valdanito_10
10-20-2005, 05:42 PM
Francesco Totti will play no part in Roma’s UEFA Cup match at Tromso on Thursday as he awaits the birth of his first child.
The captain has been allowed to remain in the capital to stay close to his wife, while also being rested ahead of Sunday’s crucial derby match against Lazio.
The No 10 isn’t the only notable absentee as Vincenzo Montella, Alberto Aquilani, Antonio Cassano and Gigi Sartor are missing with injury.
Midfielder Damiano Tommasi hasn’t travelled either as he wasn’t registered in time to take part in the competition.
There is some good news though as Leandro Cufre returns following his recent thigh strain, even if it unclear whether the Argentine will start.
Tonight’s clash in Norway is seen as a must win by many following the Giallorossi’s disastrous start to the season.
They have collected just eight points from their first seven games and lost to 10-man Empoli 1-0 on Sunday.
That led to a protest by fans outside of the club’s training ground on Tuesday where numerous players were heckled by angry supporters.
"You can lose a match but never without a fight," stated boss Luciano Spalletti. "We need to get back on track in Tromso when you take into account what we did at Empoli.
"If we just do the basics well then everything else will follow."
Roma are one of three Italian teams taking part in the group stages of the UEFA Cup. Palermo face Maccabi Petach Tikva today, while Sampdoria have a rest day.
Roma squad: Alvarez, Bovo, Chivu, Curci, Dacourt, De Rossi, Doni, Greco, Mexes, Kharja, Kuffour, Mancini, Nonda, Panucci, Perrotta, Taddei, Cufre, Okaka.
ch4
The captain has been allowed to remain in the capital to stay close to his wife, while also being rested ahead of Sunday’s crucial derby match against Lazio.
The No 10 isn’t the only notable absentee as Vincenzo Montella, Alberto Aquilani, Antonio Cassano and Gigi Sartor are missing with injury.
Midfielder Damiano Tommasi hasn’t travelled either as he wasn’t registered in time to take part in the competition.
There is some good news though as Leandro Cufre returns following his recent thigh strain, even if it unclear whether the Argentine will start.
Tonight’s clash in Norway is seen as a must win by many following the Giallorossi’s disastrous start to the season.
They have collected just eight points from their first seven games and lost to 10-man Empoli 1-0 on Sunday.
That led to a protest by fans outside of the club’s training ground on Tuesday where numerous players were heckled by angry supporters.
"You can lose a match but never without a fight," stated boss Luciano Spalletti. "We need to get back on track in Tromso when you take into account what we did at Empoli.
"If we just do the basics well then everything else will follow."
Roma are one of three Italian teams taking part in the group stages of the UEFA Cup. Palermo face Maccabi Petach Tikva today, while Sampdoria have a rest day.
Roma squad: Alvarez, Bovo, Chivu, Curci, Dacourt, De Rossi, Doni, Greco, Mexes, Kharja, Kuffour, Mancini, Nonda, Panucci, Perrotta, Taddei, Cufre, Okaka.
ch4