Recovering Totti Finds The Net Again

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The Roman idol has been recovering from a serious injury sustained last season and is continuing to make progress as he rejoins his team-mates. In fact he was called up for the friendly match in Egypt against Al-Ahly, but took no part in Roma's 3-0 victory.

At the end of training today Roma held a practice match between the ranks and Totti scored a well-taken goal against goalkeeper Arthur. He faked his shot, then dribbled and placed his right-foot finish under the crossbar. It was the Roma number 10's first goal since returning to training. He scored 14 goals in Serie A last season and is the highest active goalscorer in the league with 165 strikes to his name.

The World Cup-winning playmaker missed the end of last season through injury when his team were chasing league leaders Inter. He has struggled with injuries throughout his career and was almost forced to sit out the World Cup that Italy eventually won in 2006.

Totti's recovery has been slow and steady, but the Giallorossi captain is making great progress according to the team doctors and could be ready for the upcoming season. He is eager to feature in the Italian Super Cup against Inter on August 24th at the Meazza.

The next test of Totti's fitness may take place on August 14th when Roma will play Frosinone in a friendly match.

Adam Scime

Baptista Joins Roma?

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The latest transfer saga seems to be reaching it’s final conclusion as Roma agree a deal with Real Madrid for the Brazilian.

Luciano Spalletti has achieved his objective of bringing some muscle into the side. One down, one to go as the pursuit for Florent Malouda gathers pace.

Sportmediaset claims that Roma have struck an accord with the Spanish champions, all that is missing is the player’s signature and an announcement by both clubs.

The ‘Beast’ will arrive in Rome for €10m with a further €2m going to Los Merengues if the Italian side qualify for the Champions League over the next two years.

Roma director Daniele Prade is now working for Chelsea’s Malouda as he attempts to wrap up his double swoop.

Luis Felipe Scolari’s arrival in West London has seen a shake up at Stamford Bridge and the French midfielder looks on his way out.

The Giallorossi have been slow on the market compared to their rivals but they will be the one’s having the last laugh when Baptista steps onto the pitch.

Salvatore Landolina

Roma Eyeing Zaragoza's Milito

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The Giallorossi have been looking to strengthen their attacking options all summer, but so far they have not had much success on this front.

With Julio Baptista seeming a little too expensive, Luciano Spalletti’s attention has now turned to Milito.

Il Tempo claims that Roma have been making enquiries over the Argentine and his name has been added to Spalletti’s shortlist.

It is believed Zaragoza will accept no less than €15m, which is the same amount Real Madrid want for Baptista.

If the Brazilian fails to make the switch to the Olimpico, Roma will pounce for Milito.

Time is running out for the Italian side as they wait for news from the Bernabeu regarding their recent €12m offer for the ‘Beast’.

However, if their bid is rejected, they may attempt to try and convince the Spanish club to part-company with their striker.

Salvatore Landolina

Woodgate Can't Wait For Roma

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One of the best young defenders in the country at the age of 20, Woodgate lined up for Leeds United against Roma in the quarterfinals of the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup and emerged victorious despite drawing at home, picking up an historic 1-0 win in the Stadio Olimpico.

He will now be lining up for Tottenham Hotspur - having been at Real Madrid and Middlesbrough in the intervening period - to face them again on Sunday in a pre-season friendly.

"They were fantastic games," recalled the defender.

"Roma are a top outfit, they nearly won the Italian League last season, beat the champions Inter Milan to win the Italian Cup and also did well in the Champions League."

He also has great admiration for the talent currently at the disposal of the Giallorossi. "They have real talent in the likes of Philippe Mexes, [Daniele] de Rossi, Mancini, Pizzaro and of course Totti if he's fit," he added, mistakingly naming Mancini as a Romanista despite his summer switch to their rivals Internazionale.

"They will put men behind the ball but with their quality they will look to break quickly and will be dangerous. That's why it's a great test for us."

Chet Winter, Goal.com

West Ham Director: Several Italian Clubs After Ljungberg

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The former Arsenal man has been linked with a move to Roma after the Premier League club released him from Upton Park.

The Giallorossi are hunting for a midfielder and a number of reports in Italy have linked him to the Olimpico.

However, it’s not just Roma who are after him according to Nani.

“Ljungberg? He has recently terminated his contract and I don’t know where he will go,” Nani told Il Romanista.

“I have received calls from every part of Italy, Florence, Milan and, to be honest, I have no idea where he’ll end up.

“He’s no longer a part of this club and so I am not bothered about his issues.

“I knew Roma liked him but I don’t know if this has changed. Ljunberg has a high wage demand and it may be difficult for the Giallorossi to get him.”

The Giallorossi are trying to land Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista and Florent Malouda in a double swoop, Ljungberg is the alternative if the French midfielder fails to arrive from Chelsea.

Salvatore Landolina

Roma On Suazo If Baptista Move Fails

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The Giallorossi have been pursuing Baptista all summer as their search for a striker continues.

However, his high price tag may push Roma to reconsider their options and move for a cheaper alternative.

La Gazzetta Dello sport suggests that Real Madrid are not looking to let the 'Beast' leave for less than €15m.

The Olimpico-based club have already made a €12m bid but this is likely to be snubbed by the Spanish champions.

Inter’s David Suazo looks like an easier target and he may join Luciano Spalletti’s side.

The Honduran has never managed to set the world alight at San Siro and he is likely to be moved on by Jose Mourinho.

Roma are on standby and they may turn to the Nerazzurri if their offer for Baptista is turned down.

Suazo is not considered a part of Mourinho’s plans in Milan and he may find himself taking a one-way trip to the Italian capital.

Salvatore Landolina

Real Madrid Not Lowering Asking Price For Baptista

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12 million euros, take it or leave it: that seems to be the position of Real Madrid, according to the Spanish media, regarding Roma's request to purchase midfielder/striker Julio Baptista.

El Mundo Deportivo reports that the Merengues have no intention to lower their asking price of 12 million euros, which is one million more than Roma are willing to spend at the moment.

This situation does not worry the player's agent Herminio Menéndez too much, as he told Roma fan site Laromasiamonoi.it that "there are other clubs interested in Baptista as well."

However, he confirmed that a move to Roma is a definite possibility: "If Roma contact us, it will not take long to reach an agreement."

The 26-year-old Brazilian joined Real Madrid from Sevilla in 2005, but never managed to establish himself in the starting XI, scoring a total of just 11 goals for Los Blancos. In the 2006-2007 season he played on loan for Arsenal, for whom he found the net 3 times.

Danilo Pochini

Sacchi: Baptista To Roma? Great!

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The Brazilian is at the centre of attention in Roma’s hunt for a striker.

Reports in Italy, as well as his agent, Herminio Menendez, claim the hit-man is on the verge of joining the Giallorossi.

Sacchi, who masterminded Baptista’s move to Real in 2005 from Sevilla, believes Roma should waste no time and snap him up sooner rather than later.

“Julio Baptista could be the ideal man at Roma,” Sacchi told Radio Radio.

“He is a player who has strength, physique, and he has a killer strike on him. He can score free kicks and he is sound technically.

“If he finds the right environment, he could be the transfer of the summer, and shock everyone.

“He could play alongside Totti and Vucinic with no problems.”

Roma have made a €12m bid for Baptista but Real have yet to respond according to the latest news from Italy.

Salvatore Landolina

Ferdinand Advises Roma: Buy Malouda

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Rio Ferdinand spoke to Il Romanista today with very kind words for a Premier League rival. The one time England captain was talking about Frenchman Florent Malouda of Chelsea, whose possible move to Roma has caught his attention.

The complimentary Ferdinand said of the 27-year-old winger: “I think Malouda is a great player, especially when he was at Lyon, where he did many great things.”

Knowing the player well from the many intense matches Manchester United played against Chelsea last season, the Englishman continued: “I think he can adapt well to any team he plays for.”

After a less then ideal season at Chelsea the French international will be keen to move on and ply his trade elsewhere, but Rio clearly rates the much-maligned Malouda.

Despite praise from his peer, however, Malouda himself will be keen to prove his worth after frequent criticisms, whether he stays at Chelsea or moves on to new pastures.

Peter Pedroncelli

Al Ahli Upset With Roma Refereeing

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The Egyptian team went down 3-0 in the encounter, and they have expressed their unhappiness with the way the game was handled by referee Yasser Abdul-Raouf.

Coach Jose Manuel rushed onto the pitch to confront the referee immediately after the game, protesting his "controversial" decisions.

Assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri also expressed his unhappiness with the way the game was handled and did not hide his feelings at the press conference.

"The referee tarnished the friendly atmosphere through his weird decisions," Al-Badri told the post-match press conference.

"Almost all of his decisions went against us, I don't know why,"

Out Of Play

The first goal for Spaletti's men came in controversial fashion as the ball slightly crossed the by-line before being whipped in by Brazilian born full back Cicinho for Mauro Esposito to finish.

"Cicinho admitted after the match that the ball crossed the line just before he whipped in his cross," Ahli keeper Amir Abdul-Hamid was quoted as saying on FilGoal.com

"He also told me that he was surprised that the referee allowed the goal."

Another member of the Al Ahli technical crew, goalkeeping trainer Ahmed Nagui, also complained bitterly about the referee.

"Problems always occur every time Abdul-Raouf officiate a match for us," he told the Ahly Channel after the game.

"Given those past problems, why did Abdul-Raouf took charge of our friendly game against Roma?"

"The referee stirred tensions through his controversial and weird decisions."

Awenlimobor Sylvester