"Footballing deity... is looking forward to a new challenge"

[attjen]

(A "Not Your Usual Scouting Locales" side story)

There must have been an outbreak of heart-attacks in Rome when it was announced. Barren von Richtofen, or BvR, as everyone in Europe knows him, had requested a transfer from Roma.

While it might have been a shock, those in the know, journalists, close followers of the club, certain readers of online bulletin boards, would have certainly known that BvR had grown frustrated with his manager Alberto Zaccheroni. The rift in the relationship had begun several years before when the sensational striker had been praised by the media only for his manager to say that the player "had a lot to learn".

Even in the years that followed, BvR captained the club with angry side-looks at Zaccheroni, even as he led the team to European and league glory with the flurry of goals he scored. It was BvR who carried the team through into last year's Champions Cup victory, setting a new record for goals in the competitions with an unbelivable 21 goals in 21 games. BvR scored all three of his clubs in their 3-1 win over Arsenal.

But the Faroe Island superstar had always had his detractors, and when he was overlooked by FIFA in Player of the Year awards, it certainly could have put salt in the wounds of his ego.

With a 15 Million Pound plus value, and a 100,000 pound a week salary, it was only ever going to be the top sides in Europe that would come calling, and when Arsenal was first at the door, Roma fans were at least optimistic that BvR would be shifting to another league.

But Arsenal never made a bid... and when Juventus knocked on the door, BvR listened.

The Roma-for-life player, who as a youth had been brought to the club and scored the extra-time goal just a few years later to give them one of their many Champions Cup victories during his time with the club, would be moving to Turin, and Roma's archrivals.

To make matters more convoluted, BvR and the two clubs could only arrange a midseason transfer. BvR would have half-a-season to give to his fans at Roma before leaving them.

Newly signed from Milan, defensive midfield star Maximo Janz at this to say about the move:

"I can't say I'm happy about it. One of the reasons I wanted to come here to Roma was the chance to play with BvR. But on the other hand, I'm in a unique position to understand what it means to need a new challenge... as to the timing, I can't say it's the best situation for anyone, but I'm sure BvR will give his best. He'll do what he has always done. Score goals."

[attjen]

(A "Not Your Usual Scouting Locales" side story)

There must have been an outbreak of heart-attacks in Rome when it was announced. Barren von Richtofen, or BvR, as everyone in Europe knows him, had requested a transfer from Roma.

While it might have been a shock, those in the know, journalists, close followers of the club, certain readers of online bulletin boards, would have certainly known that BvR had grown frustrated with his manager Alberto Zaccheroni. The rift in the relationship had begun several years before when the sensational striker had been praised by the media only for his manager to say that the player "had a lot to learn".

Even in the years that followed, BvR captained the club with angry side-looks at Zaccheroni, even as he led the team to European and league glory with the flurry of goals he scored. It was BvR who carried the team through into last year's Champions Cup victory, setting a new record for goals in the competitions with an unbelivable 21 goals in 21 games. BvR scored all three of his clubs in their 3-1 win over Arsenal.

But the Faroe Island superstar had always had his detractors, and when he was overlooked by FIFA in Player of the Year awards, it certainly could have put salt in the wounds of his ego.

With a 15 Million Pound plus value, and a 100,000 pound a week salary, it was only ever going to be the top sides in Europe that would come calling, and when Arsenal was first at the door, Roma fans were at least optimistic that BvR would be shifting to another league.

But Arsenal never made a bid... and when Juventus knocked on the door, BvR listened.

The Roma-for-life player, who as a youth had been brought to the club and scored the extra-time goal just a few years later to give them one of their many Champions Cup victories during his time with the club, would be moving to Turin, and Roma's archrivals.

To make matters more convoluted, BvR and the two clubs could only arrange a midseason transfer. BvR would have half-a-season to give to his fans at Roma before leaving them.

Newly signed from Milan, defensive midfield star Maximo Janz at this to say about the move:

"I can't say I'm happy about it. One of the reasons I wanted to come here to Roma was the chance to play with BvR. But on the other hand, I'm in a unique position to understand what it means to need a new challenge... as to the timing, I can't say it's the best situation for anyone, but I'm sure BvR will give his best. He'll do what he has always done. Score goals."

[attjen]

Barren von Richtofen - Factbox

Nickname: BvR

Position: Striker

Birthdate: 14.1.85

Nationality: Faroe Islands (85 caps/49 goals)

Current Club: Roma (since 8.7.01)

Previous clubs: None

Career highlights:

19.8.2001: Picked up his first medal without playing a minute. Roma won the Italian Super Cup.

12.12.2001: Made his debut in Roma's 1:2 loss to Bologna in the Italian Cup Quarter Final 1st leg.

23.8.2002: First European medal. European Super-Cup Runner-up.

31.8.2002: First International Cap vs Ireland. Age 17.

4.9.2002: First International Goal vs Turkey.

15.5.2005: First Italian Serie A Championship. In his first full season as a member of the first team, BvR partners with Montella and Batistuta and knocks in 27 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, including 10 in continental competitions.

[attjen]

Factbox - continued

24.5.06: Champions Cup Winner.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> editor's note:

For those unaware of the legendary 2005 Champions League Final between Roma and Barcelona, we must say that it is widely regarded as one of the most exciting games of high-level cup competition of all time, and one of the very few to finish on the golden goal rule.

In other words, you should track down a copy and watch it again to remember how fantastic it was.

Naturally, the files of Mattimosi Janz have several different items of this momentous game, so we share a few here:

- a photo of the two squads lined up for the pre-game ceremonies. Barren von Richtofen is the young looking player between Montella and Emerson.

- a printed minute by-minute text description from the BBC for the match (an exerpt): "8th Minute. This is going to be a yellow here for von Richtofen. That's just his nerves coming through in this important match."

- a photo of Cafu being consoled by members of the Roma squad after his 15th minute own goal

- an article desribing the brilliant tactical decisions and subsitutions by the Roma manager (Ricken, on in the 66th, scored in the 86th; Tommasi, on in the 54th, scored in the 58th)

- video clips of all goals, including the Rivaldo goal in the 62nd (under-rated) and Cannavaro's apparent winning goal in the 76th that gave Barcelona a 3-2 lead

- Various cut-out headlines of Rome newspapers: "Golden!", "No Penalties!", "Roma wins!", etc...

- pamphlet form the Faroe government describing that a day in June 2005 would be 'von Richtofen' day

- various photos of the Roma celebration including, Totti lifting von Richtofen into the air, Emerson lifting the cup, etc...

while most should be well familiar with the goal that appears on an infinite number of highlight tapes, we include the televised game commentary for completeness:

"...

As we close in on the 120 minute I think we will be seeing penalties today, right John?

No doubt David, I think this game has been shut down by Barcelona in this second half of extra time, only Rivaldo's poor attempt from a free-kick even looked like a chance, and a poor one at that..

Last moments of the game now, and here is Emerson on the ball trying to force one last chance for Roma.

My pick for man-of-the-match today, really spectacular game today

A long cross into the box looking for von Richtofen. Cannavaro's done well covering him today and he's gotten to that one first as well, cleared out on a header...

Totti's picked it up, last gasp here as the referee has the whistle in his mouth...

Into the area.... can von... no! no!.

YES!

It's gone in.... They've done it!... Roma win the Champions Cup! Barren von Richtofen scored! His header beat the keeper and ends the game!

Fantastic last gasp from Roma there, and I may need to double check this but I believe that's von Richtofen's 35th goal of the season!

What a season for him, John.

no doubt, David, really top drawer finish there

He's being mobbed by his teammates...

..." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The win put a cap on an incredible season for the youthful striker. 35 goals in all, 24 in league and 10 in continental.

6.6.2006: Named Serie A Player of the Year. Serie A Top goalscorer. Serie A Foreign Player of the Year. Named in Serie A Team of the Year. Finished 3rd in World Footballer of the Year (Javier Saviola 1st).

16.6.2006: Runner-up in European Striker of the Year (Darko Kovacevic 1st). Third place in European Footballer of the Year (Darko Kovacevic 1st).

19.6.2006: First ever Supporters Player of the Year award.

[attjen]

3.5.2007: First Italian Cup final win.

6.6.2007: Italian Serie A Top goalscorer runner-up. Serie A Foreign Player of the Year.

19.6.2007: Supporters player of the YEar

12.8.2007: FIFA Club World Championship.

20.4.2008: Serie A champions.

6.6.2008: World Footballer of the Year. Serie A Young Player of the Year. Serie A Top Goalscorer. Foreign Player of the Year.

18.6.2008: Supporters Player of the Year. (Has won this every year since as well.)

20.5.2009: European Champions Cup Winner.

6.6.2009: Foreign Player of the Year Runner-up (Hernan Crespo 1st).

26.5.2010: European Champions Cup Winner. (BvR scores winning pk in shoot-out over Kaiserslautern)

6.6.2010: Italian Serie A Top Goalscorer runner-up. Foreign Player of the Year Runner-up (Saviola 1st). European Striker of the Year Runner-up (Amanuele Calaio 1st). European Player of the Year 3rd placed (teammate Francesco Totti 1st).

6.6.2011: 3rd place in World Footballer, Serie A Player of the Year, Serie A Foreign Player. Named in Serie A Team of the Year.

22.4.2012: Serie A Champions.

6.6.2012: World, Serie A, Top Goalscorer, Foreign Player of the Year awards.

22.5.2013: Serie A Champions.

6.6.2013: World, Serie A, Top Goalscorer, Foreign Player of the Year awards.

14.5.2014: UEFA Cup Winner. BvR scores twice.

6.6.2014: Serie A Player of the Year 3rd place. Top Goalscorer, Foreign Player of the Year awards.

6.6.2015: Serie A Player of the Year runner-up. Top Goalscorer, Forign Player of the year award.

25.5.2016: Champions Cup winners. Italian Serie A Champions. BvR scores 3 in the Champions cup Final for a 3-1 win over Arsenal

6.6.2016: World, Serie A, Top Goalscorer, Foreign Player of the Year awards. Runner-up in European Footballer & Striker awards.

Key Seasons: Apps Gls Asts MOM AvR

2005/2006 47(3) 35 9 12 8.16

2011/2012 46 42 9 10 8.13

2015/2016 56 44 11 19 8.11

Career Totals:

Apps Goals Asts MOM AvR

570 413 99 138 7.96

[attjen]

Season 2016/2017:

Team: Roma

Opponent: Napoli

Competition: Italian Super Cup

Result: 1-1 (Roma win on pks 7-6)

BvR opened the season showing that he was still going to be the key man for Roma until he leaves. He turned in a cross in the 20th minute for the lead and had several chances, but Napoli scored late to tie. Despite Herman Toothrot missing the first pk, the rest of Roma's players scored and Zanin and Nanni missed for Napoli.

---

Team: Roma

Opponent: FC Koln

Competition: European Super Cup

Result: 0-1

BvR played well and hit the crossbar in the 35th with a blistering long shot, but ultimately it wasn't his day or Roma's.

---

[attjen]

Split Season begins tomorrow for BvR

Legend striker BvR begins his final stretch with Roma tomorrow away at Verona. A group of fans who literally grew up with BvR at their club have sworn to follow the striker through his last games as a farewell tour. A spokesman for the fan's club stated:

"BvR has done amazing things for this club and we plan to show him how much he's meant to us over the years. I've taken a leave of absence from my job to follow the club full-time until he goes away."

Asked how the fans would treat BvR once he joins Juventus:

"Well, I think most of us agree that it is Roma first... BvR second. So we wish him the best success, except against us."

Asked if he thought BvR might not give his best effort in the remaining games for Roma:

"No, I think he'll still be great. He's the greatest striker of our generation, he can't not score goals."

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Verona

Competition: Serie A

Result: 4-0

The two squads both came out in determined attacking style, but it was always Roma who looked more threatening. Veteran Buffon was called on early and often to prevent the scorelin from being worse.

In the early going it was Argentine Orlando Bustos who was dominating the play, and his ball into the area in the 11th minute found his captain BvR who nodded home his first league goal of the season.

Maximo Janz was preventing Verona from really being able to build any play, and after the defensive midfielder picked up a yellow, BvR tried to repay the hard-working midfielder by setting him up in the 22nd, but Buffon was able to save.

BvR forced a stellar save from Buffon in the 28th, and then set up his strike partner Gallina in the 31st only to see him hit the post with a low shot.

Bustos set up a Di Pasquale goal in the 42nd, and seconds later a BvR volley forced another amazing save from Buffon.

The second half was more of the same, and when Janz found BvR with a through-ball in the 68th, it was no doubt the captain who tuck home his second of the day.

Gallina wasn't so lucky, hitting the post again, and coming close several times.

A late trip by Santini on Di Pasquale gave a pk to Roma, and Gautier scored easily to finish the scoring.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

48 35 3 1 1 0 15 7 4 0 8 4 0 1 1 1 1 79 10

2 Goals

[attjen]

BvR answers doubters

The 4-0 result for Roma against Verona this weekend certainly should have put paid to any doubt that the striker would be giving his all for his club until his December move to Juventus. A 2-goal, Man-of-the-Match performance in a typically stellar 90 minutes....

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Torino

Competition: Serie A

Result: 1-0

Some of Roma's regular first team was rested for this narrow win. BvR scored the lone goal in the 11th minute, as his striking partner for the day Di Pasquale intercepted a Torino goal-kick and nodded the ball forward for BvR who drove it home.

BvR went on to miss with an overhead kick in the 25th while under heavy pressure, and forced a good save from Squizzato in the 36th. In the second half BvR hit the bar with a freekick in the 52nd, and forced the best save of the day in teh 29th as Squizzato just got his fingertips to the ball to turn it away for a corner.

In the 76th, it looked as if BvR had his second on the day, but Di Pasquale had been offside for his knock-down. (BvR's shot had gone in off the post.)

Just before the whistle BvR whipped a banana shot on target that Squizzato had to react quickly to parry away.

Di Pasquale was given MOM for his 10 tackle day.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

31 20 0 1 1 0 7 2 1 0 8 5 3 0 1 0 1 81 8

1 Goal

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Atletico Madrid, in Madrid

Competition: Champions Cup 1st Group Stage

Result: 3-1

BvR picked up an early yellow and then Atletico struck first behind a Fernando Torres strike. After that, BvR took over the game.

In the 36th minute, BvR half-volleyed a Borriello cross into the net from an impossible angle. In the 49th, BvR hit a hard shot that Alvarez Garcia could only palm away. The ball fell for Di Pasquale to poke home for Roma to take the lead. In the 64th, BvR was taken down by Alvarez Garcia in the area, and Gautier scored the pk. A vintage European performance, and a Man-of-the-Match award.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

31 21 0 6 3 2 5 1 0 1 4 3 2 0 0 1 1 78 9

1 Goal

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Milan, in Milan

Competition: Serie A

Result: 0-0

A fairly dull and bad-tempered affair. BvR forced exceleent saves from Fusco in the 54th and 69th minute, but Roma could only but one other shot on target.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

30 18 0 1 1 0 4 0 0 0 3 2 1 1 0 0 1 79 7

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: PSV, in Rome

Competition: Champions Cup, 1st Group Stage

Result: 2-0

Herman Toothrot set up BvR in the first half for a headed goal, and Roma fairly cruised from then on. BvR came close on several chances that forced great saves. Bustos scored a good solo goal to seal the victory after Borrielo was sent off in the 77th.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

27 22 1 5 3 0 8 3 2 0 4 3 1 0 0 0 177 8

1 Goal

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Brescia, in Rome

Competition: Serie A

Result: 1-2

In Roma's first loss of the season, BvR did as much as he could to prevent it. Coming close and being involved in play early, he also won the penalty that gave Roma the initial lead. His 57th minute full-volley looked likely to make it 2-up, but Mattioli did brilliantly to turn the ball away.

Brescia hadn't given up and a goal in each of the 29th and 89th minute turned the tie upside down. BvR nearly tied it up in the 90th, but his volley was saved.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

28 20 2 0 0 0 10 2 0 1 5 4 0 1 0 0 1 83 9

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Odd Grenland

Competition: Champions Cup 1st Group stage

Result: 3-0

BvR given a rest for this European match. Maximo Janz and Matteo Girardi dominated the match and scored a goal a piece. Roma remain undefeated and untied in the group.

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Napoli, in Naples

Competition:Serie A

Result: 1-0

In BvR's first poor game of the season he was shackled by the back line of Naples, especially Thomas Aiello and Luca Mari. To make matters worse for Roma, no-one else could find their form either, as the club managed only one shot on target. Roelofsen scored for Napoli in the 75th, and his club is perfect in Serie A through 5 games.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

37 27 0 5 1 0 7 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 79 6

[attjen]

Roma struggling

After last night's loss to Serie A leaders Napoli, many pundits are beginning to claim that they see the end of an era just around the corner. With points hard to come by in league play, and BvR showing signs of indifference, the club looks like it needs to find some quick solutions....

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Fiorentina, in Florence

Competition: Serie A

Result: 3-0

A game that Roma needed to win to get back in stride, and when Inia clattered BvR in the 16th the ref decided it was a bad enough professional foul for a straight red.

Roma quickly made Fiorentina pay, and BvR scored on a Toothrot cross just 3 minutes later.

Fiorentina was able to hold Roma until the 67th minut, and then Di Pasquale and Gallina scored within 12 minutes to end the game.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

31 19 1 3 0 0 4 3 3 0 7 4 0 1 2 1 2 80 8

1 Goal

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Odd Grenland, at Skien

Competition: Champions Cup 1st Group Stage

Result: 1-0

BvR was a constant threat to the out-classed Norway league side, but could only find the net once in the 43rd minute. He had several close chances and one goal called back for offsides on Gallina.

Roma clinched a place in the 2nd Group Stage, as their captain BvR earned MOM.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

45 36 3 2 2 0 12 3 1 0 9 3 3 2 4 0 0 77 9

1 Goal

[attjen]

Herman Toothrot asks to leave Roma

The world class San Marino winger has asked to leave Roma to find a new challenge. Although having played only one season with the club, the winger is apparently content with the trophies won last season. According to Toothrot's agent, the timing of this request is just a 'coincidence' with BvR's future move...

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Bologna, in Rome

Competition: Serie A

Result: 2-0

With Bologna attempting to play for a nil-nil draw in their 4-5-1 formation, it took 36 minutes before Roma really had a good chance on goal. It was created by Bustos, who nutmegged Battistini and left BvR with a somewhat simple finish to go up 1-0.

The game was a fairly dull affair after that, and only when Girardi flicked on a ball to BvR was there anymore excitement. BvR picked up the pass and drove in a long low shot for his second of the day, and an easy Man-of-the-Match award.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

34 22 0 0 0 0 4 3 2 0 4 3 1 1 0 0 2 83 9

2 Goals

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Atletico Madrid, in Rome

Competition: Champions Cup 1st Group Stage

Result: 2-0

BvR rested as Roma clinched 1st in the group. Roma was lead by striker Gallina who had the captain's armband on the day. A sign of the post-BvR Roma side?

[attjen]

George for Top Goalscorer?

Georgio George playing his first season with Milan has seen his odds for leading Serie A in goals scored this season improve dramatically since the news of BvR's midseason move. George has been on fine form this season, and may bea able to take BvR's crown if the Faroe Islander falters at all...

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Lazio, in Rome (Roma away game)

Competition: Serie A

Result:3-2

An outplayed Roma team made the best of their few chances to keep the score close. After Battaglia and Gentilini scored for Lazio, BvR made it 2-1 by turning in a Matteo Girardi cross.

Rafael van der Vaart came on in as a sub and scored shortly after to make it 3-1, though Gallina did score in the 79th with a fine strike to return it to a one-goal loss.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

35 19 0 1 1 0 8 0 0 0 2 1 3 3 1 1 2 80 8

1 Goal

[attjen]

BvR and Roma to face Juventus

Pundits are wondering whether BvR will make a start against his future club in Roma's next match-up. So far Zaccheroni has kept mum about the decision...

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Juventus, in Rome

Competition: Serie A

Result:2-1

Quite a bit of bad feeling in the match, and it started early with Maximo Janz picking up a yellow after just 4 minutes. Both sides were playing a harsh tackling midfield, and even Herman Toothrot got in on the act, making a beautifully timed sliding tackle in the 18th.

Janz and BvR combined well on a one-two, and with Janz running through he set up Di Pasquale beautifully, but the forward's banana shot bounced off the post. The close attempt seemed to spark Roma briefly, and Bustos went on an uncontested run moments later and his over-the-top ball found a soaring BvR who beat his future keeper Seegers to the ball and nodded home the opener.

David Camara seemed none-too-concerned about his future teammates welfare, and dumped him to the pitch with a bad tackle in the 38th, but no penalty was given.

The second half continued the bad temper of the first, with Yo Buffro picking up a yellow shortly after restart. Janz clearly decided to exact some revenge on Camara, and a beautiful slide nearly ripped Camara out of his shorts. Janz was sent off for the attempt.

Roma caught a break moments later as a Gallina freekick deflected off of Buffro and into the Juventus net for a 2-nil lead. Buffro was unlucky to be given an own goal.

BvR was taken off for a defensive midfielder, and the home crowd gave him a good ovation for his effort against his future employers. Buffro was able to knock home a corner with his head just before the whistle to make it 2-1 for Juventus. That should have been the end of it, but Di Pasquale still had words to say to David Camara and while holding onto his shirt to tell him all about it, picked up his own yellow.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

25 16 0 3 0 0 4 2 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 85 7

1 goal, subbed in the 79th

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: PSV, in Eindhoven

Competition: Champions Cup 1st Group Stage

Result: 1-0

Juventus won't be happy with Roma, as BvR was given a full game against PSV, despite the game being essentially meaningless. To add to the affront, the game was just 2 days after BvR's weekend game. A dull game livened only by BvR scoring in the 89th minute by turning home a cross from substitute Papalia at the far post. Roma finished the 1st group stage unbeaten and untied.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

26 18 0 0 0 0 10 1 0 0 4 2 2 2 0 0 0 76 8

1 Goal

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Udinese

Competition: Italian Cup 2nd Round 1st Leg

Result: 1-0

If Juventus wasn't upset at Roma's insistence on playing BvR before, this one surely would have taken them there. A one-sided game with plenty of chances for Gallina and BvR, but it took 81 minutes before they could get one past on form keeper Giovanni Amoruso. After grazing the crossbar in the 68th, BvR applied the finish to an excellent team move in the 81st for the winner.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

38 29 1 1 1 0 13 4 0 0 6 4 1 0 1 0 1 78 8

1 Goal

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Inter, in Milan

Competition: Serie A

Result: 1-0

A match far better than the scoreline would suggest. Gallina came close in the opening 10 minutes after BvR set him up with a through ball. Moments later a quick thinking low cross from Toothrot beat the back line of Inter and Gallina found himself in space to hit the winner.

BvR missed by just inches in the 60th minute with a long range shot. Frustration hit inter in the 88th, with Christian Torres being sent of for a rash tackle on Man-of-the-Match Gallina.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

35 26 2 1 1 0 8 2 1 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 3 75 8

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Barcelona, in Rome

Competition: Champions Cup 2nd Group Stage

Result: 3-0

In a game that will go down as one of BvR's classic Roma performances, the striker scored twice in an suprisingly easy win.

The game started out even enough, with neither side able to create a chance until the 25th. Girardi set up BvR and the Roma captain hit a vicious shot that Fabbri was able to push awy in flying fashion.

Roma were beginning to have the better of the midfield, and when Janz picked off a loose pass he immediately fed Gallina on a through ball. Barcelona's Garrido was able to knock the ball away, but BvR, ever the predator, struck a right-footed shot that fooled Fabbri completely.

Janz was bossing the midfield now, and the Italian side seemed to be cruising comfortably. In the 66th minute, Fabbri's goalkick was picked off by Bustos and he headed forward for BvR. The quick-thinking striker touched the ball once, spun, and hit a low drive that skimmed across the wet grass and into the corner for his 2nd of the day.

A good team move in the 81st gave Gallina Roma's third on the day.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

33 25 0 1 0 0 7 1 0 0 4 4 1 0 1 0 1 74 10

2 Goals, MOM

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Atalanta, in Rome

Competition: Serie A

Result: 1-2

BvR outshone by Atalanta's own star striker Danilo de Pascale who scored twice to cancel out a Gallina strike.

BvR played well, but couldn't find a way past Atalanta captain and keeper Mario Furlan. His handball (questionable) in the 52nd set up the freekick that found De Pascale for the opener. After Gallina had scored, and Di Pascale scored his second, BvR hit a spectacular half-volley from a Toothrot pass that Furlan was just barely able to keep out of the net.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

19 11 1 0 0 0 10 2 0 0 3 2 2 1 0 1 1 79 8

[attjen]

Team: Rome

Opponent: Corinthians, in Tokyo

Competition: Intercontinental Cup

Result: 0-1

In a game ultimately won by unheralded defensive midfielder Juliano Nunes and keeper Marcelo Marinho, Corinthians only had one shot on target and it went in.

The game looked to be Roma's for the taking, and when Toothrot and Janz freed up BvR for a shot in the 11th minute it looked like a classic goal for the striker, but Marinho was able to dive across at the last moment and tip it wide with his fingertips.

In the 19th minute, BvR and Toothrot shredded the Corinthians defense only to see BvR's shot parried away by Marinho in a completely reflex save.

When 22-year-old midfielder Kleber Goncalves picked up a loose ball in the 56th, it didn't look very threatening, but the player beat Gautier and poked home the winner low past Roma keeper Masini.

BvR had another chance in the 71st after Janz set him up, but the striker's header was again saved in incredible style. In the 81st a similar play saw the striker miss just wide.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

32 17 0 4 2 0 6 2 2 0 5 4 0 0 3 1 0 72 8

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Genoa, in Genoa

Competition: Serie A

Result: 4-1

Genoa keeper Pietro Rizzo made a fine save against BvR in the 6th as the striker tried to score early, but after that he couldn't keep the striker off the scoresheet.

Herman Toothrot, Maximo Janz, and BvR were combining very well, and it was only a matter of time before a goal was to come. BvR went close with a low shot in the 37th.

Five minutes later, and Toothrot beat Cannavaro cleanly, and his cross found a running BvR to hit first time into the net.

Genoa converted a penalty just after the half, but from then on it was all Roma. Janz headed home from a corner in the 53rd, and then BvR showed he still had some pace by beating Lazzeri and scoring his second.

In extra time, BvR crashed a shot of the crossbar, and in the ensuing battle before the whistle, managed to get to the end of a Janz ball and head home his third on the day.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

33 23 0 1 1 1 6 2 2 0 8 4 1 2 0 0 0 77 10

3 goals, MOM

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Lokomotiv Moscow, in Moscow

Competition: Champions Cup 2nd Group stage

Result: 2-0

An easy win for Roma as the Russian were just outclassed by the Italian side. BvR tucked home a goal before half-time, and Roma added a 2nd in the second half.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

58 40 1 5 0 0 7 2 0 0 3 3 2 1 3 0 1 74 8

1 Goal

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Palermo, in Rome

Competition: Serie A

Result: 2-1

Palermo's negative tactics meant that BvR was facing 2 or 3 defenders each time he touched the ball, but the Roma captain was happy enough to let his teammates to the scoring. Di Pasquale and Borrielo scored in the first half and Palermo only threatened once, late in the game when they scored their goal.

Only a MOM game from Ivan Pelizzoli kept Palermo in it as the keeper was on phenomenal form.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

30 22 0 1 1 0 5 1 0 0 1 1 3 2 0 0 1 80 8

[attjen]

Team: Roma

Opponent: Udinese, in Rome

Competition: Italian Cup, 2nd Round 2nd Leg

Result: 2-4, Udinese win on Aggregate 3-4

BvR watched from the stands as Roma fans were left disappointed both by their teams performance, and their last chance to say goodbye to the legendary striker as his manager made a late decisision to leave the player out of the game squad.

Roma went up on aggregate by 3 goals in the first half only to see Australian Jay Lucas score 4 unanswered goals to turn the tie on its head.

[attjen]

BvR stats prior to move to Juventus:

23 games, 20 goals, 2 assists, 6 MOM, 8.22 AvR

Roma's 2nd best player is Maximo Janz. (19 games, 2 goals, 4 assists, 1 MOM, 6.2 Tackles per game, 2.3 dribbles per game, 7.95 AvR)

Juventus best player is left winger David Camara. (23 games, 8 goals, 1 assist, 4 MOM, 3.4 dribbles per game, 7.96 AvR)

[attjen]

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************************************************************

Italian Serie A - Wednesday 14th December 2016

************************************************************************************************

================================================================================================

2016/7 Table

================================================================================================

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Napoli 14 6 0 1 10 5 6 0 1 14 5 36

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Roma 13 4 0 2 9 6 4 1 2 14 5 25

3rd Lazio 14 5 0 2 12 8 3 1 3 15 14 25

4th Milan 13 2 3 1 7 4 5 0 2 12 10 24

5th Genoa 14 3 2 2 12 11 4 0 3 14 13 23

6th Palermo 14 4 1 2 11 9 3 1 3 8 8 23

7th Bari 13 4 0 2 12 10 3 2 2 10 11 23

8th Juventus 14 4 3 0 10 4 2 1 4 9 8 22

9th Cagliari 14 4 1 2 16 10 2 2 3 9 8 21

10th Spezia 13 5 0 2 13 9 1 1 4 6 11 19

11th Fiorentina 13 2 1 4 4 9 4 0 2 9 6 19

12th Inter 14 3 1 3 7 6 2 1 4 8 11 17

13th Atalanta 13 2 1 3 9 14 3 1 3 10 11 17

14th Bologna 14 3 0 4 8 9 1 2 4 5 10 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15th Torino 14 2 0 5 11 15 1 2 4 5 9 11

16th Brescia 13 1 1 5 5 12 2 1 3 5 8 11

17th Ternana 14 1 4 2 8 9 0 1 6 5 12 8

18th Verona 13 0 2 5 3 12 1 3 2 4 7 8

================================================================================================

2016/7 Goals

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Gls

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st BvR Roma 13 11

2nd Vincenzo Cozza Genoa 13 (1) 9

3rd Danilo De Pascale Atalanta 12 (1) 7

4th Georgio George Milan 12 (1) 7

5th Fausto Longhi Bari 11 6

9th David Camara Juventus 14 5

17th Giacomo Soro Juventus 12 4

20th Riccardo Oliva Juventus 14 4

22nd Pietro Gallina Roma 8 4

================================================================================================

2016/7 Assists

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Asts

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

7th Orlando Bustos Roma 11 (2) 4

11th Herman Toothrot Roma 9 (2) 4

25th Ânderson Trinidade de Sou Juventus 7 (3) 3

26th Máximo Janz Roma 9 3

================================================================================================

2016/7 Average Rating

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps Av R

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st BvR Roma 13 8.15

2nd David Camara Juventus 14 8.14

3rd Máximo Janz Roma 9 8.11

4th Emilio Gentilini Lazio 7 8.00

5th José Augusto Lourenço da Napoli 14 7.93

14th Pietro Gallina Roma 8 7.75

20th Luca Di Pasquale Roma 11 (1) 7.58

================================================================================================

2016/7 Man of Match

================================================================================================

Pos Player Club Apps MoM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Michael Roelofsen Napoli 13 4

2nd Enrico Cerqueti Napoli 13 3

3rd Pierluigi Tolaini Cagliari 9 (3) 3

4th Luca Pace Inter 12 3

5th Georgio George Milan 12 (1) 3

6th BvR Roma 13 3

9th David Camara Juventus 14 2

13th Giacomo Soro Juventus 12 2

24th Moreira Juventus 13 1

</pre>

[attjen]

Transcript exerpt: Roundtable discussion on what BvR brings to Juventus

Mexico manager, and former Serie A Champion Mattimosi Janz talks about BvR's traits

Well, what I think is clear John, is that BvR immediately gives Juventus a proven goalscorer to lead their line with experience. Juventus is quite laking in out-and-out strikers and this addition should help them score quite a bit more.

BvR's biggest qualities have always been his seemingly sixth sense ability to find the goal no matter where he is on the pitch, and his ability to score when it seems he can't. He does the unexpected and the impossible so often it keeps the defense unbalances and unnerved.

Add into the fact that for pure movement without the ball, there is not a player currently playing who is better, and the fact that no one puts more effort into the game, and you can see why BvR has had the success he's had.

As for weaknesses, I think there are two that teams have always tried to use against him. the first is his aerial prowess. Granted, he's scored a lot of goals with his head, but matched up against a tall center-back he can be shackled. Despite his strength, BvR also has a tendency to avoid challenges rather than be tackles, and he can sometimes be intimidated...

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Spezia

Competition: Serie A

Result: 1-0

Although BvR couldn't get a goal in his Juve debut, he did enough for his new club to secure a win.

The striker nearly scored a memorable goal in the 2nd minute, curling a long range shot just inches wide.

Spezia keeper Niccolai was doing his best to keep Juventus scoreless, stopping several shots with fine saves. In the 50th minute Camara wasted an excelelnt BvR throughball with a shot wide that he really should have scored.

Finally in the 82nd, BvR had the better of Niccolai, and the keeper had no choice but to take him down with a professional foul. He was given a straight red, and after Buffro converted the pk, Juventus comfortably rode the goal to the win.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

40 28 2 1 0 0 13 10 6 1 7 3 1 1 2 0 2 77 9

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Fiorentina, in Florence

Competition: Serie A

Result: 0-1

BvR well covered by the Fiorentina back line, and when Juve was reduced to 10 men in the 60th minute, the game was always going to be a struggle. BvR came close with a header and a freekick, but Fiorentina scored in the 89th as De Falco scored on a header from a Veronese freekick.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

28 14 0 11 4 0 6 2 1 0 2 2 3 0 0 1 2 81 6

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Bari

Competition: Italian Cup qtr-final 2nd Leg

Result: 3-2 (5-2 on aggregate)

With Juventus already up by two goals on aggregate, BvR got the start in a game that few would have expected. The striker didn't disappoint, scoring with his first touch in the 4th minute.

He scored his second of the game in the 34th, showing deft control to make space for himself before scoring. Soro scored for Juve after that, and Bari scored twice in the last 10 minutes.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

44 36 0 1 1 0 6 1 0 0 4 3 0 0 2 0 0 90 9

2 Goals

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Bologna, in Torino

Competition: Serie A

Result: 2-1

After a dull first 20 minutes, BvR got to man-of-the-match Carmine Guido's through-ball and volleyed home the opener. In the 62nd he added a second by heading home another ball from Guido.

The game was fairly dull still, though Buffro gave away a pk that Bologna scored to set the scoreline.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

21 15 1 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 78 9

2 Goals

[attjen]

BvR paying off for Juventus

The 14 million pound transfer of Roma star BvR to Juventus is seeming to have worked for the Torino club. The player has scored 4 goals in 4 games, and has only disappointed in the loss against Fiorentina.

Fans of Juve will be particularly happy with his knack for scoring even if he has only 1 or 2 chances in a game...

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Lazio, in Torino

Competition: Serie A

Result: 2-1

A quiet first half with one genuine moment of humor as BvR made a run to pick up a Soro through ball he ran smack into midfielder Pierluigi Bertini who was well back in his own half.

In the second half, Bertini had nothing to laugh about as he got his foot to a through ball, but it still spilled past him to BvR and the striker scored with a quick low shot.

Minutes after that, BvR went down under a Vega challenge and Camara converted the pk for a 2 goal lead.

Lazio scored with a freekick in the 77th, and had several other close chances, but Juve was able to hold on.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

30 18 1 1 1 0 10 5 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 78 9

1 goal

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponenent: Fiornetina, in Torino

Competition: Italian Cup Semi, 1st Leg

Result: 0-1

Fiorentina continued to show that they have Juve's number this year.

Juve had several chances go wasting, especially de Andrade Vieira's early header in the 4th minute.

Camara had a chance in the 38th, but it was brilliantly saved by Amaya.

In the 2nd half Juventus made several changes, using their three substitutes, trying to find a goal. In the 59th, De Pascale seemed to dive over Seegers, but the referee gave a penalty and sent off the keeper to reduce Juventus to 10 men.

In an unbelievable move... with all substitutes used, it was captain BvR who was drafted in to play keeper. There was nothing the striker could do to stop Belotti's penalty shot.

BvR's time minding the nets wasn't to be completely uneventful, the player had to come out and collect a cross that was floated in by De Pascale, and then was called upon to make a fine save on a De Falco freekick just before the whistle. The ref was also fairly lenient on Juve's backline, refusing to give another penalty despite some questionable challenges.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

22 13 0 2 1 0 7 2 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 82 7

[attjen]

London Times: Oddest moment in Serie A of the week

For those of you who managed to catch the end of the Wednesday Italian Cup match between Juventus and Fiorentina, you might have been shocked by what you saw. In fact, you might have gone back to your pub and told them to check their tabs for contamination.

But your eyes did not decieve you. Minding the nets for the Italian giants was no other than one of the best strikers of our times, BvR. The multiple award winner, and annual World Player candidate had to cover for his club after his manager used all 3 subs just moments before Rene Seeges was sent off for a questionable foul. The Juve captain minded the nets for 30 minutes, and was able to keep Fiorentina from expanding upon their lead.

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Verona, in Verona

Competition: Serie A

Result: 0-1

Despite having the better of play and shots, Juventus go down to a 21st minute Longo penalty.

BvR hit the post with a header in the 34th, but was generally quiet in the loss.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

36 26 0 2 0 0 4 3 2 0 4 2 3 0 0 2 0 80 7

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Inter, in Milan

Competition: Serie A

Result: 0-0

A one-sided affair as Inter dominated play. Juventus could only managed one serious chance, a header from BvR that was turned away for a corner. Truly dull stuff from the Torino club.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

24 17 0 5 2 0 6 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 3 81 7

[attjen]

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Fiorentina

Competition: Italian Cup Semi-final Leg 2

Result:3-1 (2-3 on aggregate)

An exciting cup leg which saw BvR bring his club back from a goal down on aggregate to ease into the final. BvR had his first chance after a back-and-forth 25 minutes from a Soro square ball, but the striker was under too much pressure, and flashed his shot wide of the post.

In the 38th, Juventus broke on a counter after Moreira intercepted a Fiorentina pass. He fed it up for Yo Buffro and the midfielder waited a second for support before beating Izzo and lobbing the ball into the path of BvR. The striker let the ball bounce once before rifling his shot past a helpless Amaya.

Just a minute later and Buffro was creating chances again, as his ball into the area found Brazilian Trinadade de Souza. The forward powered a header at goal, but Amaya punched it away. Unfortunately for the keeper, the ball fell perfectly for BvR, and the striker didn't waste the opportunity.

Fiorentina now had to score twice to get back in the game, and found their first goal in the 2nd half through De Pascale. Juventus picked up the pace and BvR found two shots that went close. Eventually the Torino side's pressure paid off as de Andrade Vieira put a header past Amaya to seal the victory.

BvR picked up an injury just before the whistle that will keep him out of the next game.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

38 25 0 7 2 1 8 2 1 0 5 3 2 2 1 0 1 50 10

2 Goals

---

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Atalanta, in Torino

Competition: Serie A

Result: 1-0

BvR did not play as David Camara played a scorcher and scored the only goal.

---

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Genoa, in Genoa

Competition: Serie A

Result: 0-0

BvR returned to the line-up without being 100% fit and saw his team fortunate to escape with a point. Genoa dominated play for most of the game, and Juventus had a player sent off (Schiavon) and a player who was dreadful for the entire game (Bedin). Juve keeper Seegers named MOM as his club was not able to find a shot all day.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

21 14 0 6 2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 67 7

---

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Palermo, in Torino

Competition: Serie A

Result: 2-0

An even game separated by 2 Camara goals created by BvR. In the 28th, BvR earned a penalty after Palermo keeper Santaniello took him down in the area. Just before the whistle duo seeled the game as BvR picked up a Buffro through ball and calmly squared it off for an unmarked Camara to stroke home.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

20 12 1 1 0 0 9 3 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 3 3 83 8

---

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Dinamo Minsk

Competition: UEFA Cup 4th Round 1st Leg

Result: 3-0

BvR did not play as Juve comfortable cruised in this first leg.

---

Team: Juventus

Opponent: Cagliari

Competition: Serie A

Result: 0-2

Juventus again was completely ouplayed on the road. BvR had all the chances for his team, but saw all but one of his efforts drift wide.

BvR Stat Line:

Pas Cmp Key Tck Won Key Hea Won Key Ast Sho On Int Run Off Fou Fld Con Rating

37 20 1 5 3 0 8 4 1 0 5 1 2 0 0 0 3 78 7

---