In a shocking turn of events, AS Roma has parted ways with manager Daniele De Rossi, just four games into the 2024/25 Serie A season. The decision comes after Roma’s dismal start, failing to secure a single win, drawing three of their matches and losing at home to Empoli. This has left the Giallorossi languishing in 16th place on the league table.
A club statement addressing Daniele De Rossi’s dismissal read: “The club’s decision is taken in the interest of the team, to be able to promptly resume the desired path at a time when the season is still at its beginning.” Despite Daniele De Rossi’s historical significance to the club, the management deemed it necessary to act quickly to salvage the season.
A Promising Start and a Downward Spiral
Daniele De Rossi’s tenure as manager began with a glimmer of hope, as he took over from José Mourinho in January. Under his leadership, Roma saw a significant turnaround, losing just one of their first 11 matches and amassing 26 points from a possible 33. His early success lifted Roma from 9th to 5th in Serie A, securing a place in the Europa League for this season. De Rossi also guided the team to the semi-finals of last season’s Europa League, where they were eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen.
However, the new season saw a stark decline in Roma’s form. Despite the high-profile signings of striker Artem Dovbyk and defender Mats Hummels, the team struggled to find rhythm, leaving fans and management frustrated. The club’s leadership ultimately felt they had no choice but to replace De Rossi in hopes of salvaging their domestic and European campaigns.
Roma’s Roster Changes and a New Direction
Roma’s struggles this season have not been for lack of investment. This summer, the club made several notable signings, including Artem Dovbyk, last season’s La Liga top scorer, and experienced centre-back Mats Hummels. However, they also saw the departure of key players, such as Chris Smalling, who moved to Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League, Tammy Abraham on loan to AC Milan, and Romelu Lukaku, who joined Napoli.
These changes, combined with Daniele De Rossi’s tactical approach, failed to produce results, leaving the club with no choice but to consider new management. As Roma prepares to face Tottenham in a high-stakes Europa League match in November, the club must now refocus and recalibrate under a new leader to turn the season around.
Roma’s Official Statement: “The Team’s Best Interests at Heart
In their official statement, AS Roma expressed that the decision to part ways with Daniele De Rossi was made with the team’s best interests in mind. The club emphasized the need to quickly course-correct in what is still the early stage of the season. The statement read, “Roma announces that Daniele De Rossi has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team. The club’s decision is made in the best interests of the team, to get back on the desired path as soon as possible.”
The statement continued with an expression of gratitude toward Daniele De Rossi: “A heartfelt thank you to Daniele, who will always be at home at the Giallorossi club, for the work he has done in recent months with passion and dedication.” However, the club remained tight-lipped about who would take over the technical guidance of the team, stating that further communication would follow soon.
The swift decision underscores the pressure Roma faces to remain competitive, especially as the Serie A season progresses and European competitions loom large.
Daniele De Rossi’s Tenure: A Rollercoaster Six Months
De Rossi’s appointment as Roma’s head coach was met with optimism. After replacing the high-profile José Mourinho, he led the Giallorossi to a respectable sixth-place finish in Serie A last season. Although Roma was eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League semifinals, the club’s management was impressed enough to extend De Rossi’s contract and structure their summer transfer strategy around his vision.
Unfortunately, the new season did not go as planned. Roma’s sluggish start, with only three points from four matches and a meager two goals scored, proved costly. The inability to maintain attacking consistency and defensive solidity placed the team in a precarious position, forcing the club’s hierarchy to reevaluate their faith in the young coach.
De Rossi’s sacking, while unexpected, reflects the intense scrutiny coaches face in top-flight football, where results often speak louder than potential.
