Roma have appointed former midfielder Daniele de Rossi as head coach succeeding Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday morning after two-and-a-half years at the Stadio Olimpico, where he led the club to its first trophy in 14 years, winning the Europa Conference League in 2022.
But with the Serie A club languishing in ninth position after Sunday’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan, which followed last week’s Italian Cup to neighbours Lazio, club bosses believe the time is right to wield the axe.
Roma temporarily moved to fill the club’s managerial void and passed the reins to former talismanic captain De Rossi.
A letter from owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin reads: “We are delighted to be able to entrust the leadership role of AS Roma to Daniele De Rossi, as we believe that the leadership and ambition that has explained it at all times can prove decisive in achieving this. The goal. The team’s objectives until the end of the season.
“We were aware of Daniele’s unbreakable bond with the club, but his enthusiasm to settle for the role for the next few months convinced us even more of his ability to be an advisor to the players and a proud representative of the club’s values. Welcome home, Daniele.
The 40-year-old has little managerial experience under Mourinho with just four months at Serie B side SPAL under his belt.
De Rossi also worked as coach of the Italian national team Roberto Mancini.
However, his lack of fun didn’t faze De Rossi, who thanked the club’s owners for the opportunity to run his boyhood club.
“I would like to thank Friedkin’s family circle for entrusting me with the position of head coach of Roma,” De Rossi told Roma’s official website.
“From my side, I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices, and giving everything I have in order to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season.
“The emotion of being able to be on our bench is indescribable. Everyone knows what Roma means to me. However, the front image of all of us already takes 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.”
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