De Rossi on Roma's display against Real Madrid: 'A truly frightening team'

Daniele De Rossi, Genoa's head coach, addressed the media two days before his side faces Roma at the Olimpico, acknowledging the improvement in his former club's quality. De Rossi said: "The value of Roma has grown compared to the one from December last year. It is an incredibly strong squad and yesterday they still gave a demonstration of it." De Rossi has now faced Roma twice as Genoa manager and drew a comparison between the two encounters. He explained that his first preparation was weaker than his second, though he remains focused on the tactical approach rather than the emotional dimension of playing his former club. Last season, when Genoa struggled in the table, the team benefited from set-piece situations; Roma, however, are performing well and possess both aerial threats and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini. On Roma's defeat to Real Madrid, De Rossi noted that 30 per cent of goals typically arrive from set plays across football generally, making it not solely a Roma issue. He described Roma's overall performance as "truly frightening" despite the result. De Rossi also addressed earlier reports of his sacking before Genoa's victory over Parma, saying: "I voluntarily withdrew myself. I voluntarily slapped my hands when I wanted to touch social media because I know that is where most of the criticism comes from. Instead I walked around the city and never perceived negativity, anger or resentment—only words of support and encouragement, and I will remember that forever."

Roma turn focus to Genoa after Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini due to face the media on Saturday at 13.30 ahead of the match at the Olimpico. Genoa, managed by Daniele De Rossi, visit Rome on Saturday. Gasperini will be without Bryan Cristante, Donyell Malen and Mile Svilar through injury, while Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala are almost certain to miss out pending medical assessment. Koné and Dybala will undergo instrumental tests on Saturday morning to determine their recovery timescale, with particular concern surrounding Koné's condition—the French midfielder risks being sidelined for multiple matches. Santiago Castro and Rodrigo Mora stand ready to lead the attack in their absence.

Daniele De Rossi previewed Genoa's visit to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday at 20:45, two days after Roma's display against Real Madrid. De Rossi, now managing Genoa, acknowledged that facing Roma again would help him approach the match with greater detachment than when he prepared for their fixture last season. "The fact that I've already played against Roma can help me be a bit colder," he said, "but the real difference is that I prepared the first leg poorly and the second one better." De Rossi highlighted Roma's strength compared to December of last year. "The value of Roma has grown compared to that of December. It's an incredibly strong squad," he stated. The Genoa manager reflected on Roma's recent vulnerability from set-plays, having conceded three goals from corners. However, he placed the issue in broader context: "There are statistics that say 30% of goals come from set-pieces, so it's not just a Roma problem. We always want to take advantage. Last year when we were badly placed in the table, we benefited from situations from set-pieces. Roma, though, is in good shape, has jumpers and a goalkeeper like Gollini. Sometimes it's also a matter of chance." Despite Roma's defensive frailties at set-pieces, De Rossi's overall assessment of their recent performance was emphatic. "Yesterday, beyond the details on set-pieces, I saw a truly frightening squad," he concluded.

Daniele De Rossi, Genoa's head coach, addressed the media two days before his side faces Roma at the Olimpico, acknowledging the improvement in his former club's quality. De Rossi said: "The value of Roma has grown compared to the one from December last year. It is an incredibly strong squad and yesterday they still gave a demonstration of it." De Rossi has now faced Roma twice as Genoa manager and drew a comparison between the two encounters. He explained that his first preparation was weaker than his second, though he remains focused on the tactical approach rather than the emotional dimension of playing his former club. Last season, when Genoa struggled in the table, the team benefited from set-piece situations; Roma, however, are performing well and possess both aerial threats and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini. On Roma's defeat to Real Madrid, De Rossi noted that 30 per cent of goals typically arrive from set plays across football generally, making it not solely a Roma issue. He described Roma's overall performance as "truly frightening" despite the result. De Rossi also addressed earlier reports of his sacking before Genoa's victory over Parma, saying: "I voluntarily withdrew myself. I voluntarily slapped my hands when I wanted to touch social media because I know that is where most of the criticism comes from. Instead I walked around the city and never perceived negativity, anger or resentment—only words of support and encouragement, and I will remember that forever."

Roma face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 17 October at 20:45 in Serie A matchday seven, aiming to return to winning ways after a 4–3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. The Giallorossi drew 0–0 against Como and 0–0 against Inter before the Real Madrid loss; they have not won since facing Torino. Genoa, managed by Daniele De Rossi, won their first match of the season last time out, beating Fiorentina 2–1. Gasperini will make changes to his squad following injuries sustained against Real Madrid. Manu Koné left the pitch in the first half with a muscle problem, while Paulo Dybala was substituted at half-time with a muscular strain; both remain under assessment as of 15 October, with recovery timings unclear. Mile Svilar is out with a fractured toe, Bryan Cristante with a knee problem, and Donyell Malen suspended following his red card against Como. Roma last won on matchday six against Torino. In Gasperini's 3–4–2–1 formation, Pierluigi Gollini will start in goal with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in the three-man defence. Emanuele Lulli and Wesley are set for the full-back positions, with Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli in midfield. Santiago Castro will lead the attack in place of the suspended Malen, Matías Soulé will play behind him, and Rodrigo Mora is favoured to complete the attacking line if Dybala cannot recover; Lorenzo Pellegrini is an alternative. De Rossi's Genoa are likely to line up in a 4–4–1–1 with goalkeeper Bijlow, but a 3–5–2 with Vitinha alongside the striker remains possible. Roma hold a dominant record at the Olimpico against Genoa: across 65 official matches played in the capital, the Giallorossi have won 48, Genoa 9, with 8 draws. Most recently Roma won 3–1 on 29 December 2025; before that, on 17 January 1990, Genoa last won at the Olimpico, prevailing 1–0. The official lineups will be confirmed before kickoff. The match will be broadcast on DAZN and Sky Sport, with streaming available through NOW and Sky Go according to subscription level.

Daniele De Rossi previewed Genoa's visit to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday at 20:45, two days after Roma's display against Real Madrid. De Rossi, now managing Genoa, acknowledged that facing Roma again would help him approach the match with greater detachment than when he prepared for their fixture last season. "The fact that I've already played against Roma can help me be a bit colder," he said, "but the real difference is that I prepared the first leg poorly and the second one better." De Rossi highlighted Roma's strength compared to December of last year. "The value of Roma has grown compared to that of December. It's an incredibly strong squad," he stated. The Genoa manager reflected on Roma's recent vulnerability from set-plays, having conceded three goals from corners. However, he placed the issue in broader context: "There are statistics that say 30% of goals come from set-pieces, so it's not just a Roma problem. We always want to take advantage. Last year when we were badly placed in the table, we benefited from situations from set-pieces. Roma, though, is in good shape, has jumpers and a goalkeeper like Gollini. Sometimes it's also a matter of chance." Despite Roma's defensive frailties at set-pieces, De Rossi's overall assessment of their recent performance was emphatic. "Yesterday, beyond the details on set-pieces, I saw a truly frightening squad," he concluded.