One other nice thing about having ESPN3, or watch ESPN or whatever they call it now, is that I can watch some of the Serie A matches that Fox Soccer doesn't carry. I was really kind of bummed that Fox wasn't carrying this match, but was very happy to be able to watch it via Interweb.
Through the first few rounds of the Serie A season, we've heard a lot about how Roma is a work in progress. This is true to an extent. They have a new coach and a lot of new faces, they still have a pretty solid squad though, and one wonders how long the "work in progress" excuse will hold when they can't beat teams like Siena at home.
The Romans got off on the right foot though, with a ton of possession in the opening minutes. They looked to be in total control. Totti took a great free kick that sailed high in the 6th minute. About 5 minutes later, Osvaldo had a shot that was barely deflected. Roma was looking good.
However Siena created some chances of their own in the first half, despite being behind on possession. Calaio had a shot blocked off the counter in the 14th, and then just 1 minute later Franco Brienza smacked a glorious header on goal that Lobont just barely knocked away for Roma.
The first half spoils belonged to the Romans though. In the 25th minute they finally capitalized on their possession and development play. Boriello sent a nice ball across the 6 and Osvaldo was there to knock it in. Roma would take their newly acquired 1-0 lead to the half.
Unfortunately for the fans in the capital though, Roma did not quite put on the same display in half number two. A lot of credit has to go to Siena, who worked hard and played well all night. They were very organized on both ends of the pitch, and it really gave Roma fits late.
There were a ton of chances for Siena down the stretch, but they couldn't convert. Finally they got their well deserved equalizer in the 88th minute. Brienza sent a shot in that looked to be a sure equalizer, only to see it rebound off the post. However, defender Roberto Vitiello was in the right place at the right time to smack home the rebound and tie the match at 1-1, which was the full time result.
After the match, a few boos and jeers were heard starting to rain down on the pitch for Roma. Just ask Gasperini, football is a results business. However, Siena fully deserved the point they took from Rome today.
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