Roma's De Rossi not intimidated by Inter Milan clash
Roma manager Daniele De Rossi said his players will not be daunted by the visit of Serie A leader Inter Milan on Sunday (AEDT) and insisted “no team is unbeatable”.
Inter Milan secured a 1-0 win against second-placed Juventus last weekend to open up a four-point lead at the top of the table.
Roma, which last month parted company with Jose Mourinho, sits in fifth position, 19 points behind the leader.
But De Rossi’s side will face Inter at Stadio Olimpico fresh from an impressive 4-0 mauling of Cagliari, its third consecutive win since he took the managerial reins.
Roma has lost five of its previous six league games against Inter, its most recent victory a home Serie A victory in 2016, while Simone Inzaghi’s side has suffered just one defeat so far this season.
However, speaking ahead of the big match, De Rossi said: “No team is unbeatable and that goes for Inter too.
“We all agree that they’re the best team in Serie A. We know that this is a step up compared to the three matches we’ve won since my arrival.
“The bar will be raised. Planning needs to be more meticulous, our preparations for this game are different since we’re up against a team who are used to enjoying a lot of possession and dominating games.
“We should also be aware that there are times when they could be under the cosh. There are means of ruffling their feathers, as is the case in any fixture.
“But while we’re aware that we’re up against a formidable side, we also know that we ourselves are a top team capable of putting in a great performance.”
Mourinho departed Roma after a poor run of results under the Portuguese boss, with De Rossi, who made 616 appearances and scored 63 goals for the Giallorossi, placed in charge.
The former Italy international’s only previous managerial experience was an underwhelming four-month spell in charge of Serie B side SPAL.
“I believe I can do this job, I want to do this job and I’m very passionate,” he added.
“Perhaps a little fortunately I’ve found myself in the job I’d dream of doing all my life, so I’m trying to give it my absolute all without worrying about labels, or what did and didn’t happen before.
“I’m thinking one day at a time and just focusing on enjoying the ride. I don’t know how long it will last but I’m loving it.”
