Roma director Tiago Pinto refused to be drawn into the sacking of Jose Mourinho, reiterating only that ‘the club owners decided it was the right time to make that change.’
Daniele De Rossi makes his debut against Verona, which kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Udinese–Milan on the LIVEBLOG.
This has been a dramatic week for the Giallorossi, who sacked Mourinho despite the fact his contract was only going to run until June 30 and he repeatedly expressed a desire to extend his stay.
“Obviously, these have been difficult days, it is never pleasant to make these decisions and make all these changes. I don’t know anyone who could enjoy these moments,” Tiago Pinto told DAZN.
“The club decided it was the right time to make this change, the staff worked over the last few days to make those changes and put the team at the disposal of the new coach. We go forward trying to achieve the objectives that remain.”
The director of sport was asked if this dismissal had become inevitable in the light of recent results, above all the Coppa Italia quarter-final defeat to rivals Lazio.
“I think now we need to look forward. The club owners decided it was the right time to make that change. Now we have two options: either we spend every day discussing whether it was the right decision or we can look forward, try to win the game, play better and achieve our objectives. This is football.”
It is not the only change, as Tiago Pinto had already announced he would be leaving Roma straight after the January transfer window, despite also having a contract to June 30.
“My future has been decided. As I said before, that was a decision I made some time ago. I always got along well with Daniele, we have a good rapport, but until my last day here I will always be by his side, just as I was with all the coaches here.”