<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31361197@N04/3340991916/"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2191" src="/files/2010/03/AC-Milan-AS-Roma-289x300.jpg" alt="" width="289" height="300"></figure></div></a>The most anticipated match-up of the weekend is the AS Roma-AC Milan contest to decide which club can challenge Inter for the top spot in Serie A.&nbsp; While the loser still has an outside shot at the <em>scudetto</em>, an Inter victory over Genoa would make it a tough task.</p>
<p>Rather than a traditional post rehashing strengths and weaknesses, here are the quick seven keys to the match:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Who will step up for Pato: </strong>The loss of the young Brazilian is huge for this match.&nbsp; Not only was he leading the club in goals, but he has been a key to the resurgence of Ronaldinho.&nbsp; Milan has Borriello, Huntelaar, and other big names, but when that go-ahead goal is needed will they be able to be the unstoppable threat Milan may need?</li>
<li><strong>The Milan Brazilians: </strong>Ronaldinho has been dominating the pitch as of late; even in the loss to Manchester United it could be argued that he was the best player on the pitch that day (although Wayne Rooney might argue against that).&nbsp; Thiago Silva needs to have a good match to prevent scoring chances for Roma.&nbsp; A major weakness this year has been the inconsistent play of Milan’s defenders.</li>
<li><strong>Roma’s Injury Situation: </strong>Luca Toni will make his <a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE6230CP20100304" target="_blank">anticipated return</a> for this match.&nbsp; David Pizarro is <a href="http://goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/03/04/1818184/roma-midfielder-david-pizarro-declares-himself-available-for" target="_blank">available to play</a>.&nbsp; However, Francesco Totti will not be available.&nbsp; Can Vucinic provide the scoring threat that Roma may need if Toni is still rusty?</li>
<li><strong>Roma’s sudden defensive slip: </strong>In the Europa League last Thursday Roma gave up three goals in six minutes to Panathinaikos, leading to their elimination from the competition.&nbsp; Last weekend they gave up a two goal lead and had to settle for a draw against Napoli.&nbsp; Were these consecutive defensive mishaps anomalies or the sign of a bigger problem?</li>
<li><strong>Leonardo’s game plan: </strong>He’s 0-2 versus Inter Milan.&nbsp; He’s a rookie manager that has come under criticism from management.&nbsp; The easiest way to ease criticism is to figure out a way to gain three critical points.&nbsp; Failure to do so will only ratchet up that criticism.</li>
<li><strong>The crowd:</strong> Stadio Olimpico is <a href="http://goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/03/04/1817995/stadio-olimpico-sold-out-for-romas-high-profile-clash-with" target="_blank">already sold out</a> in anticipation of this match.&nbsp; Roma has not lost a Serie A match at home this season and is 11-0-2 overall.&nbsp; AC Milan’s away record in Serie A is an impressive 7-4-2, and how they handle the partisan crowd could carry-over to their mid-week match at Manchester United.</li>
<li><strong>Milan facing double elimination</strong>:&nbsp; One advantage for Roma is with their Europa League elimination, this match is for their season.&nbsp; No points means no chance at a title.&nbsp; The equation is different for Milan, however.&nbsp; Will they be looking ahead to their match mid-week against Manchester United?&nbsp; A loss in this match and the Champions League means no titles for this high-profile club.&nbsp; Which title means more?&nbsp; Will Milan be going all out, or could they want to save a bit for their United match?</li>
</ol>


Seven Keys to the AS Roma-AC Milan Match

Seven Keys to the AS Roma-AC Milan Match - World Soccer Talk

<p>As Serie A takes a quick breather for a World Cup friendly this week versus Cameroon, this past weekend once again saw changes in the standings as well as a tightening championship race.&nbsp; Before we look ahead and begin debating which players deserve to make the national team, let’s take a look back at a fascinating week in Serie A.</p>
<p><strong>It was the best and worst of times for AC Milan</strong></p>
<p>Alexandre Pato was the star of the match for Milan, netting two first half goals for the club on their way to an easy 3-1 victory over Atalanta.&nbsp; But the story coming out of this match was a thigh strain for Pato, who was carried off near the end of the match.&nbsp; The severity is currently unknown, but it looks like he <a href="http://goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2010/03/01/1812980/ac-milan-star-alexandre-pato-a-doubt-for-manchester-united" target="_blank">could miss</a> the crucial away game versus Manchester United next week.&nbsp; Milan is a talented club, but Pato has fourteen goals in 24 Serie A and Champions League matches this season and thus will be missed if he is out for the match.</p>
<p><strong>The positive Juventus momentum grinds to a halt</strong></p>
<p>This past week, Juventus beat Ajax in aggregate to move into the round of 16 in the Europa League.&nbsp; They had also moved back into fourth place in Serie A and looked to be in control of their Champions League destiny.&nbsp; Alas, their momentum came to a screeching halt with a 2-0 loss to Palermo, who replaces them in that coveted fourth place in the standings.&nbsp; Juve had their chances, but only put one shot on goal in the contest.&nbsp; This was their first loss under new manager Alberto Zaccheroni.</p>
<p><strong>Roma and Napoli both end streaks</strong></p>
<p>A Marek Hamsik goal in extra time sealed an impressive Napoli comeback and secured their first points in their last six matches.&nbsp; That same goal also ended Roma’s winning streak at seven matches and, with Milan’s two victories in four days, dropped them into third in the standings three points behind Milan and seven behind Inter.&nbsp; Mirko Vucinic continued to play well netting a goal in the 65th minute, but it was Roma’s defense that let Napoli back into the contest.&nbsp; This bitter defeat ended a bad week for Roma – still without Toni and Totti, they had been eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday.</p>
<p><strong>Lazio survives to play another day</strong></p>
<p>In a match setting that ESPN described as “ghostly”, Lazio held on to a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina to pick up one point and remain three points away from relegation.&nbsp; The Lazio faithful held a protest of the club’s ownership, resulting in an estimated crown of 10,000 quietly watching the match in the Stadio Olympico.&nbsp; Lazio seized an early lead on a goal in the seventh minute, and their third-string keeper didn’t concede an equalizer until extra time in the second half.&nbsp; It was at the same time a missed opportunity and favorable match for the home club.</p>
<p><strong>Bari continues its free-fall</strong></p>
<p>For a club that was considered a dark horse for a Euopra League spot, Bari has played miserably the past few weeks.&nbsp; Last week, they barely put up a fight against visiting AC Milan.&nbsp; This week, the gave up four goals to a Catania club that is fighting to stay up in Serie A.&nbsp; Bari played well but failed to put any points on the board despite some good opportunities.&nbsp; This is their fourth straight loss and they have failed to scored for the third time in those matches.</p>


Lessons Learned from Giornata 26

Lessons Learned from Giornata 26 - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_2135" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/22/jose-mourinho-banned-internazionale"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2135" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-2135" src="/files/2010/02/jose-mourinho_1582815c-300x187.jpg" alt="Photograph: Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters" width="300" height="187"></figure></div></a><p id="caption-attachment-2135" class="wp-caption-text">Photograph: Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters</p></div>
<p>This weekend’s action has a wealth of subplots, controversy, and exciting soccer play.&nbsp; But the main story line out of this weekend is the standings.&nbsp; Right now, the top four spots in the Serie A standings are occupied by the clubs most thought would occupy them in some order: Inter Milan, AS Roma, AC Milan, and Juventus.&nbsp; And with fourteen weeks to go, the title race in again in doubt as the top clubs drew closer together.</p>
<p><strong>AC Milan showed it is a championship club</strong></p>
<p>Viewers of the AC Milan/Bari match saw a clinic put on by the <em>Rossoneri</em>.&nbsp; The 2-0 scoreline was deceiving; Milan dominated the action pretty much from beginning to end.&nbsp; Ronaldinho was once again magnificent with the ball, setting up both Milan goals.&nbsp; And Milan’s defense was good, with Abbiati denying some good scoring opportunities for the home club.&nbsp; This is the club Milan fans thought they would see all year, and a Wednesday win over Fiorentina will move Milan into second.</p>
<p><strong>Inter goes shorthanded again – during and after the match</strong></p>
<p>Much like the Milan derby this year, Inter again had players sent off in the course of their match against Sampdoria.&nbsp; But instead of pulling out a win like they did against Milan, Inter could only muster a scoreless draw.&nbsp; To describe the play as chippy would be an understatement; the match featured multiple fights and some overly aggressive tackles.&nbsp; Not only were two Inter players eventually sent off, but so was Sampdoria’s star Pazzini.&nbsp; And of course it would not be an Inter match without a Jose Mourinho subplot – the Inter manager was <a href="http://www.rs.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/02/22/1802415/breaking-news-inter-boss-jose-mourinho-banned-for-three" target="_blank">suspended three Serie A matches</a> for the “disrespectful” gesture seen above.</p>
<p><strong>AS Roma moves closer to Inter</strong></p>
<p>Another weekend, another Roma victory.&nbsp; This weekend the victim was Catania, when Roma scored an early goal and held on for the victory.&nbsp; The goal was Mirko Vucinic’s fifth in Serie A this season.&nbsp; They now sit five points behind Inter Milan, and travel to Napoli next week before their major home match against Milan.</p>
<p><strong>Napoli slips a little more while Siena shows progress</strong></p>
<p>Napoli failed to score a goal against last place Siena and has now gone four matches without a victory.&nbsp; The match leaves them in fifth place, one point behind Juventus for the final Champions League spot.&nbsp; The problem seems to be their offense – this was their third goalless draw in the current winless streak.&nbsp; On the flip side, Siena has now gone two games without a loss.&nbsp; A bit of momentum, but it may be too little too late as they sit seven points from seventeenth place.</p>
<p><strong>Seven words you can’t say on a soccer pitch</strong></p>
<p>Basketball officials call them “the magic words” – those obscenities that are grounds for an automatic technical foul.&nbsp; Udinese defender Christian Zapata said his own magic words on the pitch in Saturday’s and was immediately given a yellow card under FIGC’s new anti-swearing rules.&nbsp; It was yellow card number two, and Udinese had to play ten men down the rest of the match.&nbsp; A warning to all footballers – watch your tongue.</p>

Lessons Learned from Giornata 25

Lessons Learned from Giornata 25 - World Soccer Talk

<p>This weekend’s action saw a movement in the top four and in the bottom four. &nbsp;While one Roman club continued its climb up the standings, one continued its slide downward. &nbsp;The next Roma-Lazio match should prove quite an interesting contrast.</p>
<p><strong>Roma makes a move into second place…</strong></p>
<p>Roma’s away record prior to this weekend – 3-5-3. &nbsp;With most of their major matches on the road to finish the year, it was important that they get points in their visit to Florence. &nbsp;A Mirko Vucinic goal in the 82nd minute got them three points and the second spot in the standings, despite statistical dominance by the <em>Viola</em>. &nbsp;It also ran their unbeaten streak to 12 matches.</p>
<p>… <strong>while Inter seemingly solidifies their place in first</strong></p>
<p>An AC Milan draw plus an Inter 3-0 thrashing of Cagliari means the <em>Nerazzurri</em> are eight points clear of Roma. &nbsp;For all of the discussion of Inter’s struggles in the Champions League and the future of Jose Mourinho, they are in the driver’s seat for another <em>scudetto</em>. &nbsp;After traveling to Parma, they have critical matches against Napoli and Sampdoria that could help secure their title long before their March 28 match at Roma.</p>
<p><strong>AC Milan slips up against Bologna</strong></p>
<p>Despite 18 shots (four on goal) and having possession for 70% of the match, Milan couldn’t get their needed three points to remain fairly close to Inter. &nbsp;Instead, they hit the bar twice and had to settle for one point. &nbsp;This continues their recent woes after the Milan derby disaster as Bologna is the second bottom-half club they failed to defeat. &nbsp;Is this a cold streak or a sign of a faulty foundation?</p>
<p><strong>Lazio falls into the relegation zone</strong></p>
<p>Serie A may only have one club in Rome next season if the current standings hold. &nbsp;In a must-win match for both clubs, Catania edged Lazio on a 63rd minute goal by recent signing Maxi Lopez. &nbsp;The win moves Catania one point ahead of Lazio for the last relegation spot. &nbsp;I’ve written it before but it bears repeating – this is the club that defeated Inter in China this off-season in the Italian Super Cup. &nbsp;Relegation will be especially painful this season – the creation of an independent Serie A will be a financial windfall for top flight clubs and those that are relegated will miss out on it.</p>


Lessons Learned from Giornata 23

Lessons Learned from Giornata 23 - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_8397" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8397" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8397" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/utd.jpg" alt="Who will be in at Old Trafford this summer?" width="240" height="240"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8397" class="wp-caption-text">Who will be in at Old Trafford this summer?</p></div>
<p>With the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo adding £80 million to Sir Alex Ferguson’s usual £25-30 million yearly budget. A summer spending spree is surely on the cards. Looking at the side, it would appear to me a winger and some quality in centre midfield are needed, with possibly, a striker as the icing on the cake.</p>
<p>Looking at the players linked to Old Trafford, it would seem we have some familiar names.</p>
<p><strong>Luis Antonia Valencia – £15-18 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8398" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8398" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8398" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/valencia.jpg" alt="Luis Antonio Valencia" width="200" height="256"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8398" class="wp-caption-text">Luis Antonio Valencia</p></div>
<p>A flying right-winger has player over 80 games for Wigan and looks a very tidy player. His premier League experience will mean he can fit right into the side and wont need much time to settle. Nominated for the Best Young Player at the 2006 World Cup it appears the 23 year old who has 34 caps for Ecuador has a bright future. Some downsides may be the size of the fee, and doubts as to whether or not he is better than what United already have. In addition, his goal scoring record is quite woeful with only 7 goals during his time at Wigan and only 4 for Ecuador, he does have potential, but I only see him as a squad player at most. Wigan Chaiman Dave Whelan will not stand in his way and Sir Alex is a long time admirer, this transfer is pretty much nailed on.</p>
<p><strong>Franck Ribery – £40-50 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8402" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8402" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8402" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ribery.jpg" alt="Franck Ribery" width="250" height="233"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8402" class="wp-caption-text">Franck Ribery</p></div>
<p>A world-class player, a player, who would be the ideal replacement for the departing Cristiano Ronaldo. Apparently United put in a £60 million bid a few months ago and Sir Alex is keen to have him as part of the Old Trafford set up. His abilities are unquestioned, great dribbler, pace and immense skill, he also added goals to his repertoire scoring 14 in all competitions this season. Bayern have stated they would not keep him against his will and he has stated his desire to play in Spain. United would have a fight on their hands to persude him his future lies in Manchester, added to the hefty fee; Barcelona and Real Madrid are also circling thus increasing the price further.</p>
<p><strong>Karim Benzema – £30-40 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8403" style="width: 410px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8403" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8403" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/benzema.jpg" alt="Karim Benzema" width="400" height="254"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8403" class="wp-caption-text">Karim Benzema</p></div>
<p>The next great French striker in my opinion, and at 21 years old has plenty of time on his side. A seasoned Champions League performer, 24 caps for France and over 50 goals for Lyon in two seasons. He is tall, powerful and strong yet possesses pace coupled with a deadly eye for goal. Lyon have said he is not ‘untransferable’ and Ferguson has had an eye on him for years. The only issue would be his intention to stay in France during a World Cup year to maintain his place for <em>Les Bleus</em>.</p>
<p><strong>David Silva – £30-35 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8423" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8423" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8423" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/silva1.jpg" alt="David Silva" width="240" height="211"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8423" class="wp-caption-text">David Silva</p></div>
<p>A player I like a lot, he has pace, skill, vision, great technical ability and a lethal shot on him. Part of Spain’s Euro 2008 winning team he can play on either flank and behind the strikers. With Valencia harbouring a mountain of debt and in dire need to sell, Silva’s days are numbered at the Mestalla. Ferguson bid for him last summer and another attempt appears to be on the horizon, but with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool all interested, competition will be fierce for <em>el Chinito</em>. For me he would be an excellent addition and should be pursued vigerously.</p>
<p><strong>David Villa – £35-40 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8424" style="width: 183px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8424" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8424" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/villa1.jpg" alt="David Villa" width="173" height="240"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8424" class="wp-caption-text">David Villa</p></div>
<p>If a well-known brewer made strikers they would probably make David Villa. As with his namesake Silva, his days at Valencia appear to be numbered due to the moeny he would bring in to help clear debts. A fantastic goal scorer and leader of the Spanish front line, a transfer to Real Madrid collapsed last season and it could be the same again this season. Although it looks far more likely he will remain in Spain, Chelsea and Liverpool have both announced interest but United have apparently put in a cheeky bid. Villa would add some much needed goals previously brought to the Stretford End by Ronaldo. A transfer to United however, seems just out of reach.</p>
<p><strong>Mirko Vucinic £20-25 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8414" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8414" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8414" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/vucinic1.jpg" alt="Mirko Vucinic" width="240" height="164"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8414" class="wp-caption-text">Mirko Vucinic</p></div>
<p>The 25 year old Montenegrin currently ply’s his trade for AS Roma. This season having established himself as Roma’s number one striker, he has scored a number of important goals including two against Chelsea in the Champions League. With an impressive record of 48 goals in 83 games for the <em>Giallorossi</em>, he seems ready to step up another level and play for a top European club. Along with his excellent finishing ability he is also versatile, playing as a left-winger, and behind the striker during his time in Rome. Coupled with Roma’s lack of Champions League football and huge debts, it may be time to cash in on a very saleable asset.</p>
<p><strong>Douglas Maicon – £30-35 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8419" style="width: 360px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8419" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8419" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/maicon2.jpg" alt="Douglas Maicon" width="350" height="230"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8419" class="wp-caption-text">Douglas Maicon</p></div>
<p>The Inter right back is arguably the best in the business. He controls the right side, from corner to corner, strong in the tackle and great positional sense; he bombs forward with consummate ease to deliver a phenomenal quantity of crosses. Athletic and agile, he could be the answer on the right side. Sir Alex tried to sign him in 2003 but was refused a work permit. Reportedly unhappy in Italy, a move appears ever closer for the Brazilian.</p>
<p>Honourable mentions must go to Victor Valdes of Barcelona and Douglas Costa of Gremio. Both have been on the radar but I don’t see any developments in the near future at least.</p>
<p>Every one of the above has been linked with Manchester United at some point over the last few weeks. For me a ball winning midfielder should be high on the list of priorities though the rumour mill seems obsessed with attacking players.</p>
<p>A very eventful summer could come into fruition very soon and you may well find a few new faces strutting their stuff in the Theatre of Dreams.</p>
<h3><strong>Pre-Order The New Man United Home Kit Today</strong></h3>
<p>Pre-order the new home Man United shirt or kit today so you’ll be the first to get it. <a href="http://scripts.affiliatefuture.com/AFClick.asp?affiliateID=36679&amp;merchantID=791&amp;programmeID=2461&amp;mediaID=0&amp;tracking=&amp;url=http://www.kitbag.com/stores/kitbag_4_5/products/kit_selector.aspx?selector=121" target="_blank">UK residents can order here through Kitbag</a>, while <a href="http://scripts.affiliatefuture.com/AFClick.asp?affiliateID=30305&amp;merchantID=2544&amp;programmeID=7010&amp;mediaID=0&amp;tracking=&amp;url=http://www.kitbag.com/stores/kitbag_4_5/products/kit_selector.aspx?selector=121" target="_blank">US residents can order here, through Kitbag USA</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Related Posts:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://epltalk.com/manchester-united-change-transfer-tact/8430" target="_self">Manchester United Change Transfer Policy</a>,</li>
<li><a href="http://epltalk.com/epl-talk-podcast/paddy-crerand-interview/" target="_self">Interview With Man United Legend Paddy Crerand</a>,</li>
<li><a href="http://epltalk.com/rafa-or-fergie-who-spends-more-in-the-transfer-market/8339" target="_blank">Rafa Or Fergie: Who Spends More In The Transfer Market</a>.</li>
</ul>


Manchester United: Summer Transfer Targets

Manchester United: Summer Transfer Targets - World Soccer Talk

<h3>Roma 3 – 1 Chelsea</h3>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-570" href="http://www.serieatalk.com/roma-storms-back-against-chelsea/569/panucci-celebrates-his-opening-goal-reuters-pictures/" title="panucci celebrates his opening goal (Reuters pictures)"><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/files/2008/11/roma-chelsea-panucci-cele-01a.jpg" alt="panucci celebrates his opening goal (Reuters pictures)"></figure></div></a></p>
<p><font color="#333333"><strong>Goalscorers:</strong></font> Panucci 34 (R), Vucinic 48, 58 (R), Terry 75 (C)</p>
<p><font color="#333333"><strong>Roma:</strong></font> 4-4-2 Doni; Panucci, Juan, Mexes, Cicinho; Pizarro, De Rossi, Brighi, Perrotta (Taddei 72); Vucinic (Riise 88), Totti (Baptista 62)</p>
<p><font color="#333333"><strong>Chelsea:</strong></font> 4-1-4-1 Cech; Bosingwa (Kalou 64), Terry, Alex, Bridge; Mikel Obi; Lampard, Deco, J Cole (Belletti 46), Malouda (Drogba 46); Anelka</p>
<p><font color="#333333"><strong>Ref:</strong></font> Cantalejo (Spa)<br>
<font color="#333333"><strong>Sent off:</strong></font> Deco 80 (C)</p>
<h4>Game Highlights</h4>
<p><strong><a href="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&amp;VideoID=45876053"><font color="#800000">Video Highlights</font></a></strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>individual goal highlights can also be found at <a href="http://videos.sapo.pt/KRAhvqTqWlgBU93PHZiR"><strong><font color="#800000">SAPO</font></strong></a></p>
<h5></h5>
<p><strong><font color="#000000">UEFA.COM MAGAZINE&nbsp;INTERVIEW with Luciano Spalletti</font><br>
</strong>AS Roma’s Luciano Spalletti says hosting the UEFA Champions League final in Rome gives his side extra motivation</p>
<h5></h5>
<p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www1.uefa.com/magazine/edition=765932/newsid=765954/videopopup.html" title="Visit Serie A Talk" id="b_image"><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/files/2008/11/uefa-com-luciano-spalletti-352x199.jpg" alt="Spalletti Speaks On Roma&apos;s Roma&apos;s Added Incentive (click on image)"></figure></div></a></p>
<p><a href="http://ballhype.com/post/url/?url=http://www.serieatalk.com/roma-storms-back-against-chelsea/569&amp;title=Roma Storms Back Against Chelsea"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" border="0" width="80" src="http://images.ballhype.com/img/hype/ballhype_80x15.gif" alt="BallHype: HYPE IT UP!" height="15"></figure></div></a></p>


Roma Storms Back Against Chelsea

Roma Storms Back Against Chelsea - World Soccer Talk

<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-464" href="http://www.serieatalk.com/roma-fights-back-putting-bordeaux-to-the-sword/459/vucinic-and-perrotta-celebrate-a-goal-against-bordeaux-reuters/" title="Vucinic and Perrotta celebrate a goal against Bordeaux (Reuters)"><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/files/2008/10/roma-vucinic-perrotta-celebrate.jpg" alt="Vucinic and Perrotta celebrate a goal against Bordeaux (Reuters)"></figure></div></a></p>
<p>Yoann Gourcuff’s&nbsp;first-half strike gave Laurent Blanc’s side the lead, but <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirko_Vu%C4%8Dini%C4%87">Mirko Vucinic</a> brought the visitors level midway through the second half, before Julio Baptista struck twice in the final quarter of the match to revive Giallorossi Champions League ambitions.</p>
<p>There was no surrender that typified Bordeaux’s 4-0 defeat by Chelsea in their first match&nbsp;in Group A, however, and a spirited start was rewarded with the opening goal for Bordeaux.&nbsp; Gourcuff (on-loan from AC Milan) cut in from the left flank&nbsp;advancing past&nbsp;two challengers before curling a low shot into the bottom corner of Doni’s net.</p>
<p>Bordeaux’s hopes were undermined when Henrique was dismissed 10 minutes before the interval when he elbowed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Perrotta">Simone Perrotta</a>. Laurent Blanc had to change&nbsp;plans,&nbsp;and it appeared to be working as his side&nbsp;held the visitors&nbsp;until after the hour mark when Mirko&nbsp;Vucinic rising highest at the near post<br>
to head powerfully past&nbsp;Bordeaux keeper Matthieu Valverde. Tables now turned, crushing Bordeaux’s spirit, new arrival &nbsp;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%BAlio_Baptista">Julio Baptista</a> took full advantage.</p>
<p>The Brazilian, who replaced former Monaco man <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%A9r%C3%A9my_Menez">Jérémy Menez</a> on 53 minutes, won a free-kick which he subsequently curled over the wall and past a static Valverde before touching home Rodrigo Taddei’s first-time cross seven minutes from time to give&nbsp;the Roman Gladiators their first win of the group stage helping to cancel out the visitors opening day results against&nbsp;Champions League minnows CFR Cluj.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Lineups</h4>
<p><strong><font color="#000000">Bordeaux (4-1-4-1):</font></strong> <font color="#333333">Valverde; Chalmè, Henrique, Diawara, Jurietti (78′ Gouffran);<br>
Diarra; Menegazzo, Obertan (40′ Planus), Gourcuff, Jussie (37′ Wendel); Chamakh.</font></p>
<p><strong><font color="#000000">Roma (4-1-4-1):</font></strong> <font color="#333333">Doni; Cicinho, Mexes, Panucci, Riise; De Rossi; Taddei, Aquilani (63′ Okaka), Perrotta, Menez (53′ Baptista); Vucinic (85′ Brighi).</font></p>
<p><strong>Goalscorers:</strong> Gourcuff (B) 18′, Vucinic (R) 64′, Baptista (R) 71′, 83′.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Goal Highlights</h4>
<p>[display_podcast]</p>
<h4>Related Articles</h4>
<p>yahoo uk sports – post-match&nbsp; <a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2008-2009/bordeaux-roma-253873.html">Live&nbsp;commentary</a></p>
<p>Final score in the other Italian club match,</p>
<p><strong>Inter Milan&nbsp;1 – 1 Werder Bremen</strong></p>


Roma Fights Back Putting Bordeaux To The Sword

Roma Fights Back Putting Bordeaux To The Sword - World Soccer Talk

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