Roma manager Daniele De Rossi expressed his disappointment following his team’s surprising 2-1 home defeat to Empoli. The loss marred Paulo Dybala’s return to the Olimpico after rejecting a move to Al Qadsiah. Despite a late goal from Shomurodov, Roma were unable to salvage a point.
In his post-match interview with Sky Sport, De Rossi highlighted the team’s lack of energy and intensity, particularly in the first half. “I believe we lacked energy and intensity, especially in the first half,” De Rossi stated. “We were always playing backwards, rarely forward. We faced a team that knows how to defend well. We had a good second half, but it wasn’t enough.”
The Roma coach also addressed the need to better utilize striker Artem Dovbyk. “Artem needs to be served better, with through balls and in space. With high balls too. Even in build-up play when he’s with his back to goal,” De Rossi explained.
Reflecting on the team’s second-half performance, De Rossi noted, “In the second half, we were ‘half desperate.’ If we’re caught on counterattacks, it’s because we’re not careful with our preventive marking. But this isn’t just about the midfielders or attackers.”
