Daniele De Rossi praised the recent debuts of newcomers Artem Dovbyk and Matias Soulé after they featured in Roma’s friendly match. Both players showcased their commitment to the team, having chosen Roma over other financially attractive and prestigious clubs. The Giallorossi faced Olympiacos in Rieti, where a Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty initially put them ahead, only for the Greek side to equalize shortly after with a penalty of their own, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Preparing for the Season
De Rossi emphasized the importance of this match in boosting both fitness levels and team attitude, noting the value of playing in front of a crowd. He highlighted the significance of experiencing a lively atmosphere ahead of the upcoming Cagliari game. “We pretended this friendly counted for something and the lads interpreted it well,” he remarked on the club’s official website.
Summer signing Soulé was included in the starting lineup, while Dovbyk made his entrance at halftime, joining forces with Paulo Dybala to form an impressive attacking trio that fans can expect to see more of this season.
Passion and Commitment
The coach expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of new players integrating into the squad. He called on fans to maintain their support for the team, regardless of player changes, emphasizing the dedication of the players who chose Roma. Dovbyk, formerly of Girona FC, credited direct conversations with owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin for his decision to join Roma, seeing it as the right move for his career.
De Rossi acknowledged the collaborative effort in securing transfers, with directors and CEOs handling the financial aspects while he personally spoke with prospective players. He highlighted the pivotal role of Dan Friedkin in Dovbyk’s transfer, expressing collective happiness and gratitude. “The great thing is that all the players who arrived really wanted Roma, even giving up on extra money and more prestigious clubs on paper,” he noted.
Upcoming Matches in England
Roma is set to embark on a tour in England, where they will continue their pre-season preparations with several friendly matches. They will face Coventry on August 6 and Everton on August 10, providing further opportunities to integrate new signings and fine-tune the squad ahead of the new season.
