Daniele De Rossi returns to the Stadio Olimpico tonight as his Genoa side face Roma, with Gian Piero Gasperini warning that the visitors will present a different challenge from Real Madrid.
The former Roma captain and coach can expect a warm welcome from the Curva Sud, but his focus will be on securing points for Genoa as they seek consistency in their fight for Serie A survival.
Another Emotional Return for De Rossi
De Rossi experienced contrasting results against his former club last season. Genoa lost 3–1 at the Olimpico before winning the reverse fixture.
According to SiamoLaRoma, he is determined to approach this latest return with greater emotional distance, keeping his attention on the task facing his players rather than his personal connection to the stadium.
Roma, meanwhile, must respond to their 4–3 Champions League defeat against Real Madrid, having surrendered a two-goal advantage on Wednesday.
Gasperini: “Another Type of Difficulty”
Despite that disappointment, Gasperini believes Roma’s recent performances have reinforced their confidence in competing against strong opposition. However, he has cautioned against underestimating De Rossi’s side.
“We are playing against a team that does not have Real’s champions but has superior organisation. It will be another type of difficulty.”
The warning sets the tone for a match in which Roma will need to overcome both Genoa’s structure and their own selection problems.
With Svilar, Cristante, Koné and Dybala unavailable and Malen suspended, Gasperini has called up four Primavera players. Rodrigo Mora is also expected to start alongside Soulé and Castro as Roma look to return to winning ways.
Source: SiamoLaRoma; Gian Piero Gasperini’s pre-match press conference.
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