ROME - Daniele De Rossi returns to the Olimpico as Genoa's coach, in a match loaded with emotion for the former Giallorossi captain. The fixture is set for Saturday 17 October at 20:45, with the Ligurian side facing a Roma team sitting third in the table with 14 points.

The Genoa manager spoke at a press conference. "They will never be opponents, but I am very focused on what is our match," declared De Rossi, while acknowledging the growth of the capital club since their last meeting in December. AS Roma are coming off a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, a match that left a mark on the former midfielder.

Roma's Strength

De Rossi described the Giallorossi as "incredibly strong," noting how they showed their quality in the clash with Los Blancos. "I saw a frightening team when I watched Roma play against Real Madrid," admitted the coach, convinced the European defeat will not impact Saturday's game. Roma, accustomed to bouncing back after wins or losses, have many objectives and, according to De Rossi, perhaps the most achievable are in Serie A. The manager's team, currently third and two points behind Inter, can check the full schedule of upcoming games on our fixtures page.

Genoa's Context

Genoa face this away trip after their first league win of the season, secured against Fiorentina. "We needed this victory. To be happy in our stadium," explained De Rossi, referring to the need to end a negative run. The team, now in 17th, has seen the arrival of new sporting directors Modesto and Melissano, with whom the coach has started "super positive" work. Regarding injuries, the situation has not improved: beyond Amorim, they hope to have Meichtry back only for the match against Venezia.

De Rossi also recounted voluntarily distancing himself from social media due to criticism, even slapping his own hands when he felt the urge to check them. Walking around the city, however, he perceived only support, a feeling he said he will carry with him forever. Saturday's challenge is an important test for Genoa, who won the last head-to-head clash on 8 March by 2-1. Roma, for their part, aim to consolidate third place and react after the loss to Real, able to count on this season's top scorer Donyell Malen, who scored a brace in that match and leads the team with 6 goals. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Calcio and streamed on NOW.

This story first appeared at sport.sky.it