Cagliari-Roma

By: Jeremy | May 8th, 2009

I know ts easy to feel like there is not much to play for the rest of the way after the ass kicking we took in Sicily, but if we can take a step back and forget last week, there is quick turnaround and a result can turn our mindset around quickly and keep us in the discussion for Europe with three weeks left to go.

One of my favorite memories as an almost 20 year Cagliari fan was the game against Roma in 2007. We needed a win to survive and the team gave its all with so many of the players contributing. Earning those three points that day made the final week essentially meaningless and we again dodged relegation by the slimmest of margins when most pundits thought us as all but relegated going in to that Roma game. The atmosphere at the Sant Elia was amazing that day and the after match the celebration was one for the ages. As a relegation type club, moments like that are rare and the joy felt that day was similar to the road win against Juve this year. When you are a fan of a small club, its games like those you remember. We get another chance to repeat history against the same Roma club, only this time a win gets us back in the European picture.

What can you say about Roma. I expected them to move up and finish fourth but their recent form has been shiite so now they are barely hanging on to the final European place, just one point ahead of a fast charging Palermo squad and four points above us. While they are in turmoil and their manager is all but fired, there is still enough talent on that team to win any game. The question is which team shows up. Good news for Cagliari is that Riise, Cicinho, Juan, Aqualani, and I think even Baptista will not play this weekend. While Vucinic will return and make a difference, that is a lot of first teamers missing so they will not be on all cylinders as they travel to Sardinia.

Cagliari will have a full squad other then Cossu, who is one of our most important players. Lopez returns from his shortened suspension to lead the backline. His leadership will be needed and we will need Marchetti to cut back on the goals if we are going to win this game. Despite his inconsistent performances, I expect Acquafresca to have a big game. He should get one or two goals this weekend as he clearly loves to play in the big games against the big clubs, especially at home. I see a similar performance as the one against Genoa at home last year that got us rolling on a streak that helped us survive yet again.

A win this weekend gets us back in the mix for the final European spot. While I think Palermo is going to edge out Roma for the final place, Romas talent cannot be discounted and surely those players wont just pack it in because they arent qualifying for the Champions League. The question is which Roma team will show up. Will it be the one that does not care or one that can put 3-4 goals past us in a short burst. While they stormed back at home against us in the game in the first half of the season to win 3-2 in another game where we should have gotten points, this is a different Roma club. On the road if they fall behind in the second half, they wont come back. To draw against Chievo at home at this stage of the season is inexcusable but it is an indication of the crisis at that club so we are getting them at a good time. Do not discount the talent that will be on the field and this will be no cakewalk.

With Palermo having a tricky away match to Siena, who seems to cause fits for teams at the worst time, this is no guarantee for three points for them. If we can beat Roma, the motivation is back, and while we would still face steep odds for the final european spot, we would be back in the conversation. A loss will be it for us and we can limp home against Reggina, Inter, and Udinese. With a winnable game against Reggina coming up next week, I would love a win on Sunday to keep the rest of the season interesting.

For all the ups and downs we have gone through, I just cant see the team rolling over and dying at home while games still mean something. The team has been through too much not to play this wonderful season out to the end. I think we get it done as much because of our great year, but also as much because we get a Roma team at home, who is missing a lot of players, and who seemingly no longer gives a ****.

Prediction

Cagliari 2-1 Roma