Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi used his pre-match press convention forward of the sport in opposition to Cagliari to replicate on each his group’s preparations and Italy’s tough path towards the 2026 World Cup.
Requested concerning the Azzurri’s upcoming playoff, the previous midfielder drew on private reminiscences from his time with the nationwide group.
Official: Daniele De Rossi is appointed the brand new head coach of Genoa CFC (image through www.genoacfc.it)
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“It occurred to us too,” he recalled, .
“I performed in Moldova: we struggled there as effectively. The hole between Europe’s huge nations and the remaining has narrowed. We had been in the identical boat. Years in the past you’d recognise the No.10 of the nationwide group as Totti, Del Piero, Baggio. Now you play Norway and also you’re up in opposition to the strongest striker on the planet, or two of the strongest wingers on the planet.”
De Rossi has religion in Gattuso & Buffon for Italy
De Rossi underlined his religion within the present technical management of Italy. “Rino, Gigi, Bonucci: they shed blood for that shirt, symbolically. Beginning with folks like them makes me really feel calm. Typically you end up in a gaggle the place . We’ve to simply accept that there are nationwide groups at present who’re stronger than Italy, groups that weren’t 20 years in the past.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, points directions in the course of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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Turning again to Genoa, De Rossi spoke positively concerning the worldwide break. “We’re proud our gamers journey around the globe. I labored with those that stayed, specializing in our rules and on issues that wanted extra time. Bodily we’re happy: we seemed round and understood the place we’re.”
These getting back from nationwide responsibility carry blended feelings, he added. “Some come again pleased after qualifying, others much less so. However they performed, confirmed themselves, put minutes of their legs. The worldwide break annoys individuals who love membership soccer, however it’s additionally an opportunity for gamers to vary air a bit.”