Cagliari-Roma 0-0. Empoli. Support Her.

“If Dybala wasn’t replaced with players who were up to the task, I’d be scared.” These are DDR’s words. In fact, Paulo was the card that came closest to changing the outcome of the match with that perfect assist for Dovbyk that hit the crossbar. At the moment, however, Dybala hasn’t decided yet and for Roma it’s a win-win situation. If he stays, he has the best card in Serie A, if he leaves, we’ll be able to strengthen the weak points on the pitch.

1st Day	First Half	Second Half	Final Score
	0	0	0
	0	0	0

Lots of shit in the post-match about Daniele and Zalewski in particular, but then a bit spread on many others. Nothing new. Often the Romans throw shit on their own players. They also inundated Daniele as a player who was one of the 5 best midfielders of his era and Totti who was the best of all time.

In reality, the Polish player from Tivoli did not play badly and provided two nice assists for Dovbyk and Pellegrini. In general Dovbyk and Soulé need a couple of games to settle in, but the signs are good. Baldanzi also did well as a midfielder, but he needs to improve in ball recovery, also shielding the pass.

The reunion of all groups under a simple banner is a nice sign for the new season. I hope that this union will then be dedicated to our Antonio De Falchi. This must be the engine for the stubborn support of the club. The Curva and the Olimpico, in this respect, have never disappointed. We will have to be able to silence all those who insult on Twitter with a united and strong support that can help Roma on its path. It has already happened and we have never backed down.

As we support Roma, it is right to support rights, democracy and peace throughout the world, precisely because the Lupa represents these principles. Cheering for theunderdog like Kamala Harris for the presidential elections in America. For the submissive, the tortured as in Iran. For people in a situation of tragedy and in general disadvantage like the Palestinians. Against bullying and obsession with power of Putin and Netanyahu, but this without sacrificing the due respect for the Russian and Israeli people. Respect the other side as the Roma fans did, chanting for Gigi Riva.

So I can’t help but compliment Cagliari who played very well. There’s always this flaw of ours, a defense that’s too low in the pressing phase and we can’t play certain games with the “small” ones with a defense that’s too low. Then Cagliari put us in a lot of trouble and will put many others in trouble. They have a good team and a coach, like Nicola, who is very good. Marin also hit the crossbar deflected by a great intervention by the usual, wonderful Svilar.

There are certain games, like perhaps the next one against Empoli, where the opponent limits itself to the defensive phase and if anything to finding the attackers on the offside line, at least to defend the 0-0. In these games, Roma is called upon to dominate the field even with the defensive line in the opponent's half to close the opponent in the corner, build opportunity after opportunity and finally make the besieged capitulate. Then, when you take the lead, you can also think of a more cautious attitude, but from the start you need more courage also from the defenders.

D’Aversa puts Empoli with 352 with pressing, ball recovery and fast restart. Paradoxically the Azzurri prefer that the opponents have the ball to go and recover the ball high up.

In addition to the two forwards (Esposito and Colombo), they press with the two central midfielders (Fazzini and Maleh) and with the midfield fives on the full-backs.

Even in the offensive phase, the wingers are often on the same line as the attackers.

The key tactical player is Fazzini who forms both the 5-man midfield line and plays as a second striker behind Colombo and Esposito.

Maleh (left-footed) is also very aggressive in pressing and in the offensive phase. While Henderson is the defensive midfielder, also predisposed to the order of the game. Although, as mentioned, they prefer not to have much possession, but to be vertical. Even in the construction from the back, they often prefer the long throw.

They are very strong on free kicks from crosses where they have a bizarre formation. Usually it is Henderson who beats them.

Three observations. 1) Gyasi is a winger, while Pezzella is a full-back. This does not take away the fact that Giuseppe is also good in the offensive phase, but pushing more on our left with ElSha or Zalewski could be the solution to the Empoli puzzle. 2) Colombo is a young striker with a lot of talent but he is only left-footed. 3) I do not rule out the possibility that Caputo could play in place of one of the two strikers. Physically shorter. Probably faster. With a lot of experience and a sense of goal. If the result is good for us, I think he will definitely come on in the second half.

The match against Monza cannot be taken as a basis for preparing ours. Empoli considers Monza an equal opponent and at home they tried to command. Against us, more humility is expected and consequently a greater defensive phase with the search for the counterattack. We are therefore called to dominate the match. The support of the Olimpico will be essential. It has already been decisive many times. Daje Roma!

Giordano Sepi