In a dramatic turn of events, AS Roma has officially parted ways with head coach Daniele De Rossi following a winless streak at the start of the Serie A season.
The former Roma midfielder was sacked after the team failed to register a victory in their first four league matches, leaving the Giallorossi sitting at a precarious point in the standings.
A Storied History Cut Short
Daniele De Rossi’s association with Roma has always been one of deep loyalty and commitment. As a player, De Rossi spent 22 years at the club, making 616 appearances between 1997 and 2019. His remarkable career at Roma cemented his status as a club legend, and his subsequent appointment as head coach in January seemed like a natural progression. He stepped in after the departure of José Mourinho, hoping to lead Roma back to the top of Italian football.
After a strong start to his coaching tenure, De Rossi’s team quickly became a force to reckon with, losing just once in his first 11 matches. This brilliant run saw Roma soar from ninth to fifth in the league standings, picking up 26 points from a possible 33. De Rossi also guided the team to the semi-finals of the Europa League, where they fell to Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen.
The Downward Spiral
Despite the promising signs last season, Roma’s start to the current campaign has been nothing short of disastrous. A late equalizer in their most recent match against Genoa saw them draw 1-1, leaving the club with just three points from four matches. Roma’s decision to part ways with De Rossi came after this disappointing result, which deepened concerns about the team’s ability to turn their season around.
In an official statement, Roma said: “Daniele De Rossi has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team. The club’s decision is made in the best interests of the team, to get back on the desired path as soon as possible at a time when the season is still in its early stages.”
The timing of the decision suggests that Roma’s management felt an urgent need for a change in leadership to salvage their season before it spiraled further. With key players departing over the summer, including the likes of Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham, the squad has undergone significant changes. However, despite signing talents such as last season’s La Liga top goalscorer Artem Dovbyk and German veteran Mats Hummels, Roma struggled to find their rhythm.
Ivan Juric: The New Man in Charge
With De Rossi’s departure, the club has swiftly moved to bring in Ivan Juric as his replacement. The 49-year-old Croatian manager, known for his tactical acumen and no-nonsense approach, is expected to sign a contract with Roma until the end of the season, with the possibility of extending it should Roma secure a Champions League spot.
Juric will face an immediate challenge to stabilize the team ahead of their upcoming fixture against Udinese. Reports suggest that he will take charge of his first training session later today at Trigoria, Roma’s training complex, as the club prepares for the weekend match.
Juric brings a wealth of experience in Serie A, having managed Torino and Hellas Verona with relative success. His pragmatic style of play could be exactly what Roma needs to shore up a defense that has been leaking goals. Juric’s immediate task will be to restore confidence within the squad and motivate a team that has lost key figures over the summer.
De Rossi’s Legacy
De Rossi’s tenure as Roma head coach may have come to an abrupt end, but his legacy at the club remains untouched. A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, De Rossi remains one of Roma’s most iconic figures. His time as coach was filled with flashes of brilliance, but the team’s recent slump proved too costly to ignore.
This summer, Roma saw an exodus of several important players. Chris Smalling joined Saudi club Al-Fayha, Tammy Abraham moved to AC Milan on loan, while Romelu Lukaku left for Napoli after a year on loan from Chelsea. Other exits included Andrea Belotti (Como), Rui Patricio (Atalanta), and Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli). These significant departures, coupled with new arrivals, likely added to the difficulties De Rossi faced in trying to build a cohesive unit.
What’s Next for Roma?
The Giallorossi now look to the future under Juric, as they aim to rebuild and regain their foothold in the league. Roma’s fixture list includes a tough Europa League campaign, with a November trip to Tottenham standing out as a major test for the new manager.
As the season progresses, Juric’s impact will be under scrutiny, especially with Roma eager to secure a top-four finish and ensure qualification for Europe’s premier competition. For De Rossi, this may mark the end of his managerial stint at Roma, but his contribution to the club as a player and a coach will not be forgotten by the fans.
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When is Roma’s next match?
Roma play Udinese at home on Sunday, 22 September from 9:30 pm onwards.
