Roma coach Daniele De Rossi following defeat to Empoli: “There was a lack of energy and intensity” | OneFootball

Following the Giallorossi’s disappointing 2-1 defeat in their home opener against Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi provided his perspective of the match in a post-match interview.

Despite a great deal of excitement and high expectations heading into their first match on Roman soil in front of their home supporters, the capital side failed to impress after coming off of a score-less draw against Cagliari in the previous fixture.

Roma were caught on numerous occasions on the break as the midfield was frequently destabilized and filled with many gaps, paving the way for Empoli winger Emmanuel Gyasi to finish a sublime counter-attack shortly before the end of the first half to stun the Giallorossi.

Although Roma had a promising start to the second half as they seemed lively and fluid, a clumsy challenge from Argentine Leandro Paredes in the box caused the referee to call a penalty for the Azzurri. 22 year-old forward Lorenzo Columbo converted from the spot with ease to double his side’s lead.

Although Eldor Shomurodov ignited a flame of hope after cutting Empoli’s lead in half by finding the back of the net three minutes after coming onto the pitch promising winger Matias Soule, De Rossi’s side were forced to settle for defeat within their home-stomping ground, causing them to be win-less after the first two matches of the 2024/25 campaign.

Whilst speaking into the microphones of Sky Sport, via ForzaRoma.info, De Rossi touched upon his men’s uninspiring performance this evening in front of the Giallorossi supporters:

How did you prepare for the match and what went wrong?

“I want to see it again but there was a lack of energy and intensity in the first half. The ball was slow and we always went backwards. When we went forward we took risks. When playing against teams who know how to close well, if you dribble slowly and don’t take precautions, you start taking counterattacks and begin losing confidence on the pitch. We came out stronger in the second half, we had a good second half even if our luck didn’t turn around.”

What do you need to find speed and regain the identity of last year?

“You have to go fast, in football you have to go fast now and I have to be good at choosing those who go fast.”

In the second half you suffered many counterattacks. When you have too many attacking midfielders there is danger. I have seen this situation many times

“The fact that you get the ball too much on your feet is the reason why you take counterattacks and don’t pay attention to preventatives. We have to work but it’s not just a matter of midfielders and attackers. The defenders hold the field very well on their own.”

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN