This one is on Friday guys.


Not sure how we'll do. I really need to see some improvements from the game against Napoli. At least if it's not a win, let's try to play a controlled and concise game of football

Hakan is back so that's a big plus for us imo

With Abate, Caldara and Hakan in the line-up seems right (wish Laxalt was also starting ahead of Rodriguez). Not sure about the formation, but looks like Rino will continue with 4-3-3. It’s crucial that our mids step up their game this time, namely Kessie and especially Biglia. We can’t have another Napoli showing from them.

Agreed.

Mediaset has Musacchio and Calabria again starting.

Basically it'll be the same formation except for Hakan instead of Borini.

Rino, you are so slow. Why stick to something that doesn't work? Look at Di Francesco, he's already switching to 4-2-3-1 as he has Pastore who's a trequartista. Their team is not built for 4-3-3 anymore after selling Nainggolan and Strootman.

Looking much better today compared to the Napoli game

KESSIE

I've really liked what I've seen today so far

A lot more controlled and calm build up. Yes at times decisions could be better especially when there are turnovers but so far I definitely see an improvement.

Let's see if we can see this through to the end

Good first half, but Roma have been terrible. They can't press for sh*t. Pastore has been a shadow.

Great pass higuin great finish curtone

Yesssss FT 2-1

GOOOOOOL!

Higuain is definately the edge we were missing in attack

If only we had fixed that midfield...


Prediction: Laxalt will bench Rodriguez before September is out

Castillejo looks promising

What a ball from Higuain.

I must say, deserved victory.

Laxalt was superb, even defensively. And I agree that Castillejo looked promising.

Agreed about both laxalt and Castillejo.

Also rino made a good aggressive sub by bringing curtone for bona

I must also say, Biglia and Kessie today had a good game. Much more reactive and secure on the ball.

Yes!!!! Props to Cutrone.. This kid is ice cold

When are you going to praise Hakan?

Agreed. Roma have definitely lost that extra step compared to last season imo. Their midfield has taken a huge hit with the loss of Nianggolan and Strootman plus De Rossi's rapid decline.

But make no mistake, these are a massive 3 points for us. We have a game in hand and lost to Napoli at the San Paolo, so we're doing okay so far considering the difficult fixture list to start with and having the Genoa game postponed


Agreed. Laxalt is such a smart attacking player, his runs are always great, I'm glad we brought him in as I've always really liked his style. Had he started we'd have probably scored a couple more in hat first half, Rodriguez is so slow and lethargic.

Suso better watch out, he might find himself on the bench as well if Castillejo can get his footing, he's been disappointing in both games so far. Really slow and predictable.

Glad to see Bona playing well again after last season. Hakan was one of our best players out there before he tired out. So some positives today for sure

A shout out to Biglia as well who was very good.

X-off actually likes Hakan, it's Fillipo who can't say a good word about him

Agreed, I was moaning to myself that the subs were late, but I guess that didn't matter in the grand scheme of things

Gahahah woops. But seriously, his work rate was good today!

I'd rather bench Bonaventura. Castillejo actually looked comfortable on the left.

Bench Bona and move Hakan into midfield?

Personally, I'm still not sold on that.

Maybe Rino will try it out in the easier fixtures once we resume after the international break. I'd like to see how that would look and it can't hurt to try it out

That or 4-2-3-1 with Hakan in the hole.

Not anytime soon. Monza plays in Serie C, they have a long way to go.