By Petar Todorovski
Amauri scored two goals in last 15 minutes to prevent the second victory in the second match for Vincenzo Montella as a coach in Roma. Giallorossi took the 2-0 lead in the first half, but they failed to keep the concentration and let former Juventus star to equalize.
Montella included Francesco Totti, Mirko Vucinic and Rodrigo Taddei in attack, while David Pizarro returned in the first team after a long absence. Marco Borriello was expected to start the match but he found himself sitting on the bench.
Roma looked more active in the beginning, with Francesco Totti as the most active player. The captain had one great shot from distance before scoring the opening goal in 19th minute. Minutes after Totti’s claims for penalty after he was struck by Gabriel Paletta, the referee awarded Lupi with an eleven meters spot kick when Alessandro Lucarelli fouled Rodrigo Taddei. Totti took the responsibility and scored for 1-0.
This goal boosted their confidence even more and they kept dominating the game, giving no impression that they played awful two weeks ago. They doubled the lead in 36th minute from corner. Defender Juan was on the right place to send the ball into Mirante’s net. Roma had scored two goals, while Parma had just one shot at Doni’s goal, and everything seemed good for Romans.
However, when they give such an impression, things turn around. Parma tried to take control in the second half. Antonio Candreva was the first who sent signals of wakening with a wonderful shot inches over the bar.
The game proceeded with two opportunities for Roma. However, Mirko Vucinic and Totti failed to make it three. When they missed to seal the victory, they were punished. Amauri scored two goals in five minutes and brought a point for Ducali.
First, in 74th minute, he scored an amazing goal after the cross of Francesco Valiani. It awaked the hopes for positive result and it came five minutes later. Amauri scored again after some lousy defending by Roma men.
Ducali had ten minutes to do what Genoa did to Lupi days ago, but their chances were destroyed Massimo Paci who earned a red card. However, Blerim Dzemaili could easily score a winner for them with a great long distance shot, but the result remained 2-2.
Coach Vincenzo Montella wasn’t happy with the result although the general display was good. He bemoaned the defense weaknesses of his team. “We concede far too many goals in the final half hour. It isn’t a question of players or formation but simply a dip in concentration. Playing every three days doesn’t help when you want to work on weaknesses and of course it will take time,” he told the press. “I liked what I saw during the first half and this gives me confidence going forward. After the break we were missing [David] Pizarro who is fundamental for our particular way of playing,” he concluded.
Now Roma is sixth with 43 points, twelve behind the leaders, but what is most important for Montella and his men, five points behind Lazio, who holds the last Champions League position.
