Ranieri Contemplate Roma Reunion with Cagliari Staple

Roma will need to address the wings in January, as Zeki Celik has played a lot but has been subpar, while Angelino has been up and down and constantly targeted by the opponents. Claudio Ranieri has earmarked a player he’s well familiar with, Gabriele Zappa, whom he coached at Cagliari for a couple of seasons, Corriere della Sera relayed (via OneFootball).

The Giallorossi have tested the waters for the fullback. His contract expires at the end of the season. He’s generating interest thanks to his strong performances this campaign. Milan have been linked to him but more for a Bosman move. They’ll likely let Davide Calabria go next summer.

Zappa tops the Roma shortlist for the role at the moment. He scored two wonder goals in a recent clash with the Rossoneri, his lone ones this campaign. He has played extensively also as a right ‘braccetto’ when Cagliari were using a three-man defense.

The capital club is about to get some help from the infirmary. Alexis Saelemakers has completed his rehab from ankle surgery and has been called for the Tottenham clash  He’s been out since mid-September due to a malleolus fracture.

Our Take on Roma and Zappa

They need an upgrade, and he’s probably destined to be a deputy in a big team, but they should be more ambitious, as they have had issues in such a position for a few years. Saelemakers will aid but only when they use 3-5-2 or something similar, as he has never fully transitioned to being a fullback in Serie A.