Il Danielista 9

By: Michele | December 18th, 2008

Roma 2 Bologna 0

In search of a silver star…
and Daniele’s 250th appearance for La Magica

Not the most exciting game of the season but Mirko has proved his is without a doubt Roma’s Casanova. Last week he delighted women (and some men) across the globe with his impromptu striptease and this week he gives his shirt to the lines woman. Whereas the British press might view such a gesture with suspicion, La Gazzetta claims it was gallant:
Despite refusing to give Mirko either of the two penalties he asked for ‘Vucinic gave the lines woman, Cini, his shirt as a present. A gesture worthy of a true gentleman.’

Mirko’s antics aside the game was pretty unexciting.
I was dreaming of seeing Montella spread his wings but it soon became apparent that it just wasn’t going to happen. The game was basically Roma trying to break down an 11 man wall and in the process allowing themselves to get hit by a couple of dangerous counters.

The two stand out performances came from Roma’s French contingent.
Philou was phenomenal and Jéjé was amazing.
At times it looked as if Mexes was playing as an attacking mid. He even went on a run and delivered a perfect pass only for Baptista to splat it straight on the keeper.
Jéjé maintained his recent form and was Totti-like.
Of course the two French commentators I was listening to might have brain washed me.
Both had their tongues so far up both Philou and Jéjé’s colons it was as if they wanted to give them colonic irrigation…

On to Daniele.

DDR Rating: 7

250th appearance for Capitano Futuro and he did not disappoint.
Not all that much work for the Prince of Rome last night.
Philou put in a tremendous performance at the back whereas Jeremy proved a creative spark upfront. Brighi helped DDR out and together they effectively managed to keep the ball as far away from Loria as possible. So there’s not really that much to say.
Daniele didn’t put a foot wrong and delivered some good FK’s.
I guess he could have gone forwards a bit more but with Loria at the back and Philou going on attacking runs I’m glad he didn’t risk it.
Good game from De Rossi and congrats on his 250th.
Feels like he’s been there forever….

Less Reputable Ratings:

goal.com

Seems they do not give ratings for Coppa games.

La Gazzetta:

DDR – 6.5
Celebrates his 250th appearance with a smile.

romanews.com

De Rossi: 7
Ottavi di Coppa Italia o finale di Coppa del Mondo poco cambia per il centrocampista di Ostia: la verve agonistica è la sempre la stessa. Splendida, nel secondo tempo, un’apertura per Cassetti, il cui cross non viene capitalizzato da Baptista. Un gigante, in mezzo al campo: come sempre.

Quarter final of the Coppa Italia or final of the World Cup nothing changes for the midfielder from Ostia; his determination is still the same. Spendid through ball for Cassetti in the second half, whose cross failed to be met by Baptista. A giant in midfield: as usual.

The Rest of the Team:
(per La Gazzetta)

MOTM – Vucinic – 7.5
Hits the bar with his first shot, ‘eats’ a goal with his second (to ‘eat’ a goal in Italy is the equivalent of missing a sitter). Hits the target on the third and fourth. Does not strip.

Cannot argue. The rating would have been very different had he not scored the first though…

Artur: 6.5
Two important saves in the first half: bravo.

If Doni was a stroke this guy is a heart attack but he didn’t screw up once. Good showing.

Panucci: 6
Still looking to find his past form after coming back from injury.

Hardly saw him.

Riise: 6
Generous and feisty, but still finding his feet in this league and a bit slow to close down players.

If Panucci gets a 6 and I didn’t notice he was on the pitch I think Riise should get a bit more. I certainly noticed the ginger giant.

Mexes: 7.5
Comparing him to other defenders is the equivalent of putting a Ferrari up against a tricycle.

Epic.
Even though this is Bologna…

Loria: 6
Starts badly and gets better as the game goes on.

Thankfully was not given the chance to blow the game. I feel a bit sorry for him.

Cassetti: 6
First on the right and then on the left. Earns his pay check.

The weakest player to line up on the pitch regularly. Had a decent game.

DDR: Above

Brighi: 6
Takes him awhile to get into the game but then lets everyone know he has arrived.

Good game from the Italian Lampard (says his agent).

Cicinho: 6
Wins back a lot of balls but only manages to put one cross in 40 into the box. Typical Brazilian.

Good game from the Brazilian who seems more confidant when he doesn’t have to worry about going back.

Baptista: 5
Tried hard but has feet made of marble.

Good description.

Menez: 7
Disappears at times only to come back stronger. The assist for the first goal was his.

Good work-rate, not afraid to get dirty (which I initially feared would be his problem) and one of the few players who tries and often does, beat his man. Great buy.

Spalletti: 6
As usual slow to make changes.
Why risk bringing on Vucinic so late?

Well because Vuci loves to keep us waiting.

Special Mention:

Totti: 10
Scorched the bench and struck fear into the Bologna players when he pretended to be coming on.

Interviews:

DDR is happy with his 250th Roma appearance (at just 25!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Other:

Totti is an increasingly popular name in Finland and despite the fact the name derivers from norse god Thor, Pauli Mäkelä Italian ambassador, thinks its all down to Jesus.

If you missed this its very funny.

Inter or Genoa next.
FORZA ROMA