Roma deserved more then Coppa Italia trophy
The majority of the Serie A spectators, except for Inter fans, will agree that Roma had been very close to the title last year. Controversial referee decisions that we talked about took the title out of their hands. After ending the season like that it is normal that Giallorossi did not avoid sending some bitter comments to the rivals during the summer. Totti and De Rossi, and even usually calm Spalleti talked about advantage Inter has with referees. But all of that will be forgotten, and Roma will start new season with the same ambitions. They have the same team like last year when they played the best football in Italy, but they did not bring any new stars because their financial situation is not that good. Totti talked about that problem and announced that without 2 or 3 excellent players his club can not compete with Inter, Milan and Juventus. They only new player is Julio Baptista from Madrid, while Mancini replacement is nowhere near. Roma has solid team, well enough for battles in Serie A, but as they have Champions League battles as well they could be without fresh air when the season comes to an end. The main advantage against the rivals is the fact that team is playing together for a long time.
Without big changes during the summer
Mancini departure to Inter is not that big loss. Ha was not standard first team player during the last year, and in Spalleti’s formation Vucinic would probably be ahead of him. Also, we should not forget that Brazilian was the guilty one for the problems in the dressing room as he had bad relation with Totti and with the other players as well. Also, Baptista could be used at couple of positions. New player is Risse who will help at the left flank, but we will have to wait and see if the Norwegian will adapt to the Italian style. Risse is stronger then Cassetti and with a lot of experience in Champions League and Premier League he could be the real catch. Spalleti took a long time to find replacements for center-back pair Juan-Mexes, and he found one in Loria from Siena who will be solid backup option. It looks like they are slightly better then last year and they could fight to repeat last year success.
In
Riise (Liverpool), Baptista (Real), Loria (Siena)
Out
Mancini (Inter), Giuly (PSG), Antunes, Ferrari, Curci
Betting verdict
To be honest, Roma is looking worse then Inter and Milan, but they certainly have some advantages as well. They also look better then Juventus and Fiorentina. Not so deep bench will be a problem, especially in Scudetto battle, but Spalleti is capable to motivate his players to give the best they have. Excellent style is their trademark in last few years and it will bring results. If Spalleti manage to integrate Baptista in the squad, we would not be surprised to see Roma in the battle for the title. Lot of will depend on Totti’s health, but even without him Roma players proved that they can win. This season could prove the quality of Montenegrin Vucinic. Roma took over his full contract from Lecce and he could prove his talent. Something similar can be said for Aquilani. He could be real solution for the midfield with De Rossi, not only for Roma but for Italy as well. Without injury problems and if key players continue with their last year form, Roma can fight for Scudetto. Even without it, Top 4 is the only option and everything else would be major disappointment.
Our tip: Roma to finish in top 3
Odds 1.55
Bookmaker: Bet365
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