After a statement win over Roma, the Genoa coach defends his lineup choices and warns his team not to underestimate Hellas Verona
Daniele De Rossi did not hide his frustration. Speaking ahead of Genoa’s Serie A clash against Hellas Verona, the former Roma captain strongly pushed back against criticism that followed his tactical decisions in the Rossoblù’s recent victory over Roma.
For De Rossi, the debate that erupted before that match crossed the line.
“I’ve been in football for twenty years,” he said during his pre-match press conference. “To see people question someone’s integrity because he faces his former club or chooses a different lineup is unbelievable. If we had lost, I would probably be here apologizing for supposedly letting my old team win. That kind of thinking is absurd.”
The Genoa manager made it clear that every lineup decision is based purely on what he believes gives his team the best chance to win.
“Sometimes you stick with continuity, sometimes you rotate to refresh the team, and sometimes you change things because the tactical or physical situation demands it,” De Rossi explained. “Those are normal decisions for any coach. Years ago Antonio Conte told me that if you’re going to make mistakes, make them with your own ideas. That’s advice I’ve always carried with me.”
Momentum after beating Roma
The victory over Roma gave Genoa an important boost, both in the standings and in confidence. Still, De Rossi is careful not to let the result create complacency.
“Saying we’re relaxed makes me nervous,” he admitted. “But winning does give you a little more freedom to work hard without that pressure that sometimes becomes harmful. It helps you see the future differently.”
According to the coach, Genoa’s identity remains clear: intensity and organization.
“When we play aggressively and stay compact, we become a difficult team for anyone. That same focus and aggression will be essential in Verona.”
A dangerous trip to the Bentegodi
Despite Verona sitting near the bottom of the table, De Rossi warned that the trip to the Stadio Bentegodi could be tricky.
“There are a lot of dangers in this match,” he said. “Teams down there are often labeled as already relegated, but that’s far from reality. There are still many games left, and Verona is a passionate environment. They’ve pulled off comebacks before.”
The coach even suggested that Verona’s recent win helped sharpen his squad’s focus.
“In some ways it helped us prepare. It made it easier to explain to the players exactly how difficult this game will be.”
Squad depth and the impact of substitutions
De Rossi also highlighted how the modern game has changed with the introduction of five substitutions.
“Five changes can alter half your team,” he said. “That makes the entire squad important.”
He praised Genoa’s sporting director for streamlining the roster in January, arguing that a smaller group has actually strengthened competition within the team.
“When you have fewer players, it becomes easier to involve everyone and keep them mentally engaged. It might look like fewer options, but in reality it gives you more solutions.”
Injury updates and individual performances
De Rossi confirmed that young defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy is back in training and could return to action, though the staff will carefully manage his workload after a long absence.
Veteran Stefano Sabelli, meanwhile, has impressed the coach with his professionalism and attitude in the locker room.
“He’s an important player for us,” De Rossi said. “Maybe we underestimated him earlier. Since January he has embraced his role and shown it every day in training.”
Goalkeeper Nicola Leali has also remained a key figure behind the scenes despite losing his starting spot.
“When a new goalkeeper arrives, the one who was playing can feel pushed aside,” De Rossi admitted. “But Leali has responded like the professional he has always been. Of course he was happier when he played, but that’s part of football.”
A bond with the fans
Perhaps the most passionate part of De Rossi’s press conference came when discussing Genoa supporters.
“The fans are the essence of football,” he said. “Not just ours, but everyone’s. It’s always a shame when traveling fans can’t attend.”
Still, he expects Genoa’s supporters to make their presence felt even in Verona.
“Our fans are different. The Bentegodi isn’t the Ferraris, and they’ll be farther away, but they’ll still be there. That motivates us. We won’t disappoint them.”
De Rossi believes the unique atmosphere in Genoa also influences the way his team plays.
“Some stadiums don’t give you that extra push. In Genoa, the crowd can carry you. That’s why we try to put a courageous team on the field. When the players are brave, the stadium responds.”
A coaching philosophy built on trust
De Rossi closed by reflecting on his relationship with the squad. Unlike some coaches, he avoids monitoring players’ private conversations or imposing constant control.
“I hated that when I was a player,” he said. “I prefer to be close to the team and understand their needs.”
That approach, he believes, pays off on the field.
“When players feel trusted, they give you more than what you ask for. Sometimes I even give them an extra day off because I believe recovery matters and because I trust them. In the end, that trust comes back to you during the match.”
With Genoa still not mathematically safe but trending upward, Sunday’s match in Verona represents another important step. And if De Rossi’s fiery defense of his decisions is any indication, he intends to face the challenge on his own terms.
