We beat some amateur side 9-0 in a friendly yesterday. Mr. Zeman hinted that Totti will be used as a winger this season in his favourite 4-3-3 formation - I’m uncertain as to how this will work as injuries and age have robbed Francesco of his pace and he was never really a pacey player anyway. I think he’d work better in the middle of attack or in a deeper midfield role.
Federico Viviani has joined Padova on loan for the season and the signings of Bradley, Castan and Tachtsidis should all go through this week. Crescenzi looks like he’s going to Catania on a co-ownership deal while I’m not sure of the future of Bertolacci. I have high hopes for Crescenzi and I’m a little disappointed he wasn’t handed the chance this season. Florenzi was involved yesterday and does seem to be rated by Zeman. Brighi has joined/ or is set to join Torino. Curci, Heinze and Greco are other players who would seem likely to leave but it’s going to be much more difficult in offloading Perrotta, Simplico, Juan, Julio Sergio, Pizarro and Borriello - the latter trio in particular who have no future here. Maybe Rocko can tell us a little more about Sebastien Jung - a 22 yr old German right back who plays for Frankfurt, he is the latest name linked with us, some Paraguayan guy called Piris has also been associated with our right back berth while Boswinga is another reported target.
First of all I’m hearing a loan with an option to buy at my end. I’d be surprised at that as Franfurt wanted to tie him down on a longer deal so not sure why they’d let him go on loan first.
Secondly I’d like a ruling on my readmission to the Romanista sect.
Thirdly he’s a good player - quick, gets forward, well established in the Bundesliga now though have only limited viewings of him. Regular U-21 international and that’s a competitive environment to break into.
Great news on Juan. He’s one of the highest earners at the club and both past-it and injury prone. Hopefully that will free up funds for us to get in some defensive reinforcements. The Jung deal is off and Frankfurt have changed their minds and took him off the market.
Catan will arrive tomorrow and Piris, the Paraguayan right back, is meant to be close to signing for us. Also speculation we could get Jung as well and move Rosi on.
Leandro Castan has officialy signed, looks very likely Piris will sign and a deal is in place with Genoa to sign Destro if they secure his full rights from Siena, Preziosi and Sabatini were meeting today to discuss this issue. Curci and Bertolacci have left for Bologna and Genoa respectively - Curci on loan and Bertolacci in a co-ownership deal. We are also rumoured to be close to signing 18 year old Romanian winger Claudiu Bumba, he has already been capped at senior level by Romania.
We are 3 out of 3 in our friendlies, my sources inform me that Nico Lopez has been outstanding in pre-season and looks to be an immense talent.
My sources in the capital tell me a deal has been struck and Destro will be ours in the coming days. I have a feeling this lad will become an AS Roma and Italian football star.
Any of our American friends making it along to see i Lupi on tour? I’m so excited about the new season, I can’t wait for it to start - whisper it quietly but I think Mr. Zeman will deliver us the Serie A title this season. Borriello, Pizarro, Greco, Okaka, Guberti, Julio Sergio and Perrotta were all left at home so that should pretty much give them the inclination that they have no future in Mr. Zeman’s plans.
Destro and Piris should soon be on board and there is a lot of speculation that we may make a move for Julio Cesar - apparently all is not well with Stekelenburg - but this is merely conjecture and has been strongly denied by Stekelenburg’s agent. Heinze, Rosi and Angel are other players who could leave if we have replacements lined up and can find them suitors.
I agree Bandage. Destro and Piris should be on board shortly though and Daniele will presumably join up with the squad after the US tour. In addition to those two signings, I would like to see a starting left back and centre back brought in for certain, additionally I’d like to see us bring in another right back as well as Piris. Another midfielder would also be welcome. If we could get rid of Heinze we should also target a young and promising centre back.
Borriello, Pizarro, Angel, Greco, Perrotta, Julio Sergio, Guberti, Okaka, Heinze and Rosi should all be punted.
Genoa have taken Destro’s share off Siena so it should only be a matter of time before his move to Roma comes through, a contract in principle with Destro is already said to have been agreed upon last week. The latest reports suggest that we will pay €5m to take Destro on loan and there will be a buyout of €7m should we wish to make it permanent. There have also been stories saying that we may sell half the rights to Piscitella in this deal. Borriello is being linked with a move to Genoa as well.