Daniele De Rossi insists Roma players do not lack personality and feels Paulo Dybala’s form is improving ahead of Monday’s away game against Salernitana.
The Giallorossi visit the Granata at the Stadio Arechi tomorrow in a meeting between 2006 Italy World Cup winners De Rossi and Filippo Inzaghi.
Roma have only won two away Serie A games from 10 this season, and De Rossi’s predecessor José Mourinho had previously complained about the team’s lack of personality, which was reflected in poor results far from the Stadio Olimpico.
When De Rossi was asked if he had noticed the same, the ex-midfielder replied: “You mentioned Mourinho and you should ask him what he noticed in that period and why he saw fear in the players’ eyes.
“Honestly, I evaluate what I see. I see players with personality. If I take a step back and think about their careers, I see players who played and won away games. They brought us to the European Finals; Cristante and Spinazzola won the Euros, playing a Final away against England.
“Sometimes things go well at home, sometimes away. I like the ‘bandit’ spirit because sometimes you need to have that rudeness that helps you earn points in ugly and dirty games. I think I have great players, and I don’t think my players lack personality. Not at all.”
De Rossi also released injury updates on Chris Smalling, Renato Sanches and Marash Kumbulla and said Dybala is ready to start against Salernitana.
“It seems to me that Paulo feels well. He has trained at his best with the others, and I think he is in better shape than in the first week,” he said.
“Dean [Huijsen] didn’t train for a few days. Today he will try again, but I think he will be able to join us. Mancini is fit, and I like how he was involved in what we proposed in training. Aouar has returned from AFCON. He didn’t rest much, but he is active and is totally ready to play.
“Smalling, Renato Sanches and Kumbulla are following their path, they are monitored daily. Their movements seem quite smooth, I think they could partially return with the group next week, but I don’t have a certain date.”
De Rossi, who won on his debut on the Roma bench last week, insisted he won’t make changes between the sticks despite a Rui Patricio howler against Hellas Verona.
“Rui has made good saves and one game won’t change my opinion,” insisted DDR.
“I didn’t know Svilar much, but his abilities impressed me. Anyway, hierarchies won’t change with one game.
“Surely, Salernitana had objective problems. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be there,” continued the Roma coach.
“However, in the second part of the season, teams in the bottom half of the table give something more. I never played in Salerno and am curious because they have a thrilling Curva. It’s a shame our fans won’t be there. Salernitana have a good coach and a lot of quality, especially in attack, so we must pay attention.”