Cagliari v Roma: Three opposition players to watch

The Rossoblu were beaten by Genoa last week, but our columnist believes these three players will be looking to redeem themselves at home to Luciano Spalletti’s squad.

Marco Borriello

Something of a cult hero for Roma tifosi, the centre forward is coming off his strongest season since 2012 – scoring eight goals and four assists between Carpi and Atalanta (two of which came against Roma) in just 16 starts last term.

Borriello’s height makes him tough to deal with inside the box, while his unpredictable pace for such a large player often deceives defenders. This was apparent last April, as the centre forward’s powerful header helped Atalanta secure a 3-3 draw against Roma.

At 34 years old, this could be one of Marco’s last seasons in Serie A, if not the last. But having scored four in a cup tie for Cagliari earlier in the month, there is nothing to suggest he won’t continue to be a huge attacking threat.

Marco Sau

The Sardinian native and club icon led the islanders to the Serie B title last season, acting as one of the most threatening attackers in the league. Just 1.69m tall, he is very much the little man in his big-man little-man partnership with Borriello - but the forward makes a pest of himself in the opponent’s final third with his constant movement and off-the-ball play.

Sau has no problem with making his own chances, and is deadly from anywhere close to the opponent’s box. The 28-year-old is an Italy international, having picked up a cap back in 2013, and may harbor hopes that a strong season in the top flight will re-awaken his Azzurri ambitions.

Bruno Alves

Conquering this summer’s European Championship for Portugal, the 34-year-old is a player who will add necessary experience to an up-and-coming team.

In 35 appearances for Fenerbahce last season, Alves averaged well over three clearances and almost two interceptions per match. A complete and accomplished centre back, his strongest qualities are his aerial coverage and concentration. Alves is a strong passer (and a surprisingly dangerous free-kick threat), which makes him a useful compliment to Borriello and Sau, two players whose movement and pace will allow them to latch on to Alves’ passes.

Nevertheless, the veteran is clearly in the final chapters of his career, losing some of the athleticism he had in his prime. If the Giallorossi can exploit his concentration and keep the ball pegged in Cagliari’s half, then they should be able to control the match.