Gattuso versus De Rossi

After watching Italy/Germany again and remembering the last month’s string of Roma matches, I’m wondering aloud if Daniele De Rossi shouldn’t be starting in lieu of the little bulldog Gennaro Gattuso. Gattuso brings that most unteachable skill to the pitch- heart – but he doesn’t link up with the forwards nearly as well and he doesn’t back track as much in my estimation. On the other hand, he’s a better ball-winner.

With the return of Totti no certainty at this point, I have to say I like the ability of those midfielders who can move the ball deep into the front third of the pitch. That’s no problem for De Rossi…and Gattuso’s form of late had been spotty at best before his latest injury, making the decision a little easer in my mind.