The Genoa coach prepares to face his former club while sending a message of support to Dybala
For Daniele De Rossi, Sunday’s matchup between Genoa CFC and AS Roma carries an emotional weight that goes beyond the standings.
A lifelong Roma icon now leading Genoa in their fight for survival, De Rossi acknowledged that facing his former club will never feel like just another game.
“There will be many people there that I care about and want to hug,” he said during his pre-match press conference. “First of all, I send a hug to Paulo Dybala.”
Even so, De Rossi stressed that Roma remain dangerous regardless of who is available.
“Roma are an incredibly strong team, even without him.”
A Difficult Memory From the First Meeting
The Genoa coach didn’t hide his frustration about the teams’ previous encounter earlier in the season.
“The first leg was our worst performance since I arrived,” he admitted. “It wasn’t just about mistakes or the strength of the opponent — what bothered me most was the lack of reaction.”
That match left a lasting impression on the former Roma captain.
“It was the only time since I’ve been here that I went home, looked in the mirror, and asked myself some questions.”
Now De Rossi hopes his team will respond differently when the sides meet again.
Genoa’s Fight for Survival
With the club battling near the bottom of the table, every point has become crucial.
De Rossi said the group remains united and focused, something he saw firsthand during a recent team dinner organized by the players themselves.
“This is a team that works hard and pushes every day,” he said. “I’m happy when they spend time together and enjoy each other’s company. There are some things a coach simply cannot teach.”
Injuries remain a concern for Genoa, though several players are improving.
Defenders Otoa and Brooke Norton-Cuffy are still being evaluated and may or may not be available, while Tommaso Baldanzi will definitely miss the game with a muscle injury.
Respect for Roma’s Quality
De Rossi also spoke about the evolution of Roma’s style this season.
“At the beginning they collected many points without necessarily playing great football,” he said. “Now they’re starting to resemble Atalanta in the way they play.”
Roma’s technical quality and ability to control possession make them dangerous opponents.
“They have players who can decide a game at any moment,” he added.
Individual Players and Tactical Challenges
Among the players Genoa will need to watch closely is Donyell Malen, whose attacking movement and technical ability have impressed De Rossi.
“He brings something important,” the coach said. “He’s the type of player who links play and is very dangerous in the penalty area.”
De Rossi also praised several of his own players, including goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who he says has quickly adapted to his new role in the squad.
Meanwhile, the coach urged patience with young midfielder Rodrigo Amorim, emphasizing the importance of allowing young players time to grow.
“He’s only 21 and signed a five-year contract,” De Rossi said. “People forget that development takes time.”
The Energy of the Genoa Crowd
Despite the pressure of the relegation fight, De Rossi highlighted one advantage Genoa have at home — the passion of their supporters at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
“Since I arrived I’ve seen incredible support,” he said. “The fans push the team and the players respond to that energy.”
For De Rossi, the message to his players is simple.
“When you face strong teams, you have to be ready for anything.”
And while Genoa is now his home, facing Roma will inevitably stir emotions.
For ninety minutes, however, sentiment will take a back seat to survival.
