Daniele De Rossi is the new coach of Roma

The appointment of Daniele De Rossi as the head coach of Roma marks a significant moment in the club's history, as the 40-year-old former footballer and Italian international takes the reins following the departure of José Mourinho. 

The club officially announced this major transition on Tuesday, bringing De Rossi back to a team with which he has a deep and enduring connection.

De Rossi's relationship with Roma spans nearly two decades, having joined the club as a teenager in 2000. His debut in the first team came a year later, and he remained a pivotal figure at the club for 18 seasons until the 2018/19 campaign. His career, which concluded in 2020 following a brief period with Boca Juniors, was marked by a strong bond with Roma, making his return as a coach a homecoming of sorts.

His appointment, which is effective until June 30, 2024, is not just a nod to his past glories with the club but also a testament to the trust and confidence the club’s management, particularly the Friedkin family, has in him. De Rossi expressed his gratitude and commitment to the role, emphasizing dedication, daily sacrifices, and a resolve to face the challenges ahead.

De Rossi's coaching experience, although limited, includes roles as an assistant in the Italian national team and as the head coach of SPAL in Serie B. His stepping into the shoes of José Mourinho comes at a time when Roma is grappling with inconsistent results. Mourinho's tenure was marred by recent setbacks, including a crucial defeat in the Coppa Italia quarter-final against arch-rivals Lazio, which was a significant factor in his departure.

The task ahead for De Rossi is substantial. Roma, currently positioned ninth in the Serie A, finds itself 22 points adrift of league leaders Inter Milan. The gap underscores the need for a strategic overhaul and a return to the form that the club is capable of. De Rossi will be expected to leverage his understanding of the club's ethos and his tactical acumen to steer Roma back to the upper echelons of Italian football.

Moreover, De Rossi's leadership will be crucial in harnessing the potential of key players in the squad, including the Portuguese trio of Rui Patrício, Renato Sanches, and João Costa. His ability to integrate their skills and contributions into a cohesive team strategy will be vital for Roma's success in the challenging games ahead.

De Rossi’s transition from a celebrated player to a head coach at one of Italy's most storied clubs is a journey filled with anticipation and high expectations. His deep-rooted connection with Roma, combined with his understanding of modern football strategies, places him in a unique position to revive the fortunes of the team. Fans, players, and the management alike will be keenly watching as De Rossi embarks on this new chapter, hoping to see Roma rise again under his guidance.