DDR kicks off his Roma reign with a win as Lukaku ends his drought
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 20.01.24. | 22:03
Daniele De Rossi's debut in the Giallorossi dugout was embellished with the fans' farewell messages to his predecessor Jose Mourinho
Life goes on, even without The Special One. Roma have celebrated a 2-1 home win against Hellas Verona on Saturday night at the Stadio Olimpico on Daniele De Rossi's debut as the new coach.
The iconic ex-Roma midfielder replaced Jose Mourinho, who was sacked after a series of pale performances and even worse results. However, the Giallorossi fans still have a soft spot for Mou, as they raised several banners praising their previous tactician, chanting his name and thanking him for everything he did while at the helm of their club.
A message of appreciation from the Roma fans to José Mourinho.
— IM🇵🇹 (@Iconic_Mourinho) January 20, 2024
"It was a privilege to have you on our side. Thank you, José!" pic.twitter.com/y7GOLNPBYJ
More banners in support of José Mourinho around the Olimpico.
— IM🇵🇹 (@Iconic_Mourinho) January 20, 2024
"Mou, one of us."
"You defended us against everything and everyone. Roma doesn't forget. Thank you Mr. Jose."
Other banners also said:
"The only one to defend us, the last one to surrender. Thank you Jose."
"Few… pic.twitter.com/70ybe1OayZ
'Firefighter' De Rossi was constantly on the edge of entering the pitch, showcasing his well-known passion we used to seeing him for years while was still a Roma player. He probably transmitted some of that thirst to his squad, which took an early lead through Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian international ended his three-game-long goal-scoring drought to put the hosts in front. El Shaarawy did almost the entire 'dirty work', dribbling past several Verona's defenders before putting the ball on the plate for Lukaku.
🇮🇹 Goal: Romelu Lukaku | Roma 1-0 Hellas Verona | 🅰️ Stephan El Shaarawypic.twitter.com/IhHupwGfGp
— FootColic ⚽️ (@FootColic) January 20, 2024
The former shone again, with another assist, just six minutes later, this time for Pellegrini to double the lead inside the first 25 minutes.
At that point, it seemed like Roma would enjoy a carefree victory, but the visitors proved to be a tough nought to crack as the second half brought on a lot of tension and suspence. Djuric failed to convert it from the spot in the 66th minute, firing it high above the crossbar. Still, Verona managed to peg one back shortly after as Roma's keeper Rui Patricio conceded from Folorunsho's long-range effort.
The underdogs kept pushing for a total comeback but fell short as the Giallorossi's defence kept their calm in the final stages to provide their boss with a successful start to a new job.
SERIE A
Saturday
Roma - Verona 2-1 (2-0)
/Lukaku 19, Pellegrini 25 - Folorunsho 76/
22.45: (4.50) Udinese (3.60) Milan (1.90)
Sunday
14.30: (2.45) Frosinone (3.45) Cagliari (3.05)
17.00: (2.85) Empoli (3.20) Monza (2.55)
20.00: (3.70) Salernitana (3.20) Genoa (2.25)
22.45: (5.70) Lecce (3.50) Juventus (1.68)
***odds are subject to change
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