Roma has swiftly appointed Daniele De Rossi as interim manager until the end of the season, immediately following the departure of Jose Mourinho. De Rossi, a beloved figure at the club, having spent 18 years as a player at the Olimpico, will serve as the head coach until June 30, 2024.
The former Italy international, who is a massive crowd favourite, is set to take charge of his first game against Verona on Saturday evening.
After signing his contract, Rossi said, “I would like to thank the Friedkin family for entrusting me with the responsibility of Roma’s head coach role. From my side, I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices, and giving everything I have to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season.
“The excitement of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable. Everyone knows what Roma means to me. However, the work that awaits us all has already taken precedence. We have no time or choice but to be competitive, fight for our goals, and try to achieve them, which are the only priorities my staff and I have set for ourselves.”
Roma’s recent 3-1 defeat to AC Milan proved to be the final straw for Mourinho in Rome. This loss marked their seventh in 20 Serie A games, and they’ve already been eliminated from the Coppa Italia after a 1-0 loss to Lazio in the quarter-finals. Presently positioned in ninth place in Serie A, there’s still potential for a revival to secure a spot in the Champions League, as they are only five points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina.
De Rossi, who holds the record for the club’s all-time appearances with 616, retired after an illustrious career with Roma, scoring 63 goals. Following his retirement, he joined Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff and guided Italy to their second-ever European Championship at Euro 2020. However, his coaching tenure with Serie B side SPAL ended abruptly as he was dismissed mid-season with the team struggling in the 18th position.
Roma fans are hopeful for a swift change in fortunes under De Rossi’s leadership as they prepare to host a struggling Verona in their upcoming home match. Verona currently finds themselves in the relegation zone, having won only four of their 20 matches in the Italian top flight.