Daniele De Rossi explains his unexpected Roma picks for the trip to Genoa and responds to Francesco Totti’s controversial comments. ‘I’d give an arm for him.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, commonly known as Marassi, at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).
There had been multiple reports that the Giallorossi would give Mario Hermoso his first start after the signing as a free agent, but instead Angelino is moved into the back three, with Alexis Saelemaekers and Stephan El Shaarawy as wing-backs.
“Honestly, Hermoso is ready to play, but with a new stadium, new league, I wanted to give him time. We played many times with this defence and I am more confident having him start on home turf, but he will be coming off the bench today,” De Rossi told DAZN.
De Rossi has adaptable Roma
He has been known to switch between the 4-3-3 formation and 3-5-2, choosing the latter this afternoon to counter-act Alberto Gilardino’s Genoa in a similar tactical approach.
“The statistics show that Genoa let you play in their half, but you mustn’t lose the ball, because they will be very direct and attacking. I like to play with three at the back and very attacking wing-backs, but you can alternate and have wing-backs who are practically full-backs against teams with different characteristics. We can alternate.
“El Shaarawy started the season with a few difficulties, but has shown great improvement recently and so it was right to give him that chance.”
Roma fans were shaken this week by comments from legend Totti, who said his status in the city could be seen as ‘cumbersome’ for the club and that De Rossi acted as a ‘lightning rod’ for any criticism.
“Francesco’s words always hit the headlines, especially in Rome, because when he talks, everyone turns to listen,” said the coach and his former teammate.
“We have to focus on the game. I would only note he said he’d give an arm for me and I feel the same about him.”
