Roma coach Daniele De Rossi underlined how ‘every team in the world are beatable’ ahead of their key Serie A clash with Inter.
The Giallorossi have enjoyed the new manager bounce under their former midfielder in recent weeks, picking up three wins out of three over Cagliari, Salernitana and Hellas Verona. Now De Rossi faces his first real test in the Roma dugout.
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter have been almost flawless in Serie A this season, losing just once across 22 games, and they’ll be hungry for all three points in the Italian capital as they look to maintain their lead over Scudetto rivals Juventus.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, De Rossi first discussed Roma’s mindset heading into their clash with Inter.
“The courage that strong players must have, and we’re full of strong players. Intelligence and knowledge are needed, every team in the world are beatable. Inter are too. Now the level has risen compared to my first three matches.
“The preparation changes for the match, we face a team used to dominating the game. But there will be moments in which they can suffer. We are aware that we can play a great match, as well as their strengths.”
He explained why he wasn’t present at the funeral of Roma legend Giacomo Losi.
“I didn’t ask for the date, the place. The match distracted me, and I made a serious mistake. It’s not a bad faith mistake, it bothers me not to have gone to say goodbye to him. It’s not a question of role and protocol, it’s a question of relationship between me and him.
“His son is very similar to his father, he knows very well the relationship that existed between us. I am very sorry not to have said goodbye to him, the distraction is serious because there was a serious relationship.
“I had nothing to do, I opened a post on social media and saw the photos and I couldn’t believe it. I was careless, I asked, I hope and believe it should end there.”
The Giallorossi coach was asked what he expects of Romelu Lukaku against Inter.
“I try to separate the emotional aspect from the football one. I have to speak to the hearts of the players, for me it would be enough for him to play the same match as against Cagliari. I liked Monday a lot. He’ll be able to manage a bit of emotion, he’s no longer 20 years old.”
De Rossi was also asked why Roma have struggled to show their best against top Serie A clubs.
“Randomness doesn’t exist. You’re asking me to comment on head-to-head matches that I didn’t oversee. Then there are some numbers that speak for themselves. Let’s see how we go tomorrow and if there will still be these problems.
“When you play against strong teams you end up losing or struggling. Sometimes the levels on the pitch speak for themselves. Inter, Milan and Juve are very strong. As for us, I’m trying to start a journey that I don’t know how long will last, but we have to understand that we are a strong team.
“There are players who’ve played in Manchester, who’ve won a European Championship, who’ve won the Copa America, it would be offensive to say that our players have mentality problems against the big teams.
“In direct clashes it’s a tug of war, but the players’ mentalities are not a problem, otherwise they would not have obtained certain results.”
He spoke about some memories of playing against the Nerazzurri.
“We played for league titles and Coppa Italia with them but, apart from a few Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, they were better.
“I’m disappointed we’ve already played at San Siro because I consider it the most exciting stadium after ours. It will be an equally challenging challenge as beautiful as those years before.”
He provided updates on Renato Sanches and Chris Smalling.
“Renato Sanches is a fundamental element like all the others. The physical distances between them and the rest of their teammates are decreasing. They train with us and then do additional work.
“I haven’t seen them much on the pitch yet but, from what I little that I have seen, they will be important for us.”
De Rossi commented on the respect needed against Inter.
“Tomorrow we will have to have respect but also a bit of arrogance and bravado. We are not the bottom team, if you show too much respect you become afraid and if you are afraid then you lose.
“There will be moments in which we will suffer tomorrow because they are strong. Knowing that will happen is for mature players, accepting it means losing.
“We have to convince ourselves that we can win because it’s true. Across an entire season they are stronger but in a single match they can be beaten.”
He spoke about the importance of Stephan El Shaarawy.
“I’ve known him for a long time, he’s having an important mental evolution. Before he was good, inconsistent, I used to get angry to death but now he’s become a real player. Even when I saw Roma as a fan, I had the feeling he could hurt anyone at any moment.
“Zalewski was also good when he came on against Cagliari, I care a lot about him. I’m happy with the tall wingers on the left.”
He was asked if Edoardo Bove would play against Inter, considering the upcoming game with Feyenoord.
“We are focused on tomorrow, not on Feyenoord. We will play with the team that I think is best for Inter. We will not rotate based on the next match.
“Reasons can also be made based on who is off the list and will not be able to play in the cup, but we won’t make tactical considerations in anticipation of the cup.”
Finally, De Rossi responded to the suggestions that he was predestined for the Roma job.
“I also read these articles two years ago. Then after SPAL, few continued to say it and I found many doors closed, rightly so. A bit by chance, I found myself in the place where I would like to be a coach for the rest of my life.
“The fact that I am here may be a coincidence but also an important signal. I certainly know this environment better than where I was last year. I am enjoying this adventure today.”