Florenzi's Return Will Provide Roma (and Italy) a Boost
The long awaited return of Alessandro Florenzi finally occurred at the Stadio Olimpico today against Hellas Verona. Florenzi started and played 90 minutes in his first game in almost a year after two knee surgeries. Florenzi tore a knee ligament last October before re-injuring the same knee in training in February which resulted in a second surgery and another long rehab.
Florenzi looked like his old self today despite the long layoff from game action and provided plenty of energy down the right side of the pitch. He even provided a lovely cross that Edin Dzeko buried for Roma's second goal of the evening. It was an emotional night for the Roman born and bred Florenzi who always leaves it all on the field for his beloved Giallorossi.
Now that his emotional night has come and gone without incident, I believe Florenzi will provide a big boost to both Roma and Italy. Florenzi is a talented player who is coming into his prime at 26 years of age and on top of that he has become one of the emotional leaders for Roma with Daniele De Rossi, Radja Nainggolan and Kevin Strootman. Florenzi has grown into a symbol of Roma much like fellow Roman De Rossi.
On top of the leadership role that Florenzi has taken on, he provides tons of versatility on the field. Florenzi played right back on his return today. It's a position that he has become very familiar with the past few years. Florenzi transitioned to right back out of necessity after Roma have had difficulty finding a quality player to fill it. He unselfishly did what was best for the club and had filled the role very well the past couple seasons, turning a trouble position into one of consistency prior to his injury. However, with the additions of Bruno Peres last season and Rick Karsdorp this season Roma no longer need Florenzi to play there on a weekly basis.
Florenzi has good attacking ability out wide which makes him a candidate to also play in Roma's attack. Florenzi fits best on the right side of Roma's attacking trident and should get game time there as well. He's pacy and good with the ball at his feet, qualities that he has flashed when making runs from defense the past couple seasons. He also provides quality crosses from the right which Dzeko could feast on like he did today. If he begins playing more at forward he can begin to display these strong attacking qualities more often while also providing extra defensive coverage for either Peres or Karsdorp.
Lastly, Florenzi could also help Roma at his most natural position of central midfield; the position he's actually listed to play on Roma's website. Roma are very strong at the position with starters De Rossi, Strootman, and Nainggolan, along with quality reserves Lorenzo Pellegrini, Maxime Gonalons, and Gerson. However, Roma feature three central midfielders in Esubio Di Francesco's 4-3-3 formation which means there should be plenty of turnover to keep everyone fresh during a very busy schedule which features Serie A and Champions League fixtures this autumn. Florenzi can bring more quality to an already quality position for the Giallorossi when fresh legs are needed.
Since Florenzi offers all of this versatility he can play wherever Roma need him. Any given week whether it be due to an injury or just to give other regular starters a game off during a week where there's a mid-week fixture, he can play any of the above mentioned positions. I don't expect Florenzi to start every game right off the bat as he continues to build up his match fitness. However, he is also a valuable weapon as a sub because of all the positions he can play.
As his fitness and confidence continue to build I expect him to play a bigger and bigger role for the club at whatever position he is needed. I expect this same versatility to be a weapon for Gian Piero Ventura as Italy attempt to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in a likely home-and-home playoff come November. Roma and Italy fans will both be glad to see Florenzi back on the pitch as he will improve both teams with his quality, versatility, and leadership.
Florenzi looked like his old self today despite the long layoff from game action and provided plenty of energy down the right side of the pitch. He even provided a lovely cross that Edin Dzeko buried for Roma's second goal of the evening. It was an emotional night for the Roman born and bred Florenzi who always leaves it all on the field for his beloved Giallorossi.
Now that his emotional night has come and gone without incident, I believe Florenzi will provide a big boost to both Roma and Italy. Florenzi is a talented player who is coming into his prime at 26 years of age and on top of that he has become one of the emotional leaders for Roma with Daniele De Rossi, Radja Nainggolan and Kevin Strootman. Florenzi has grown into a symbol of Roma much like fellow Roman De Rossi.
On top of the leadership role that Florenzi has taken on, he provides tons of versatility on the field. Florenzi played right back on his return today. It's a position that he has become very familiar with the past few years. Florenzi transitioned to right back out of necessity after Roma have had difficulty finding a quality player to fill it. He unselfishly did what was best for the club and had filled the role very well the past couple seasons, turning a trouble position into one of consistency prior to his injury. However, with the additions of Bruno Peres last season and Rick Karsdorp this season Roma no longer need Florenzi to play there on a weekly basis.
Florenzi has good attacking ability out wide which makes him a candidate to also play in Roma's attack. Florenzi fits best on the right side of Roma's attacking trident and should get game time there as well. He's pacy and good with the ball at his feet, qualities that he has flashed when making runs from defense the past couple seasons. He also provides quality crosses from the right which Dzeko could feast on like he did today. If he begins playing more at forward he can begin to display these strong attacking qualities more often while also providing extra defensive coverage for either Peres or Karsdorp.
Lastly, Florenzi could also help Roma at his most natural position of central midfield; the position he's actually listed to play on Roma's website. Roma are very strong at the position with starters De Rossi, Strootman, and Nainggolan, along with quality reserves Lorenzo Pellegrini, Maxime Gonalons, and Gerson. However, Roma feature three central midfielders in Esubio Di Francesco's 4-3-3 formation which means there should be plenty of turnover to keep everyone fresh during a very busy schedule which features Serie A and Champions League fixtures this autumn. Florenzi can bring more quality to an already quality position for the Giallorossi when fresh legs are needed.
Since Florenzi offers all of this versatility he can play wherever Roma need him. Any given week whether it be due to an injury or just to give other regular starters a game off during a week where there's a mid-week fixture, he can play any of the above mentioned positions. I don't expect Florenzi to start every game right off the bat as he continues to build up his match fitness. However, he is also a valuable weapon as a sub because of all the positions he can play.
As his fitness and confidence continue to build I expect him to play a bigger and bigger role for the club at whatever position he is needed. I expect this same versatility to be a weapon for Gian Piero Ventura as Italy attempt to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in a likely home-and-home playoff come November. Roma and Italy fans will both be glad to see Florenzi back on the pitch as he will improve both teams with his quality, versatility, and leadership.
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