Video: De Rossi receives heartfelt welcome and farewell following Roma return
UDINE, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa, observes before the kick-off at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Genoa CFC at Stadio Friuli on December 08, 2025, in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
It was not a night for jubilation for Daniele De Rossi, yet the former captain of Roma was greeted with a hero’s reception and an appropriate farewell on Monday evening after making his return to the Stadio Olimpico for the first time since his departure as Giallorossi manager last September. Genoa suffered a significant defeat, losing 3-1, having trailed 3-0 at halftime due to goals from Matias Soule, Manu Kone, and man of the match Evan Ferguson. Jeff Ekhator scored a consolation goal in the 87th minute. You can follow how the events unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog. How Roma honored De Rossi’s return ROME, ITALY – MAY 05: Daniele De Rossi, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between AS Roma and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on May 05, 2024, in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)This match was particularly emotional for both coaches, especially since Gasperini had also managed Genoa for eight years during two different stints. De Rossi’s connection with Roma requires little explanation. His 616 competitive appearances for the Giallorossi rank as the second-most ever, only trailing Francesco Totti’s total of 785. De Rossi succeeded Totti as captain for the last two years of Totti’s career and later returned to the club as head coach in the 2023-24 season to take over from Jose Mourinho, only to be dismissed under tough circumstances after four games into the 2024-25 season, just months after extending his contract. It was evident on Monday night that De Rossi maintains a strong bond with many of the Roma players he coached during his tenure. Both Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini greeted him with warm hugs on the sidelines shortly before kick-off, while Manu Kone also shared a hug with him in the tunnel right before returning to the second half.
Dybala e Mancini con Daniele De Rossi #RomaGenoa pic.twitter.com/kM7AwhkUhf
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) December 29, 2025Despite the loss, De Rossi still took a celebratory lap around the Stadio Olimpico following the final whistle. He applauded every stand as a moving rendition of Grazie Roma resonated throughout the stadium. De Rossi then approached the Curva Sud, where supporters waved club flags, some displaying his name and shirt number. The former Giallorossi captain shook hands with several Ultras while the Roma team looked on from the pitch, allowing him to enjoy his moment despite their win.
| Le superbe hommage rendu par les supporters de la Roma à Daniele De Rossi ! pic.twitter.com/Z49SHSJOmm
— DAZN France (@DAZN_FR) December 29, 2025
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Published: 2025-12-29 22:16:00
source: football-italia.net
