Daniele De Rossi speaks ahead of ’emotional’ Roma match: “It’s a special game for me, but I want to win.” | OneFootball

The match at the Olimpico on Monday the 29th at 8:45 PM between Roma and Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa is approaching.

For obvious reasons, it will be a special match for the former Giallorossi player and coach, who was fired following the draw against the Rossoblu last season.

DDR spoke at a pre-match press conference and spoke about the week he’s just spent preparing for this special fixture: “It’s a match against a team whose significance I’ve already explained. Denying it or making it a taboo would be ridiculous.”

“I’ve lived this week calmly. My faith in football is written all over my face, but I’ve lived it with dignity throughout my career. I’ve never believed in former players who go there, score goals, and despair.”

“I want to make a good impression, but there’s no desire for revenge. My staff and I wake up with the sole objective of saving Genoa.”

The former Roma number 16 then discussed his potential reaction if Genoa scored: “I don’t like those players who change teams 20 times and never celebrate. Out of respect, I’ll have to keep a bit of composure, but if we score, I’ll be happy. Respect for the Roma fans comes from my never lying. If I have to call the players onto the pitch, I won’t keep quiet; if I have to protest to the referee, I’ll protest. Look, if we score in the 90th minute, I won’t do what Cristante did in Udine. I’ll keep a bit of composure out of respect.”

Finally, DDR spoke about Gian Piero Gasperini and his Roma team: “Gasperini will be a key figure in any team I coach. He was one of the first to bring back a style of football that had been somewhat forgotten. He made it attacking and modern. He’s a great role model. We’ve spoken in the past, but not this week. I respect him; we have mutual friends. We spoke when he arrived in Rome; I respect him both personally and professionally.”

“Monday’s match will be approached with great caution and respect. We know he’ll change the lineup at the last minute. We’ll have to be careful not to give Roma any space. We’ll go with great respect, without fear, and with principles no different from those we expressed against Atalanta.”