Serie A – What We Learned – Bologna 2 AS Roma 2

Serie A – What We Learned – Bologna 2 AS Roma 2

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Roma drew 2-2 with Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Serie A on Saturday evening, in a game that was marred by the terrible playing conditions.

Adam Masina opened the scoring for the hosts before Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko gave Roma the lead. The Giallorossi, however, were denied all three points as former striker Mattia Destro scored a late equaliser from the spot.

Roma cant play water polo

Roma coach Rudi Garcia claimed the conditions meant that the game against Bologna was like “water polo with feet”. It is hard to argue with him considering the awful state of the pitch especially come the second half. A game a few years ago between the two sides in Bologna was called off for adverse weather. But it was not the case this time around, as the game went on and had three penalties which could be argued was due to the state of the field. Yet Roma did not help themselves. Not for the first time this season, Roma started the game slowly and conceded a goal before 15 minutes had been played. On the basis of this performance, Roma should not dive into a pool any time soon.

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A Greek tragedy

When Maicon was replaced by Vasilios Torosidis in the 63rd minute, all appeared well for the visitors. They were in the ascendency having just equalised and would go onto lead 2-1. Yet with just five minutes left on the clock, Torosidis gave away a needless and careless penalty to gift Bologna a draw. To rub salt into the wound, the man who duly converted the spot kick was Destro, the former Roma forward who was let go by the club in the summer after falling out with Garcia over playing time. Right-back has been a consistent problem area for the Giallorossi over the last decade. Maicon is not the player he was at his prime at Inter five years ago and Torosidis is not good enough. On the left, Lucas Digne has arguably been Roma’s best defender but on the opposite flank Garcia has problems; the defence as a whole must trouble the French tactician. Roma have only kept a clean sheet twice this season and if the defence keeps on leaking goals their title chances will drip away. Next up for Roma, the imperious Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

The Bosnian influence

Miralem Pjanic and Eden Dzeko scored the two goals at Bologna which ultimately earned Roma a hard-fought point, but it was hardly surprising that it was those players who stepped up for i Lupi. The Bosnian duo have been standout performers for the Giallorossi this season. Dzeko has hit the ground running since his move from English  side Manchester City. Roma have not had an out-and-out number nine in some years and his worth is showing for the Romans. He is an outlet for his side when teams are pressing high up the pitch and is a big presence which provides space for Roma’s pacey wingers as defenders are sucked in by Dzeko’s height and power. He has also started scoring, with two in his last two games. His compatriot Pjanic is in even better form. The former Lyon man continued his Serie A run of averaging a goal or an assist in every game so far this season. Pjanic is far more than just goals and assists to Roma. He dictates the tempo of the Giallorossi play and is the reference point for the team. Roma have a pair of Bosnian gems which much of their season will rest on if they are to serious challenge at the top end of Serie A.

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