The decision by Roma’s owners, the Friedkin Group, to sack legendary figure by Daniele De Rossi was met with anger by the club’s loyal and passionate fanbase. The former talisman was dismissed after just four games of the new season and Roma fans were furious to see one of their own dismissed. Not only was De Rossi born in the Eternal City but he also made more than 600 appearances for the Giallorossi and so was a highly-respected figure adored by the fans.
However, De Rossi is the not the first former player to manage the team at the Stadio Olimpico. This article will profile the former stars who went from the Roma pitch to the Roma dugout.
Daniele De Rossi
De Rossi spent nearly two decades with Roma, winning the Coppa Italia on two occasions before hanging up his boots in 2020 after a brief spell with Boca Juniors in Argentina. Synonymous with the Rome club throughout this century, the ex-midfielder was appointed manager of the club at the start of 2024 having cut his coaching teeth at SPAL the year before.
Replacing Jose Mourinho as the boss, De Rossi earned a memorable win in his first game as Roma defeated Hellas Verona 2-1 at home. The Italian also guided the team to the Europa League semi-finals where they lost to Bayer Leverkusen. After a strong start, De Rossi extended his contract until 2027 and it’s in part, that reason, fans are so furious that he was sacked after four games which saw the side pick up three draws and lose to Empoli.
New boss Ivan Juric led Roma to a 3-0 victory over Udinese but supporters are still smarting at seeing De Rossi pushed out. Many will place wagers on Roma’s progress this season with gaming a popular pastime alongside watching matches live. From sports betting to Crikeyslots and other traditional pursuits including poker and blackjack, football and gambling are popular pastimes in this part of the world. Free Spins and no deposit bonuses enhance the gameplay experience while backing Roma adds an extra thrill to watching the team live.
When the dust settles, fans will no doubt back Juric but for now, the Croatian will have to prove himself and the only way is to win games of football which will soften the blow for supporters missing the iconic De Rossi.
Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello is widely considered one of the greatest managers of all-time and part of his football education was taught at the Stadio Olimpico where he played for Roma between 1967 and 1970. Getting into coaching in the 1980s, the Italian managed Milan and Real Madrid before returning to take charge of the Giallorossi in 1999.
It was a memorable and monumental time as Capello guided Roma to their third Serie A title win and first in 18 years. Boasting players like Gabriel Batistuta, Cafu and, of course, Francesco Totti, the team played sensational football and pipped Juventus to the title by two points. The fact the club haven’t finished top since shows the size of the achievement and the quality Roma possessed on the field and in the dugout.
Eusebio Di Francesco
One of the midfielders in that famous Capello side was Di Francesco who made more than 100 league appearances for Roma and then returned to manage the club in 2017. In his first season back at the Stadio Olimpico, Di Francesco led the team to third in the table which earned the club Champions League qualification. Roma then topped their group above Chelsea and Atletico Madrid before famously overturning a 4-1 deficit to defeat Barcelona in the knockout round. Though they were beaten by Liverpool in the semi-finals, it marked a hugely successful season.
The next campaign proved more difficult, however, and after being eliminated from the Champions League at the Last 16 and the Coppa Italia, Di Francesco was relieved of his duties.
Claudio Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri is one of the most famous managers on the planet having coached more than 18 clubs over the last five decades. The tactician started his playing career with Roma 50 years ago, making six appearances as a defender during the 1973-74 campaign. Then, in 2009, having coached across a number of European nations, Ranieri took charge of Roma in his 23rd year of management. In his first season, he nearly guided the team to the title but the Rome side were pipped to top spot late on by treble-winners Inter. Ranieri resigned in 2011 after a difficult campaign which also saw him frustrate Totti by occasionally dropping the captain as he tinkered with the line-up.
The veteran manager also has strong links with England after managing Chelsea at the start of the century before famously guiding Leicester City to a fairytale Premier League title win in 2016. Ranieri stepped down as manager of Cagliari at the end of last season and is now enjoying his well-earned retirement.
Wrapping Up
Roma are one of the most storied football clubs in Italy and Europe, with a fiercely passionate fanbase who idolise their homegrown heroes. The dismissal of Daniele De Rossi has understandably upset a large section of supporters who have followed plenty of former players who have then taken the Roma hotseat.
New boss Ivan Juric does not have the luxury of being a star for the club and so followers of the club wagering on the team for success will be hoping he has what it takes to deliver silverware at the Stadio Olimpico.