Explore AS Roma’s transformation under Daniele De Rossi. Is this the dawn of a new era or just another cycle of football hope and heartbreak?

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Roma Under De Rossi: New Era or False Hope?

Few football stories stir as much emotion as that of a club legend returning as manager. In early 2024, AS Roma fans watched with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as Daniele De Rossi, one of the club’s most iconic midfielders, stepped into the managerial hot seat. The move came after a turbulent period under José Mourinho and sparked a debate across Italian and European football circles.

Was this the start of something genuinely new and transformative, or was it simply another emotional appointment lacking long-term strategy? With the 2025 season now in full swing, the evidence is mounting. The question lingers: is De Rossi leading Roma into a new golden age, or is the project destined to fade like others before it?

Let’s take a deep dive into Roma’s new identity under De Rossi, the tactical adjustments, key players, and the bigger question of whether this truly marks a new era in EW8.

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Daniele De Rossi: The Man Behind the Mission

De Rossi is not just a former player — he is the embodiment of AS Roma’s fighting spirit. A local boy, a club captain, and a warrior in midfield, he represented everything Romanisti value: grit, loyalty, and passion. His move into management was perhaps inevitable, but his return to Roma came at a crucial crossroads.

Unlike many former players who take high-profile jobs without adequate preparation, De Rossi paid his managerial dues. He spent time learning the craft, including spells as assistant coach with Italy’s national team under Roberto Mancini and a stint managing SPAL in Serie B. While his coaching resume wasn’t stacked with silverware, his understanding of Roma’s culture made his appointment a natural, albeit risky, decision.

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Tactical Identity: Beyond Nostalgia

De Rossi’s Roma isn’t just Mourinho’s Roma with a new face. One of the first things the new coach did was shift the tactical identity of the team. Where Mourinho emphasized compactness and reactive football, De Rossi introduced a more proactive, possession-based style with:

• A 4-3-3 or hybrid 3-4-2-1 formation

• High defensive line with controlled pressing

• Midfield control via deep-lying playmakers

• Full-backs acting as auxiliary wingers

This tactical evolution was evident from his first few matches. Roma began dominating possession against mid-table sides — something rare during Mourinho’s pragmatic era.

Key Tactical Changes:

• From low block to mid-block pressing

• Focus on vertical passing through midfield

• Flexible attacking movements involving Dybala and Pellegrini

• Emphasis on ball progression from the back using defenders like Gianluca Mancini

Although not always successful in execution, the intent is clear: Roma under De Rossi wants to play modern, attacking football.

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Stars of the New Era

Every new football era requires standout players to carry the manager’s vision onto the pitch. Under De Rossi, several Roma stars have stepped up in 2025:

1. Paulo Dybala

Still the technical heart of the team, Dybala thrives with more attacking freedom under De Rossi. He often drops deep to link play and creates overloads in wide areas.

2. Lorenzo Pellegrini

Roma’s captain and spiritual successor to De Rossi, Pellegrini has flourished in a freer midfield role, contributing both defensively and creatively.

3. Evan Ndicka

Signed to bring stability to the backline, Ndicka has been crucial in helping Roma implement a higher line, combining athleticism with ball-playing ability.

4. Houssem Aouar

With his intelligent movement and passing vision, Aouar has become the kind of progressive midfielder De Rossi craved — someone who can drive the ball forward between the lines.

5. Tammy Abraham (Post-Injury Comeback)

His return to form post-injury has given Roma a focal point again. Abraham offers hold-up play and a consistent goal threat.

With these players stepping into leadership roles, Roma finally has the core of talent needed to challenge the top four consistently.

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The Numbers: Improvement or Illusion?

Looking at the stats from the 2024–25 season so far, there are reasons for cautious optimism:

While Roma still concedes more than ideal, the attacking improvements are clear. De Rossi’s Roma is more adventurous and entertaining, though still searching for a stronger defensive balance.

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Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, several hurdles remain before Roma can be truly considered a Serie A powerhouse again.

1. Squad Depth

Unlike Inter, Milan, or Juventus, Roma lacks quality replacements across all positions. Injuries to key players often derail progress.

2. Financial Limitations

Roma’s ownership has been supportive, but UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations limit their spending. Smart scouting and youth development are essential.

3. European Expectations

Roma fans demand success in Europe. After near misses in the UEFA Europa League, expectations remain high — and anything short of a deep run can be seen as failure.

4. Consistency

The biggest challenge of all. Roma must become consistent — not just in big games, but against lesser opponents where points are often dropped.

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A Fanbase Ready for Revival

Roma’s fanbase is one of the most passionate in football. The Olimpico has seen sellout after sellout under De Rossi’s leadership. Chants of “Un Capitano” echo once again — but this time for their coach.

Fans are not just emotionally invested — they’re hopeful. But that hope comes with emotional baggage from past letdowns. From Rudi Garcia’s 10-game winning start to Fonseca’s flirtation with top four, Roma fans have been here before.

This time, though, there’s a sense of authenticity. De Rossi’s love for the club is genuine, and his tactical blueprint is rooted in both tradition and modern football logic.

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Is It a New Era?

All signs point to potential. De Rossi has rejuvenated the locker room, introduced a more modern style of play, and re-engaged a fanbase long starved for true belief. Yet, football is a results-driven business, and unless trophies or consistent Champions League football follow, the project risks being viewed as another romantic misstep.

What will define De Rossi’s legacy is not just his love for Roma, but whether he can make that love deliver tangible success. The pieces are falling into place, but they need time, stability, and perhaps a little luck.

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Support the New Roman Project — Support Football

Daniele De Rossi’s Roma project is more than just football; it’s about identity, hope, and rediscovering what it means to fight for something bigger than silverware. Whether you’re a Romanista or a neutral, there’s something inspiring about watching a club legend try to build a legacy from the bench.

Support football by backing bold projects, passionate managers, and clubs that dare to dream. Support Roma. Support football.