Legendary former Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi was dismissed from his position as Giallorossi head coach in a surprise call on Wednesday morning, just after he had finished preparing the day’s training session. Here’s how DDR’s final day at Trigoria unfolded.
The former Roma coach was let go after a tough start to the Serie A campaign, which has left the team in 16th place with three points and no wins from their first four outings.
De Rossi had won just one of his last 11 competitive matches, despite winning eight of his first 10 after replacing Jose Mourinho in January. Ivan Juric has since been appointed and took his first training session on Wednesday late afternoon.
How De Rossi’s last day with Roma unfolded
According to Corriere dello Sport, De Rossi learned of the news first thing in the morning, just before 8 am local time. He had been preparing for the day’s training session at that point.
He was then informed that he would be dismissed from his role with immediate effect. Roma wasted no time in informing the supporters, publishing a statement just before the clock struck 8.
De Rossi quickly gathered his things, spoke to his staff and bid farewell to sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, who reportedly had no part to play in the coach’s dismissal.
Upon leaving the training ground, De Rossi was met by crowds of supporters and journalists. Though he wanted to head straight home, the boss signed autographs and smiled for pictures out of courtesy.
He then went back to his home in the centre of Rome, and then headed back out for lunch with his staff at a restaurant in Piazza del Fico, where they assessed the last few months.
Thursday’s reports indicate that he will now go on a long vacation to unwind and reflect further on the pros and cons of his time back at the Olimpico.
Ivan Juric has since been appointed on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 season with a potential option to extend. The Croatian took his first training session on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the weekend’s visit from table-topping Udinese.
