level terms with anyone, including Real Madrid. We are all ready for this debut.”
The club has been able to hold on to Italian international Alberto Gilardino, even though financial worries have forced some major changes.
“I am sure that by the end of the season we will have something special to celebrate. I feel ready to bet on it.”
Baldini will make his official Parma debut at the Stadio Tardini against new boys Messina this afternoon.
“There is always a bit of pathos with your first game,” he explained. “Every debut, no matter what the division, I always feel those emotions. I am happy with that fact as it means I’m alive and doing a job I love.”
If Baldini is ambitious for this side, then President Guido Angiolini is no less enthusiastic.
“I think that, although perhaps not quite as good as last season, we have a competitive squad able to impress the fans. I hope that Parma can make it a top five finish with an eye on a place in Europe.”
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