Official: De Rossi appointed head coach of Genoa

Genoa have officially announced the appointment of Roma legend Daniele De Rossi as the club’s new head coach, in time for Sunday’s crucial relegation scrap against Fiorentina in Serie A. 

Reports indicate that De Rossi has put pen to paper on an initial short-term contract until the end of the 2025-26 season with an option to extend in the event that Genoa avoid relegation to Serie B. 

Genoa will be the third side that De Rossi has coached after his retirement as a player, following spells with SPAL in Serie B and with Roma in Serie A in 2024. 

The 42-year-old will sit down in front of the media for his introductory and pre-match press conference on Friday, the club have confirmed. 

De Rossi’s next task will be to lead Genoa into their now crucial Serie A match against Fiorentina on Sunday. The Grifone are in 18th place in Serie A with six points from their first 10 matches of the season, made up of one win, three draws and six defeats. They had not won any of their nine league matches under previous head coach Patrick Vieira prior to his dismissal earlier this week. 

Fiorentina, who themselves are expected to appoint a new head coach before their match against Genoa on Sunday, sit in 20th place, two points behind the Rossoblbu after 10 matches. 

“Genoa announces that it has entrusted the first-team management to Daniele De Rossi,” a statement on the club website read. 

“The new coach ahs already met with the players, and will direct training scheduled for this afternoon at the Signorini Sports Centre. 

“His presentation to the media, along with Diego Lopez, the club’s chief of football, is scheduled for Friday, starting at 2pm. This will be combined with the pre-match press conference.

“While extending a warm welcome to Daniele De Rossi and his staff, Genoa would also like to thank Roberto Murgita and Domenico Criscito for their work.”