Genoa coach criticizes uncertainty around Serie A scheduling and insists his team will fight until the end
Daniele De Rossi has promised that Genoa CFC will fully compete against AC Milan despite having little left to play for in the standings, insisting he despises any suggestion of “arranged” end-of-season matches.
Speaking ahead of Genoa-Milan at the Stadio Ferraris, De Rossi stressed the importance of respecting both the supporters and the integrity of the competition.
“We are preparing for the last home match in front of our fans, in a stadium that has given us so much satisfaction,” he said.
“We want to say goodbye by playing a great game.”
“I hated it then, and I still hate it now”
The Genoa coach delivered a strong message about sporting integrity, referencing past eras of Italian football where results in the final rounds often appeared predictable.
“If the last match of the season were Genoa-Roma, I would approach it with the exact same desire to win,” De Rossi explained.
“I come from a football culture where, when I was young, you already knew how the final games would end—yours and everyone else’s. I hated it then, and I still hate it now.”
He made clear that Genoa intend to play the match honestly and competitively, regardless of Milan’s battle for Champions League qualification.
“We have to play a serious match. It’s only right. Italian football can improve through this kind of attitude.”
Frustration over scheduling chaos
De Rossi also addressed the confusion surrounding the scheduling of the final Serie A rounds, especially after the recent controversy involving the Rome derby and the simultaneous Champions League race fixtures.
The uncertainty over dates and kickoff times, he admitted, complicated preparations.
“We prepared the match with a bit of annoyance, and I think all the other teams involved felt the same way,” he said.
“We didn’t know whether to give the players an extra day of rest or schedule another training session.”
Still, he acknowledged the difficulty faced by the authorities.
“I think it was a difficult decision for everyone involved, with a lot of pressure around it.”
“My priority is Genoa”
Asked about rumors concerning his future, De Rossi dismissed speculation linking him with other clubs and reiterated his commitment to Genoa.
“It’s not true that many clubs have contacted me,” he said.
“My priority is Genoa.”
The former Roma captain suggested he prefers honesty over playing media games.
“Maybe I should learn how to tell more lies and end every interview 0-0,” he joked.
Genoa’s progress under De Rossi
Reflecting on the team’s development since the reverse fixture at San Siro, De Rossi pointed to both improved performances and greater confidence.
“The team has grown because results give you confirmation and improve the mood,” he explained.
“We’ve become more dominant in possession and produced some excellent performances.”
He also provided squad updates ahead of the Milan clash.
“I don’t think we’ll call up Norton-Cuffy. Ostigard stopped yesterday because of a minor issue that shouldn’t be serious. Vasquez has been carrying a heavy workload.”
For De Rossi, however, the key message remains clear: no gifts, no compromises, and no lack of intensity—even at the end of the season.
