Montella rues late lapse

Roma manager Vincenzo Montella was disappointed after his side threw away a two-goal lead against Parma on Sunday.

For the ninth time this season, Roma dropped points from a winning position after Amauri’s late double salvaged a point for Pasquale Marino’s side at the Stadio Olimpico in the exciting 2-2 draw.

The result leaves Roma in sixth position on the Serie A table, leaving them five points behind fourth-placed Lazio, who occupy the last of the Champions League spots.

“We concede far too many goals in the final half hour,” Montella said.”It isn’t a question of players or formation but simply a dip in concentration. This side has suffered this lapse all season and we must work to put this right.”

“I liked what I saw during the first half and this gives me confidence going forward,” he said.

“After the break we were missing (David) Pizarro who is fundamental for our particular way of playing.”

“We believe a lot in the fourth place, very much and also after today’s result and today’s performance, because, I repeat, there were positive signals.”

Roma are close to terminating the contract of Brazilian striker Adriano after he failed to attend a medical.

The forward, who signed a three-year deal in June, has been in his home country to receive treatment on a dislocated shoulder and has repeatedly delayed his return to Rome.

He finally arrived last week but did not turn up to an organised medical, infuriating club director Gianpaolo Montali.

“It’s true, the player did not turn up and will be given a heavy fine,” Montali said.

“We tried in every way possible to look after this man when he came to Roma, but now the problem is that he is unprofessional. Adriano is indefensible.”