Roma no longer know how to win. The one against Empoli is the fourth consecutive draw, the sixth in the last 8 games. Merciless numbers, as demonstrated by the standings: now the points from leaders Juve are 6 (but today they could become 9) and behind them there is a Napoli that is approaching menacingly (if the Azzurri beat Chievo they would go minus 4). In short, rather than aiming ahead, the Giallorossi would do well to watch their backs, because at this rate, the real mission of the season will become control of second place. However, the market will give a hand: since yesterday the purchase of Doumbia from CSKA Moscow (14 million) has been official and today, 90% of the negotiations will also be concluded for Ibarbo (2 million immediately to Cagliari and 12 in June) and Chiriches (on loan from Tottenham). Pure oxygen for a tired and nervous group, also drained by injuries (after Strootman Iturbe also stopped) and various absences (Gervinho's weighs heavily).
“We are in a moment with many problems, the only thing to save is the reaction in the second half – Garcia's analysis. – We were down by a goal and a man, then in the second half we tried to win. Too bad, the wheel of fortune does not turn in our favor”. A two-faced match that of Roma, a constant of the last month. In fact, once again the Giallorossi took time to get into the match, an unforgivable mistake at these levels, especially if you are up against an excellent team like Sarri's Empoli. Who for over 45' won all the individual duels, dominating from a physical point of view and hitting Garcia's group where it hurts the most, or rather in the middle of the central defenders.
In the 39th minute Saponara found himself face to face with De Sanctis, forcing Manolas to foul: expulsion, penalty and goal by Maccarone. At the end of time, however, the wheel turned: a touch of the arm (or shoulder, the images do not fully clarify) by Saponara himself, a second yellow card and numerical parity re-established. The episode, combined with the deafening boos from the Olimpico, woke up Roma, who got the game back on its feet at the start of the second half. Maicon's left foot was splendid, a billiard shot that beat Sepe thus bringing the Giallorossi back in full swing. And when a few minutes later Astori hit the crossbar, there was a feeling that Garcia's team could really turn it around.
In reality, Empoli no longer ran any particular dangers, partly due to the excellent game organization imparted by Sarri (expelled for protesting), partly due to the predictability of Roma, never able to come up with the joker. The 1-1 is the fairest result, and today Juventus can really escape. In fact, at 15 pm the bianconeri will go onto the Udinese field with the aim of winning to extend their lead to 9 points. In short, a delicate match, it is no coincidence that Massimiliano Allegri wanted to keep everyone on the ropes. “Our advantage in the standings doesn't mean anything, two draws are enough to waste it – he explained at the press conference. – This is a crucial moment in the championship, we have to get to the direct match without losing any points.
The maturity of a team can be seen in these games, you have to learn to win even by playing badly. And in Udine, often, particularly good races don't come out...". In short, woe to relax, also because the company mission provides for a clear path up to the match against Roma on March 2nd (between Milan, Cesena and Atalanta), to then concentrate entirely on the Champions League. This therefore explains Allegri's determination, whose balance against his colleague Stramaccioni is in perfect parity (1 win, 1 defeat and 1 draw). “Winning in Udine is never easy, and then there's Di Natale who always scores – he reiterated. – It will be a game to be played with great attention, trying to make as few mistakes as possible”. Immediately after the match, the final rush of the transfer market will start, which will bring Alessandro Matri back to Turin. In fact, the Osvaldo track became complicated, Marotta reached an agreement with Preziosi for the loan of the striker (Borriello will go to Genoa).
However, this will only be thought about in the late afternoon, first the head will have to be well present at the Friuli stadium. Allegri has problems above all in midfield: in fact, Vidal's forfeit has been added to the suspended Marchisio. For this there is the possibility of returning to the 3-5-2, even if the latest news give the 4-3-1-2 as the favorite form. In defense, in front of captain Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini and Evra will play, in midfield space for Padoin, Pirlo and Pogba, with Pereyra playmaker behind Tevez and Morata, preferred again to Llorente. Stramaccioni will attempt the coup with the classic 3-5-1-1, with Thereau and Di Natale spearheading.
