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Daniele De Rossi began his coaching tenure at Roma with a triumphant start, securing a 2-1 victory against Verona at the emotionally charged Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. The boyhood club’s win under De Rossi’s guidance comes after he assumed the managerial role on Tuesday.
Roma capitalized on Fiorentina’s absence from league action due to Italian Super Cup commitments, moving within two points of the Champions League positions in the eighth spot. In contrast, financially troubled Verona, having unloaded seven players this month, remains just inside the relegation zone after suffering their 12th defeat in 21 matches.
The match, however, wasn’t entirely one-sided, as Michael Folorunsho narrowed the lead with a well-struck shot in the 76th minute, a goal that Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio should have defended. Earlier, Folorunsho, a Rome-born player and self-professed Lazio fan, had a disallowed goal, and Verona’s Milan Djuric missed a penalty just after the hour mark.
Daniele De Rossi, the former Italy midfielder and long-time Roma player, took charge following Jose Mourinho’s abrupt departure. Despite the victory, De Rossi faced a mixed reception from Roma’s supporters, with boos and whistles during the pre-match warm-up. Banners in the stands expressed admiration for Mourinho, highlighting the lingering discontent over his dismissal.
AC Milan aimed to narrow the nine-point gap with league leaders Inter Milan later on Saturday. Mourinho and AS Roma parted ways as his contract with the team concluded.
