AS Roma 3-1 MLS All Stars: Strootman Bags First Club Goal

AS Roma began their American pre-season tour with a comfortable 3-1 victory over the MLS All Stars in Kansas.

It was Dutch captain Kevin Strootman who slotted home the first goal for the Giallorossi and also his first for the club after making the move to the Serie A from PSV Eindhoven.

It would be Alessandro Florenzi who doubled the advantage just after the break after Ferderico Balzaretti played him in with a slick ball from the left hand side.

Roma added to the All Stars pain with another goal, this time coming from Junior Tallo. The home team would end up scoring a goal but it would be a mere consolation going down 3-1 after the final whistle.

Goal scorers:

Kevin Strootman (Roma) 4'
Alessandro Florenzi (Roma) 47'
Junior Tallo (Roma) 68'
Omar Gonzalez (MLS) 90'

Enjoy the highlights below

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Pablo Osvaldo Could Stay at Roma After All

Roma director Claudio Fenucci has spoken about Osvaldo's future with the striker now likely to stay at the club.

The 27 year-old has been in some hot water at the club with incidents such as an outburst at former interim coach Aurelio Andreazzoli after the Coppa Italia loss and also during a match where he took a penalty off Totti and then failed to convert.

He has since been linked with a move away with many interested suitors such as Inter Milan, Fulham, Southampton, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City just to name a few of the clubs.

But although he has been close to an exit with the club, Roma director Claudio Fenucci has hinted that he may stay after all.

“We’ve decided to keep the attack from last year and we’ve reinforced other areas of the squad.

“I think we are on the grounds to do very well.

“Osvaldo is a part of our squad and I personally think he’s one of the best strikers out there. He could remain at Roma.

“If certain opportunities arise in the market then we will make decisions that will reinforce the squad.”

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Roma Turn to Ajax Star Viktor Fischer

Roma are closely monitoring Denmark's Ajax star Viktor Fischer with reports believing that Gervinho is no longer an option.

Despite Roma boss Rudi Garcia wanting his former underling in Italy, the Roma board are finding it hard to agree to a deal because Gervinho is known to be inconsistent and also believe that Fischer would be a more viable option.

The 19 year-old who is contracted to the Dutch until 2017 came to prominence last season where he scored 10 goals and made 5 assists from 23 league appearances.

Roma director Walter Sabatini may make an initial bid of 7 million euros for the Danish international to test the waters but will probably have to fork out much more to get the rising star.

If Fischer were to join the side, it would mean he would be competing with the likes of Erik Lamela, Pablo Osvaldo, Mattia Destro and Francesco Totti making this attack one of the best in Europe.

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Serie A 13/14 Fixtures: Roma's Complete Schedule

The 2013-14 Serie A fixtures have finally been announced with the Rome side set to play against newly promoted Livorno in their first competitive fixture before playing Hellas Verona, FC Parma and then heading into a 4th round Derby with Lazio.

Roma have however got a few challenging weeks ahead of them with rounds 7-9 and 15-18 being played against top teams.

Round	Home	vs	Away
1	Livorno	vs	Roma
2	Roma	vs	Verona
3	Parma	vs	Roma
4	Roma	vs	Lazio
5	Sampdoria	vs	Roma
6	Roma	vs	Bologna
7	Inter Milan	vs	Roma
8	Roma	vs	Napoli
9	Udinese	vs	Roma
10	Roma	vs	Chievo
11	Torino	vs	Roma
12	Roma	vs	Sassuolo
13	Roma	vs	Cagliari
14	Atalanta	vs	Roma
15	Roma	vs	Fiorentina
16	Milan	vs	Roma
17	Roma	vs	Catania
18	Juventus	vs	Roma
19	Roma	vs	Genoa

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Roma Sign De Sanctis as Stekelenburg Replacement

AS Roma have officially signed Napoli goal keeper Morgan De Sanctis who revealed that he turned down Inter Milan for the capital city.

The 36 year-old has been seen as the replacement for Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg who left for Fulham in a 5.5 million euro deal.

So in terms of value for money, De Sanctis who is joining on a two year deal is seen as a const effective solution to the problems at the back having only cost the side 0.5 million euros.

The signing however was a little bit delayed because Napoli were trying to seal a loan deal for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina which eventually happened after talks broke down with QPR's Julio Cesar.

De Sanctis said this about his move to Roma and also spoke about turning down Inter, "It's true that Inter wanted me, but it didn't go the way I expected, Never mind."

"I chose Roma because they had already tried to sign me in January." De Sanctis joins fellow keepers Julio Sergio, Bogdan Lobont, Lukasz Skorupski and also Tomas Svedkauskas

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AS Roma Squad for USA, Canada Pre-Season Tour

AS Roma have named their squad which they are taking to America and Canada for the Summer tour.

The likes of  Pablo Osvaldo and also Daniele De Rossi will in fact be making the trip with the team while striker's Marco Borriello and Mattia Destro have been left out.

Borriello is believed to be about to agree to a loan move to Inter Milan for the next season and Destro is suffering from another knee injury which explains their absense.

New signings Maicon, Strootman, Skorupski, Jedvaj, De Sanctis and also Benatia will also travel with the squad making it their first trip with the team.

Roma squad for USA and Canada tour:

Balzaretti, Benatia, Bradley, Burdisso, Caprari, Castan, Crescenzi, De Rossi, De Sanctis, Dodo, Florenzi, Jedvaj, Lamela, Lobont, Maicon, Marquinho, Osvaldo, Pjanic, Ricci, Romagnoli, Skorupski, Strootman, Taddei, Tallo, Torosidis, Totti, Verre

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Roma Pull off Comeback Victory Against Aris FC

In AS Roma's third friendly of the pre-season, goals from Michael Bradley and Nico Burdisso ensured that the Italian side would make a come from behind victory in Greece.

After a win against a local team and also a draw with Bursapor, Roma continue their form and have also handed youngster's some valuable playing time with the likes of Jedvaj, Verre, Caprari and Romagnoli all featuring.

Also making his debut for the club was Dutch captain Kevin Strootman which saw many fans interested in the former PSV man's first game.

AS ROMA Squad (4-3-3): Skorupski; Torosidis, Benatia, Castan, Dodò; Pjanic, Strootman, Marquinho; Lamela, Borriello, Caprari.

Substitutes: Lobont, Balzaretti, Burdisso, Jedvaj, Romagnoli, Taddei, Bradley, Verre, Totti, Osvaldo, Tallo.

Watch the full game below.

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Roma Striker Osvaldo Heading for Fulham ?

Making the headlines this week is yet again Pablo Osvaldo who has been linked with a move to England with Roma director Walter Sabatini currently in England to negotiate a deal to sell the attacker.

It is believed that Sabatini is not only in London to try and close a deal for Gervinho but he is currently in talks with Fulham, Arsenal and Southampton for the transfer of the Italian international.

Fulham appear to be the closest to signing the 27 year-old but have put just 10 million euros on the table for the striker who cost Roma 16 million euros plus add ons.

It is thought that Valencia CF offered a figure of 12 million euros for Osvaldo but was swiftly rejected as they are holding out for a higher figure.

With the future of the Italian international hanging in the balance, it still remains to be seen whether he will move or complete a u-turn and remain at the Italian capital for this season.

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Endogan Adili Linked With Move to Roma

FC Basel midfielder Endogan Adili has been linked with a move to Roma after a loan deal involving Uruguay young gun Gonzalo Bueno broke down.

Walter Sabatini has now been linked with the 18 year old Swiss winger Adili as an alternative to Bueno. It is reported that the Roma director flew to Switzerland to hold talks for the Adili before going to England to close a deal for Gervinho or for Osavldo.

But the agent of Adili has acted swiftly to the rumour, stating that they've not yet been in any contact whatsoever with the Italian giants.

“Up until now, no one from Roma has called,” he said. “There has been no contact, just speculation.

“However, if Roma want to talk to my client, we will be here.

“As I said, no one has called and it’s only speculation, but Roma is a big club and if they were interested in him, we would be willing to talk about it.”

Adili made his debut in the Swiss league for Grasshopper when he was just 15 years of age and has since made 24 appearances in the super league.

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Roma to Sign Gonzalo Bueno on Loan

Roma are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for Uruguayan sensation Gonzalo Bueno who paired up with Nico Lopez during the recent under 20 World Cup.

It is believed that Bueno will join the team on loan for around 1.5 million euros with an option to buy outright for an extra 6.5 million euros.

Roma boss Rudi Garcia is apparently in the market for a fast versatile winger who can add a bit more pace to the team and after taking a look at Gervinho, Bueno is now the target.

The young left winger who currently plays for Nacional Montevideo was used mainly as a sub for Uruguay as they made their way to the final before eventually losing out to France.

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Roma Keen to Sign Manchester Utd Full-back

Roma are considering a move for Manchester left-back Patrice Evra after strengthening themselves on the right side of defence with the arrival of Douglas Maicon from Manchester City.

The 32 year-old France international is close to being pushed out of the side with the Red Devils wanting to bring in Everton defender Leighton Baines who specializes in the left-back role.

With this news, Evra has asked coach David Moyes to be sold during this summer's window and is supposedly on the market for around 7 million euros.

However Roma are wanting to pay a figure closer to 4-5 million euros in deal which could be paid over time in installments.

If he arrives in Rome, he will face strong competition for a starting role with Ferderico Balzaretti also playing as a left-back following his move there from Palermo at the beginning of last season.

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Chelsea to play Roma in August Friendly

English Premier League giants Chelsea are going to face off against Roma in a friendly on August 10 in Washington, USA.

It has been announced that during their pre-season tour to the North American continent, they will face the MLS All Stars first on July 31. They will be staying at president James Pallotta's home town in Boston before travelling to Canada.

In Canada they will face off against Toronto FC at the BMO Field for the first time before finally ending the tour with a match against Jose Mourinho's men.

They will arrive back in Rome after these fixtures hopefully ready to begin the new Serie A season in full flight.

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Roma Interested in Valencia Defender Rami

Roma boss Rudi Garcia is interested in bringing one of his former players to Italy with Valencia centre back and former Lille player Adil Rami on the radar.

The French international has been touted as a possible replacement for Marquinhos who is expected to leave the Giallorossi in the coming weeks.

Although they have already bought in Medhi Benatia from Udinese, it looks as if they want to sign one more central defender to help delete past defensive frailness in past campaigns.

Rami is said to have a value of around 12 million euros, a price which would be covered easily by the sale of the young Brazilian prodigy.

The 27 year-old spent five seasons at Lille with three of them under Garcia which gives the pair a good understanding of each other if he is brought to the club.

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Roma Confirm Signing of Brazil Full-back Maicon

Roma have completed another transfer with Manchester City right back Douglas Maicon joining the Italian outfit after one season in England.

The former Brazil international may still harbor hopes of possibly making a return to the national side in time for the World Cup and had to make the move to further his career.

He was unwanted at Manchester City under new coach Manuel Pellegrini with no plans to be fielded during the next season.

Roma will pick up the 31 year-old for virtually nothing but had to pay some sought of small fee to release the player from his contract.

The 66-time Brazil star arrived in Rome for his medical yesterday and has now been officially signed with reference to their twitter account which said, ' Welcome, aboard Maicon'.

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Roma Sign PSV Midfielder Kevin Strootman

Roma have made a secured a big coup with the signing of Kevin Strootman with the 23 year-old arriving in Rome and being swamped by fans as he made his way out.

It has become official that the Dutch international will sign for the Italian side and will sign for a fee of 18 million euros plus add on bonuses.

The central midfielder had to be escorted out of the airport earlier but did stop to sign some autographs along the way.

The former FC Utrecht player spent two seasons at PSV Eindhoven where he made 88 appearances and scoring 14 goals and also 28 assists.

At his young age, he still boasts plenty of experience and will be a vital part of the Roma set up from day one.

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Summer Transfers at Roma

This off season has already brought many arrivals and departures here at Trigoria with the likes of Tin Jedvaj and Mehdi Benatia joining from their respective clubs but the board still have some work to do.

Lets take a look at the summer signings and departures which have already happened.

Arrivals

 Kevin Strootman: This tough central midfielder will probably be the signing of the summer for the Giallorossi. The 23 year-old joins for a fee of around 18 million euros from PSV but also comes with the experience of the Dutch national where he has 18 caps.

Maicon: The former Brazil international full-back is brought as a hope that he will hold down the all important full-back position after a few seasons of failure in that area. He comes for virtually free and will blend in well with other Brazil stars currently at the club.

Tin Jedvaj: The Croatian joined the side for a fee of around 5 million euros and is a highly rated defender and still just 17. The former Dinamo Zagreb player will be on a three-year contract at the club and could be a player for the future.

Mehdi Benatia: This strong framed defender from Udinese joins the club for a fee of around 13.5 million euros with part ownership of Nico Lopez and Valerio Verre used as a makeweight. The 26 year-old could be one of the signings of the summer.

Lukasz Skorupski: Roma have added a highly rated young goal keeper who has already made an international debut for Poland. The 22 year-old joins on a four-year contract.

Morgan De Sanctis: Roma add an experienced veteran of Serie A from Napoli for a fee of around 0.5 million euros and he could be a solution for Roma's woes at the back in recent times.




Gervinho: the former Arsenal attacker joins the club in the hope that his former form during his days at Lille can be re-created under Rudi Garcia once more. The Ivorian joins for a fee of around €8m on a four year deal.

Departures

Panagiotis Tachtsidis: The Greek midfielder joins Genoa after just one season at the club. He was regarded as a player who could perhaps control the middle and help bring the club forward but that never really looked like taking off.

Nico Lopez and Valerio Verre: These two join Udinese in a co-ownership deal with half of their rights worth 2.5 million euros (Verre) and also 1 million euros (Lopez).

Maarten Stekelenburg: The former Ajax keeper spent two seasons in Italy with both years spent fairly uncomfortably at the side. He joins EPL club Fulham for 5.5 million euros.

Jose Angel: The Spaniard full-back joins Real Sociedad on loan for the second consecutive season with an option for a permanent deal.

Marquinhos: This young Brazilian prodigy made the move from Roma to PSG in a reported 35 million euro deal after just one season at club. His fee will give Roma a chance to make any touch ups on the squad, so it is positive in that aspect.

Others:
Matteo Brighi joins Torino
Keeper Gianluca Curci joins Bologna on loan with option for a permanent deal
Marco D'Alessandro joins Cesena on loan

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Roma Make Bid for Arsenal Striker Gervinho

Roma have made an 8 million euro bid for Arsenal misfit Gervinho who spent time at Lille during Rudi Garcia's reign at the French club.

It appears that the club have followed up on their recent interest for the Ivorian and have submitted a formal offer, one which will make the English side contemplate.

The 26 year old has been on the outer at Arsenal with the likes of Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud often more preferred over the former Lille man and is set to leave.

Arsenal have left him out of the pre-season tour which signals their intent to sell but Roma may face some competition from Marseille who want him on loan.

With Pablo Osvaldo linked with a move to the likes of Southampton, Manchester City and Zenit, Gervinho could well be in line to be a replacement and also at the same time be reunited with Garcia.

The winger may be able to recapture his form from his Lille days which saw him score 28 goals and make a further 20 assists from 67 league appearances.

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Roma to Spend Big But First They Must Sell

AS Roma director of football Walter Sabatini is apparently waiting for the possible impending transfers of Marquinhos and Pablo Osvaldo before they make a big move on the market.

The Giallorossi may rake in up to 55 million euros if they are able to convince Marquinhos to join Paris Saint-Germain in an estimated 35 million euro deal and also Osvaldo to Zenit for a fee of around 20 million euros.

But as it stands Osvaldo is eyeing a move only to the Premier League and looks set to reject Zenit and also the young Brazilian defender would prefer a move to Barcelona rather than to France which could mean a smaller transfer fee.

Roma have been reportedly in the market for some midfield reinforcements plus a forward to replace Osvaldo which have included the likes of Arsenal striker Gervinho, PSV midfielder Kevin Strootman, Cagliari enforcer Radja Nainggolan and also Ajax's Christian Eriksen.

If they were able to secure these funds, surely they could be able to purchase one if not two or more of these potential signings with money to spare.

This comes as news with Roma recently signing up Udinese defender Medhi Benatia in a 13.5 million deal and the Moroccan could be a possible replacement for Marquinhos.

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Transfer News: AS Roma to Land Maicon

Manchester City and former Brazil international right-back is expected to sign a two year deal for Roma and has flown in to town to undertake a medical today.

The former Inter Milan full-back only joined the Eastlands club last summer and it looks as though he will leave and join Roma for a fee of around 5 million euros.

With just four starts for the English club, Maicon is ready to leave the Premier League and rejoin a Serie A team where his success began.

He arrived at the airport in Rome early this morning and will complete a medical during this afternoon before penning a 2 year-deal.

The 31 year-old is likely to be Roma's first choice player in his position with Ivan Piris going back to South America after a loan spell.

The signing of Maicon adds to other signings of Udinese defender Benatia, Croatian teen Tin Jedraj and Polish international keeper Lukasz Skorupski.

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