The Tell Tale Signs

By: cathal | July 23rd, 2009

Our 2-1 friendly victory over Spal yesterday may have appeared to be a routine pre-season workout but it’s amazing what you can read between the lines and as always, the media are quick to whack on their analytical spectacles. Fans like me will study these friendly line-ups as if a cure to all the world’s ills lie within them while others have that desirable ability to cast them aside as if they never existed. However, potential indicators could definitely be found yesterday.

Seven substitutes were introduced at one stage or another but neither Cribari, Ledesma or Pandev were replaced. These guys haven’t truly been tested in the friendlies thus far as it appeared there was still uncertainty regarding their future but their inclusion by Ballardini suggests that their departure is unlikely and more so, they could be regular fixtures next season. That all remains to be seen but a noticable absentee was Rozehnal. If the rumours are to be believed, he is well on his way to Germany and Diego Lugano may be drafted in to replace him. I believe David will go; we have an abundance of average defenders and he certainly falls into that category but I am not sure Diego will find his way to Rome. The Uruguayan has a high profile agent and it’s going to be difficult to prise him away from Fenerbahce. In theory, he is a free agent but given our salary cap, we may just have to throw in a nice bundle of cash to attract both the player and his agent. Not the way I like to see business being done and it’s unlikely the media will pick up on this; but I’ve done my research.

Our coach still appears to be uncertain about some roles. Both goalkeepers were tested yet again and Meghni got a significant amount of game time to prove what he can do. Radu and Siviglia were tested alongside Emilson while Scaloni, Mauri and Eliseu made brief cameo appearances. Interestingly, Zarate was introduced as the lone striker in the second half, replacing Rocchi. This is a role I believe he can handle and I actually would like to see what he can do with three attack-minded players behind him. I still have my doubts about starting Tommaso next season and this decision probably indicates that our coach does too.