Another re-scheduling apparently happened again for Serie A match between As Roma against Inter Milan as after only being relocated from 20.45 kick off into 15.00 on Saturday, the Lega Serie A have to move the day into Sunday as well.

This situation arrived because the snow problem apparently still can’t be solved on Saturday despite having the match being pushed forward into an evening kick off, as at the moment the weather already showed some serious situation.

There’s a fear that the match won’t be played at all this weekend but apparently according to the latest news from Italy, things can be sorted out on Sunday, which is a good news for football fans considering Roma v Inter is one of the most anticipated match this week. Obviously, the fans around the globe that watch from television must be content with the fact that they can’t enjoy the comfort of watching two, three big games in a different day but having the games being played is obviously more important.

Aside from the Roma against Inter, there are also another important match which was being re-scheduled due to bad weather issue, that game is Ac Milan’s encounter against Napoli. That tie was supposedly set for 20.45 kick off on Sunday but got pushed up to 15.00 on the same day, despite the Rossoneri was actually asking for a postponing instead.

The bad weather in Serie A this winter have really been disturbing the competition as until now there have been several matches that got postponed because of this situation. A condition that raises the worries of many people, hoping that a solution can be found immediately not only for this current month but for next season, so there will be no more canceled match as of today.

 
photo credit: batrax

Having already “lose” several matches in the past few weeks due to bad weather, Lega Serie A commissioner decided to make a change for some matches for this upcoming week in order to avoid another forced postponing.

The rescheduled games are, As Roma v Inter Milan, Cesena v Catania and Ac Milan v Napoli, who will now be played in the afternoon instead of their previous evening schedule, hoping that the cold weather won’t be troubling yet at an early hour.

Two matches, Roma v Inter and Cesena v Catania will still be played on Saturday, while Milan v Napoli also isn’t changing any dates despite previous request from the Rossoneri vice president, Adriano Galliani, asking to change the game into different dates. This decision seems to be welcomed well by the clubs as no objections been filed following the fixtures changes, although it remains to be seen whether changing hours would be an effective decisions for those teams.

The weather have been a problematic situation in Serie A for the last few seasons, mainly because the quality of many stadiums in the league that hasn’t been updated, giving difficulties for both players and also supporters. Moreover, there have also been some ideas of changing the schedule especially in winter time by expanding the holiday, so when the fixtures starts, the cold weather won’t be much of an issue anymore.

However, improving stadiums or expanding the holiday would also bring problems, as for the first idea, it would take sometime before teams managed to get their home base updated with the latest technology. Meanwhile, giving extra time off for players, eventually will make the competition gets longer, something that probably isn’t something profitable for television, which is the main financial support for Serie A teams.

photo credit: mitsurinho

Interesting development regarding Daniele De Rossi’s future emerged in Italy suggesting that the midfielder would agree to extend his contract with As Roma but apparently it wont guarantee his stay since there’s a release clause being involved.

According to Sky Sports Italia, De Rossi looks set to sign a new five year deal worth 6 million Euro per season for the capital side but his asking for an additional 15 million Euro release clause to be activated a month before the season ends.

This condition obviously raises lots of questions as it would obviously gives plenty of room for De Rossi to move away since 15 million is not actually a steep numbers for the clubs interested in signing the Italian international. Rumors suggested that this clause would give Roma a chance to get some money along with appropriate time in finding replacement should the 28-years-old decided to flee from Olympico next summer.

Should this new deal along with the clause does exist it would be interesting to see whether De Rossi does planning to leave by providing an adequate compensation for Roma or it’s just some simple conditions that didn’t mean much. Obviously, providing a very low release clause would be testing the seriousness of those reportedly interested on the midfielder and should an adequate offer arrives, the Giallorossi have no other options than to let the negotiation happens.

De Rossi’s future has really been under siege since this summer as his contract will end in June 2012 but he seems reluctant to sign an extension until the current latest report about the new deal along with clause came up. Next few days will be very important in seeing the validity of the report and to see the reaction of Roma fans figuring out the extension which doesn’t really mean their keep will be keeping their supposedly future captain after all.

photo credit: acos93

Juventus continue their fine showing in the league at Italian Cup after successfully demolishing As Roma 3-0 on Wednesday, giving Antonio Conte’s side a ticket to the semi final where they’re scheduled to meet the winner of Ac Milan-Lazio game.

Bianconeri’s legend, Alessandro Del Piero showed sparks of his glory days after scoring a wonderful goal on the match, while other goals were scored by Emanuele Giaccherini and also Simon Kjaer’s own goal.

Despite not having any European football, Juventus wisely opting to give some reserves their chaces while Roma fielded a pretty strong team although they’re obviously missing Daniele De Rossi along with Pablo Osvaldo. The high confidence running down the Juve players are pretty much visible as it took them only six minutes to break the dead lock when Giaccherini broke through the offside trap before coolly beating Maarten Stekelenburg.

Roma tried to reach immediately after going down but Miralem Pjanic and Simon Kjaer failed to convert their chances into goals and after 30 minutes it was Juve who managed to double their lead through Del Piero. The veteran captain scored what is called to be his trade mark move, rushing trough defenders, cutting back and released a wonderful curling right footed shot which simply beat Stekelenburg all ends down.

Going two goals down isn’t actually encouraging for Roma but they kept on working to get back into the game and crafter several goal scoring opportunities until the second half period but nothing seems to go right for them. Things eventually gotten worse for the visitor as in around the 68 minute, Eric Lamela received a red card from the referee after being judged to kick out Giorgio Chiellini in an off the ball incident spotted by the linesman.

Playing with only 10 men obviously made things harder for Roma and in the end they eventually surrendered another goal right in the final minute when Kjaer attempted clearance from Quagliarella’s cross strolled into Stekelenburg’s net. The scoreline pretty much summed up the Giallorossi’s poor defensive display on the match, showing how much they were missing De Rossi’s presence as their defensive midfielder.

Match Report:

Juventus v Roma 3-0
Goals: Giaccherini 6, Del Piero 30, Kjaer (og) 90 (Juventus)
Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Estigarribia, Marrone, Pirlo, Giaccherini (Krasic 88); Del Piero (Quagliarella 77), Borriello (Matri 63)
Roma: Stekelenburg; Taddei, Kjaer, Heinze, Jose Angel; Simplicio (Greco 67), Gago, Pjanic; Lamela, Totti (Perrotta 72), Bojan (Borini 58)

photo credit: _bianconero

Francesco Totti might actually leave his national team’s retirement seat for the upcoming Euro 2012 especially after knowing that Azzurri’s coach, Cesare Prandelli, is opening the chance for the Roma talisman’s return.

Answering Prandelli’s statement, Totti himself stated that he won’t mind playing for Italy again but he insist that the decision will only be made in May as he wants to know his condition at that month.

Although still asking for more time before considering a return to Gli Azzurri, Totti revealed his gratitude over Prandelli’s words as it means that the tactician gives lots of care of the captain’s performances. The 2006 World Cup winner has started to show improvement in his performance, carrying Roma into achieving several victories recently, simply becoming one of their important assets on the pitch, despite receiving lots of criticism earlier in the season.

“Would I return to La Nazionale? Never say never. Let’s see how I am in May, I’m glad that a Coach like Prandelli would take me into account. I have always said that I have had a good relationship with him, even if I have worked only a week or so under him,” Totti stated. “He has done great things with the national team. If I arrive in May in this condition, I will consider it. The main thing is to be professional to the end.”

Earlier, Prandelli revealed that Totti is among the players that he is considering for the upcoming Euro especially since they’re currently having some crisis in the striking department with the long term injury for Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi. The two players were the ex-Fiorentina’s coach main choice to lead the national team front line and without them, the Azzurri would obviously need a creative attacker as all other options left are classic center forwards.

“At the end of the season we will evaluate the physical condition of the players, We started the campaign with a project and if there are players with great character in good shape then they will be taken into consideration. Does that include Totti? Why not, if he’s in good shape,” Prandelli stated.

Totti actually has vowed to retire from the Italian national team right after they won the 2006 World Cup but recently changed his commitment by stating that he won’t mind playing again for the Azzurri should the coach needs his help. The Roma’s captain is not that young anymore but should he manage to keep his current condition, he could be used at least as a special weapon for Prandelli’s side in the upcoming Euro, considering his creativity up front.

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Francesco Totti didn’t only managed to inspire his team into a fabulous 5-1 victory but he also successfully broke a record, becoming the only player in Serie A who has scored 211 goals just for one club.

Totti’s double against Cesena eventually took him surpassing previous achievement made by Ac Milan’s legend, Gunnard Nordahl, who scored 210 goals for the Rossoneri during their campaign around the 1950′s.

Totti must have felt that the Saturday was going to be a very special one for him as after only around 25 seconds, the talismanic captain managed to grab a goal for his team, maximizing Eric Lamela’s back hell pass. Making the historic evening even more sweeter, the captain took less than 10 minutes to break Nordahl’s record as in the eight minute, he scored his double and once again it comes from Lamela’s assist.

Roma went on to demolish Cesena with three more goal from Fabio Borini a minute after Totti’s second, Juan and also summer signing, Miralem Pjanic, who close the home team’s goal rout on the weekend. The victory doesn’t take away Totti’s magical record breaking night as the talismanic captain leaves the pitch with his a proud attitude simply because creating records after records with Roma is pretty much something he always dreams off doing, even in the latest stage of his career.

“It’s what I always wanted: to play for one club and break record after record, Besides, it is even more wonderful to score in front of these fans. We’re seeing the perfect Roma, a team that has found its path and wants to continue like this,” Totti revealed to Sky Italia right after the match.

This convincing victory could really grew Roma and also Totti’s confidence to face the second part of this season as so far they have been getting positive results which obviously could improve their place in the table. Should they can find a success in their Italian Cup midweek clash against the league leader, Juventus, the Giallorossi could really fire themselves back into one of potential title conteders in this second part of the season.

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There has been conversation that Roma board is getting to offer Luis Enrique a new contract deal.

The former Barcelona coach joined Roma last summer and got off to tough start when Roma were eliminated from the UEFA Europa League by ŠK Slovan Bratislava

Enrique is thankful for the vote of confidence, but understands how quickly sentiment can change:

“For me it’s an incredible gesture from the board, in a period when many had given up on me. I really thank the Club for this. But a year and a half is a long time and if we lose 4 games in a row, I’ll return to being a ars…I have to work harder to earn that”.

Luis Enrique spoke about recent comments made by General Manager Franco Baldini, confirming that the Spaniard was offered a contract extension after the collapse in Florence to demonstrate Club’s support.

“I still have a year and a half of contract and this is an eternity in football. There is still a lot of work to be done before I deserve an extension. We aren’t talking about it because it doesn’t make any sense”

Do you think that Roma should give Enrique a new deal or wait until the end of the season and look at it then?

Daniele De Rossi’s future has become such a exciting gossip news for Italian football press this season as the player until today still hasn’t decided whether to renew his deal with As Roma or move away from the capital city.

With many big clubs are reportedly gunning on the opportunity to pounce De Rossi, the player’s situation pretty much evolved into a drama which the midfielder isn’t liking at all and has specifically call for patience from the media.

Being interviewed right after Roma’s match against Catania on Saturday, De Rossi has asked that all of the drama around his future to be stopped as he himself will eventually reveal his decision soon since things are being worked out currently. The Italian international promised that when the time comes he will be the one revealing his options for the future and even explained the reason for whatever his decisions is.

Months ago I said that I’d be the first to come here in front of the cameras and explain my decision, as I owe that to the fans. I don’t like soap operas and this is turning into one. Rest assured that at the right moment you’ll know everything. We are working on it and when we’ve finished then we’ll make it public, De Rossi explained.

The Italian international has been raising lots of questions regarding his future as despite Roma’s continuous attempt in offering new deal for the player, De Rossi still hasn’t decide anything as just yet. Considering the fact that he could be a free agent in the summer, many worries has now crawls among the Giallorossi’s fans, who think that the player might be leaving the club since it’s taking a pretty long time for the midfielder to reveal everything.

There’s a strong indication that De Rossi is still waiting to see how far the new Roma can really challenge this season as considering his age, the midfielder might finally feel there’s a need to immediately move for a title winning club as soon as possible. Having only around six months left on his contract, an immediate answer from the Italian international is very much awaited especially by the Roma faithful.

photo credit: Catatan Bola Photo Gallery

As Roma carried their fine form in the league to Copa Italia as the Giallorossi stunned Fiorentina 3-0 in Rome, repaying their defeat in the league not long ago from the same team.

Meanwhile, a surprise arrive at Friuli where home team Udinese, were beaten in front of their fans by Chievo Verona, giving the Flying Donkeys a passage to the quarter final against Siena.

Lamela Double Set Roma Flying

Despite winning with three goals margin, Roma didn’t actually face an easy battle against Fiorentina, especially in the first half, when the Viola puts Luis Enrique’s side under a lot of pressure at the back. The home team’s goalie, Marteen Stekelenburg, was forced to make several saves in that first period as Stevan Jovetic and Adan Llajic create several goal scoring chances, which could actually put Delio Rossi’s team in front just before the break.

However, things changed in the second half as the entrance of Simone Perotta apparently improved Roma’s performance which immediately shown with a goal from young Argentinian star, Eric Lamela. The starlet proved his quality in that match as he scored again not long after his first, putting his side two goals up and give a breathing space for Enrique’s side as Fiorentina started to fall apart, leading into the Giallorossi’s third goal, scored by substitute, Fabio Borrini.

Chievo Stunned Udinese at Friuli

Meanwhile, Udinese face a very rare home defeat this season as Chievo surprised Francesco Guidolin’s side, who are yet to be beaten when playing at Friuli this season. It took only eight minute for the away team to start their surprise as Paolo Sammarco puts the Flying Donkeys in the lead after capitalizing on the defensive mistake made by Joel Ekstrand.

Udinese, didn’t actually took things lightly as they pour forward a lot after conceding the early goal, creating several goal scoring chances, which didn’t managed to break Chievo’s defense until Antonio Di Natale strike his wonderful free kick six minutes before the final 90. Just as when the match looked to be heading for an extra time, the away team’s substitute forward, Cyril Thereau, stunned the crowed with his goal in injury time.

Match Reports:

Roma v Fiorentina 3-0

Goals: Lamela 53, 67, Borini 76 (Roma)

Roma:Stekelenburg; Cicinho (Jose Angel 68), Kjaer, Heinze, Taddei; Gago, Viviani (Perrotta 46), Greco; Lamela, Totti, Bojan (Borini 62)
Fiorentina:Neto; Natali, Camporese, Nastasic; Salifu, Pasqual (Vargas 68), Montolivo, Cassani, Behrami (Lazzari 79); Ljajic (Cerci 62), Jovetic

Udinese v Chievo 1-2

Goals: Di Natale 84 (Udinese); Samarco 8, Thereau 91 (Chievo)

Udinese: Handanovic; Ekstrand, Danilo, Ferronetti (Torje 75); Pereyra (Basta 46), Abdi, Sissoko, Fernandes, Pasquale; Fabbrini (Floro Flores 46); Di Natale
Chievo: Puggioni; Sardo, Morero, Acerbi, Drame; Vacek, Rigoni, Sammarco; Cruzado; Moscardelli (Thereau 68), Paloschi (Mandelli 73)

photo credit: prettyfriendship

As Roma’s star midfielder, Daniele De Rossi, keeps on making the Giallorossi fans bitting their fingernails as the Italian international still yet to confirm his future despite the capital club have just submitted their final contract renewal offer to the player.

Speaking to the media not long ago, instead of confirming his future, De Rossi only revealed that he already knows what his going to do stating that he doesn’t want to confirm anything at the moment.

“I have very clear ideas, but I won’t talk about them now. What does that mean? It means being aware of what you say and what you do not say. All that matters to me is that Roma win,” De Rossi explained.

This statement pretty much encouraged several clubs who are interested on acquiring De Rossi’s signature in the summer since as long as the Italian international haven’t signed the extension, the door remains open. The situation obviously gets really interesting since with only six months left in his contract, other clubs aside from Roma are actually allowed to submit an offer towards the player as he is already in the final months of his deal with the Giallorossi.

Teams such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and also Ac Milan are reportedly monitoring the player’s move at the moment and the longer De Rossi thinks about Roma’s final offer, the sooner those interested clubs will be making their approach. Judging by the Italian international’s statement, he might be considering several offers as well, especially from clubs that might be able to provide something his currently needing in his career.

There’s a speculation rising in Italy suggesting that De Rossi is taking his time with Roma’s management simply because he is considering about the Giallorossi’s future with their new tactician and owner. The Italian international midfielder might be thinking on whether he wants to stay simply based on loyalty or seek for bigger opportunities in winning titles, which is something that a player like him probably searching in the final stage of his career.

photo credit: Catatan Bola Photo Gallery