Roma boss Ranieri expects Adriano to shine

(GSM) – Roma coach Claudio Ranieri believes new signing Adriano will live up to the expectations at the Stadio Olimpico amid doubts over his weight and troubled past.

The Brazilian striker joined Roma on a free transfer from Flamengo earlier this summer.

However, he got off to a false start at his new club by missing his first training session. He also looked a bit overweight leading to concern about Roma’s investment.

Adriano rescinded his contract with Internazionale in April last year after growing depressed and decide to return to his boyhood club flamengo.

“”I am satisfied with Adriano and the captain, who has a great desire and has returned in great form,” Ranieri said. “It’s practically how we left each other to go on vacation.

“Adri has a notable physique, he needs to work. He is putting in the effort and doing everything to get there. It’s a mark of the lad’s desire.

“He is not my bet. He is his own bet. I am convinced that he will have a great season.”

For now, Adriano’s gamble appears to be paying off as he scored in a friendly match against Brunico on Sunday.

Ranieri was then asked about the prospect of lining up Totti, Vucinic, Menez and Adriano in the same team.

“Are you intrigued? Me too, but it doesn’t depend on me. It depends on how the team reacts. It’s a Coach’s job to put quality players together, but it’s one thing to see them do it now and another to see them do it in Serie A or in the Champions League. But I have to try it out now to understand what happens in the team.

“I played with a 4-3-3. Menez played on the line of the central midfielders. Adriano loves to start in the centre-right position like Vucinic from the opposite side. For me, Menez can play in every role. He is a stupendous player. He is important. He’s a football player. I have always said it since I first arrived at Roma.”