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Opinion: Perotti gives Roma new attacking threat

Opinion: Perotti gives Roma new attacking threat

Diego Perotti can form a formidable attacking partnership with Stephan El Shaarawy for Roma – that’s the view of Genoa expert Drew Farmer

Farmer, a lifelong Genoa fan, former editor of Forza Italian Football and contributor at World Soccer Talk, believes Perotti’s arrival offers Luciano Spalletti a different attacking option than the one provided by Shaarawy.

Throughout Perotti's time at Genoa, he has shown he is the type of winger that will challenge full-backs,” claims Farmer. “He has never been afraid to take on a defender. While Stephan El Shaarawy will cut inside on to his right foot, Perotti will take a defender to the touchline and will put in a cross as often as he will cut inside. Unlike El Shaarawy, he's more likely to set up a striker rather than take a shot himself.”

Do you feel positive about the change of scenery for the Argentinian?

“Perotti came to Genoa after having some unproductive seasons with Sevilla. Last season, he completely rediscovered his form and played some excellent football. Four goals and five assists in 27 games was a fantastic return. This season hasn't been as good, but Perotti has been suspended twice this term. He has recently put in some good shifts, however. So, Roma will be getting a Diego Perotti finding his best again. I believe he really wanted to move last summer as several clubs showed interest. Due to that and Genoa being denied a UEFA licence, I feel that is why he started very slowly at the beginning of the year.”

Where does Perotti fit into the coach's tactics?

“Genoa typically play a 3-4-3, 3-5-1 or a similar formation with three at the back under [Gian Piero] Gasperini. Perotti usually plays on the left of the three attackers and that is the position from which he has tallied two assists this season. His lone goal came from the opposite attacking position. He can play as a second striker, but has rarely done so in Genoa's formation as Gasperini favours a lone target man.”

Where do you rank Perotti as a winger in Serie A?

“I'm not sure where I'd rank Perotti at the moment. He has the ability to be in the top five, but going by this season's form, he is not in the top five currently. For me, he is the old school type of winger that will run at defenders and take them on one-to-one. Tricky and skillful, Perotti opposite El Shaarawy would be a long day for a set of defenders. Both will run at you all day long.”

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