First-half goals from Matias Soule, Manu Kone and Evan Ferguson sent Roma on their way to a 3-1 victory over Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night, on what was De Rossi’s first game back since being dismissed as Giallorossi head coach last September, Jeff Ekhator pulled one back for the visitors in the 87th minute.
You can see how the action unfolded on the Read Liveblog.
De Rossi: ‘I’m sorry I had a stern face on’
De Rossi was given an emotional welcome to the Stadio Olimipico before kick-off. Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini and Kone went out of their way to give their former gaffer big hugs on the touchline just before the game got underway.
But it was the full-time scenes that were particularly emotional. De Rossi was allowed to take a lap of honour, applauding all four stands as a poignant edition of Grazie Roma played out in the background.
He then made his way over to the Curva Sud, who waved flags bearing his name and old shirt number while De Rossi shook hands with a number of supporters in the stands.
Speaking to DAZN after his emotional send-off, De Rossi apologised for the ‘stern face’ he had on after his side’s 3-1 defeat.
“I’m angry on the inside, it’s frustrating because I didn’t like the performance we put in. That feeling still remains despite the final goodbye, the support from my fans, from my former fans, from my former players,” De Rossi explained.
“They would have done the same with a draw, a victory or a defeat, but it would have been a bit nicer to go and say goodbye to them after a different performance.
“I’m sorry I had a stern face on during that farewell, but they know me. They know that I don’t have any other way of experiencing football.”
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