De Rossi on Venturino to Roma: “I called Roma and said they’re bringing in a ‘protégé’ of mine.” | OneFootball

On the eve of the match against Bologna, Daniele De Rossi addressed the current hot topics at Genoa, including recent transfer market moves.

While keeping his focus on the upcoming match, the coach focused on Baldanzi’s technical abilities: “Baldanzi can give a lot. Venturino is a protégé of mine, I told Roma as much.”

Baldanzi and Venturino, one recently arrived in Genoa and the other ready to strengthen Gasperini’s squad.

Regarding Baldanzi’s signing, the coach emphasized the player’s qualities while also mentioning his current physical issue: “At this point, he can’t help us much because he’s still injured. We haven’t made it official yet. He’s a player I care about, I see a lot in him, but right now he’s not yet a Genoa player. I’m focusing on who, I hope, will help us win the next match on Sunday.”

On the possibility of seeing Baldanzi as a center forward: “I saw Gasperini play him as a false center forward. He’s physically fit, he’s an attacking midfielder, an additional midfielder. He’d take away some of the presence in the penalty area, and here we have a center forward and strong forwards. We want them to be more present in the penalty area. I’m happy with them, and if they score better, but if they don’t, it could be because the goalkeeper is doing well. As for Baldanzi, when he arrives, we’ll see if he’s an option, but I don’t think I’ll play him as a center forward.”

On the possibility of playing him as a winger: “I’d rather talk less about a player who hasn’t signed yet. Out of respect for everyone. He’s a player who needs to stay inside the pitch and look for the ball between the lines. He’s a very lively, dynamic, and tenacious player. If I imagine him in this stadium, he could become a favorite because he has Genoa DNA.”

Shifting the focus to Venturino’s sale to Roma: “Unfortunately, I didn’t let him express himself, and I’m sorry. He’s a top player, a calm, polite guy, and incredibly respectful of all positions. I’m disappointed because you start the season with 22 players, you decide on your squad, you focus on Venturino or Fini, and maybe give him more chances. I accepted Genoa when they had three points. Maybe it’s a very Italian mentality, maybe a little old-fashioned despite being a young coach. At the beginning, you think you can lean on experience a little. I should have been a little more courageous, but it’s not easy to arrive with 29 players, and when you have do-or-die games, you focus on other players. I take responsibility for him and Fini; I gave them little space, not because I didn’t trust them. He’s impressive, I hope he has a great season and great success. He deserves it. I called Roma and said they’re bringing in a ‘protégé’ of mine.”