Not-so-boring Roma should get three points at Torino on Sunday

European Leagues / Dan Fitch / 14 December 2007 / Leave a Comment

Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch previews Betfair's live video match as Roma visit Torino on Sunday afternoon

In a week when Fabio Capello was chosen to instil some much needed Italian pragmatism, into the world of tactical buffoonery that is the England football team, what better time to sample some Serie A action? On Sunday, Roma travel to Torino, in a game they have to win, if they are to remain within clutching distance of Inter's coattails. All the action can be seen via Betfair Video, so why not have a punt, whilst imagining Wayne Rooney in the Fantasista role?

A few daft people have voiced their concern at our national team playing the Italian way, but if that means qualifying for every tournament and occasionally even winning one, then I can live with it. I'll even change my name to Luigi and help rig the odd election, if that will help our cause.

The idea of Italian football being all 1-0 wins and 9 man defensive systems, is something of a fallacy anyway. Inter have scored the same amount of league goals as Arsenal (33), despite having played one less game. Meanwhile, second placed Roma have notched 31, to Manchester United's 29, whilst also having played a fixture less.

Roma will be desperate to add to this tally against Torino, following the disappointment of last week's trip to Livorno. When Daniele De Rossi gave Roma the lead after just four minutes, it seemed as if they were ready to keep the heat on Inter. This plan went somewhat awry, as Livorno promptly equalised just two minutes later, through the Spanish blast from the past, Diego Tristan. Despite piling on the pressure for the rest of the match and enjoying 72% of the possession, Roma just couldn't get a winner, as Inter strode five points clear at the top.

Much frustration has been vented at Luciano Spalletti's insistence at persisting with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, rather than pairing Totti and Vucinic upfront in a 4-4-2. Like the aforementioned Rooney, though Totti is a good enough player to be able to lead the line, he is far more effective playing off another striker. Instead, Mirko Vucinic's appearances have largely come when Totti has been injured, or on the left wing, with Totti leading the line.

Roma fans will be hoping that left wing does not become Vucinic's permanent position, as rumours abound that Mancini will soon be flogged. Despite his undoubted talent, Mancini has fallen out of favour with Spalletti, though the Brazilian did score the equaliser in the midweek tie against Manchester United.

Roma fielded a surprisingly strong side on Wednesday, considering that they had already qualified, whilst United blooded a number of youngsters. If the team sheet showed some intention that this would be a competitive match, the reality was rather tepid. Sadly, only the opposing fans were really pumped up for this clash.

Torino have far more pressing things to worry about than Serie A challenges and Champions League encounters, such as not getting relegated. Last season they avoided the drop by just a point and though this season they are positioned in thirteenth place, they remain only two points clear of the relegation zone. Their lack of points is mainly due to a tendency to draw too many games, with 9 of their 15 league games ending all square.

This sounds like a perfect recipe to frustrate Roma. Torino are especially difficult to beat at home, having only been beaten at the Stadio Olimpico by Juventus (who as cohabiters of the stadium, weren't really plying 'away' anyway). The draw is available at [3.35], with Roma the [1.92] favourites and Torino [5.2].

Roma are unbeaten from home and because they need this victory so much, I think they'll scrape home. Though the price is a little short, I'd have to suggest backing, as Roma tend to start like a train and fall asleep in the second half. Of their 17 goals scored since the Rome derby on 31st October, only 3 have come in the second half. Is it just a coincidence that this is when they normally substitute Mancini?

To watch this match on Betfair live video go to:

http://livevideo.betfair.com/