Is Roma under Daniele De Rossi making real tactical and structural progress? Discover how his leadership is reshaping Italian football.

Roma Under De Rossi: Real Progress or Same Old?

Few clubs in European football evoke passion like AS Roma. From the yellow-and-red-filled stands of the Stadio Olimpico to the historical identity steeped in loyalty and grit, Roma has always represented more than just football in the Italian capital. Now, in 2025, the eternal city’s beloved club stands at a pivotal crossroads under the leadership of one of its own—Daniele De Rossi.

Once a fierce midfield warrior and club icon, De Rossi’s appointment as Roma’s head coach carried both emotional weight and tactical intrigue. But after a year at the helm, fans and pundits alike are asking: Is Roma truly progressing under De Rossi, or is it more of the same narrative dressed in a nostalgic cloak?

In this in-depth analysis, we dive into De Rossi’s tactical philosophy, squad management, Serie A performance, and European prospects to determine whether Roma is moving forward—or standing still in the ever-evolving landscape of modern Habanero.

The De Rossi Appointment: More Than Sentiment?

When Roma parted ways with José Mourinho in early 2024, there was a mix of relief and concern. Mourinho had delivered a UEFA Europa Conference League title, but the team struggled with consistency, defensive rigidity, and locker room tension. Enter Daniele De Rossi: a Roman born and bred, a club legend, and a student of modern football tactics.

Initially, De Rossi’s appointment was seen as a symbolic gesture, a nod to loyalty rather than a proven coaching résumé. But what followed was more than symbolism—it was a clear intention to evolve Roma’s identity from passion-driven to process-driven.

Tactical Shifts: From Reactive to Proactive

Mourinho’s Legacy: Defensive Solidity, Offensive Limitation

Under Mourinho, Roma became a team reliant on structure and counter-attacks. While effective in short bursts—especially in European knockout matches—this setup often left creative players like Paulo Dybala or Lorenzo Pellegrini isolated. Possession was minimal, risk-taking discouraged.

De Rossi’s Approach: Fluidity and Front-Foot Football

De Rossi, however, has attempted to modernize Roma’s tactical outlook:

• Formation Change: Roma often lines up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, placing an emphasis on width and midfield control.

• High Pressing: Unlike Mourinho’s deep block, De Rossi demands front-foot pressing, particularly against lesser opposition.

• Ball Retention: Roma now averages 57% possession per match, up significantly from previous seasons.

• Verticality and Youth: He encourages vertical passing, quick transitions, and trusts young players like Edoardo Bove and Benjamin Tahirović in critical roles.

While it’s still a work in progress, the tactical evolution under De Rossi is evident. Roma looks more fluid, less fearful, and more expressive in attack.

Squad Development and Youth Promotion

One of De Rossi’s most commendable traits as a manager has been his willingness to develop younger players and integrate them into the first team—an essential component in modern football management.

Players Revitalized Under De Rossi:

• Edoardo Bove: Once on the fringes, now a midfield engine with box-to-box capabilities.

• Nicola Zalewski: Flourishing with more attacking freedom as a winger rather than a wingback.

• Tommaso Baldanzi: Signed from Empoli, he’s being groomed as Roma’s future creative hub.

Furthermore, veteran players like Chris Smalling, Bryan Cristante, and Leonardo Spinazzola have responded positively to De Rossi’s man-management style, creating a healthy balance of youth and experience.

Roma’s Serie A Standing: Consistent, But Not Convincing?

As of June 2025, Roma finds itself battling for a top-four finish—a position familiar yet frustrating. On paper, this suggests stagnation, but context tells a different story.

Improvements Under De Rossi:

• Roma averages 1.9 goals per match, compared to 1.3 last season.

• Expected goals (xG) per match is up by 0.5, indicating more sustained attacking pressure.

• Defensive line is higher, and the team concedes fewer chances from open play.

The Downside:

• Roma struggles against the top four, indicating a gap in quality or game management in high-pressure scenarios.

• Injuries to key players like Dybala and Abraham have disrupted rhythm at crucial times.

• Despite tactical clarity, inconsistency remains an issue—especially in away matches.

In short, Roma looks better on the eye and on the stats sheet, but their final league position may not fully reflect the under-the-hood progress.

European Ambitions: Identity on the Continental Stage

Roma’s identity in Europe under Mourinho was clear: compact, disciplined, and opportunistic. Under De Rossi, there’s a desire to be proactive—even against stronger European opponents.

In the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League, Roma has:

• Topped their group comfortably.

• Beaten teams with more possession and talent by applying intelligent pressing and transitional speed.

• Deployed tactical flexibility, switching between a back four and back three depending on the opponent.

The European performance is vital for assessing Roma’s progress. So far, De Rossi has shown that he can prepare the team tactically for high-stakes matches without sacrificing their new identity.

Fan Sentiment: From Doubt to Renewed Faith

Roma fans are notoriously demanding but loyal. Initially skeptical of De Rossi’s experience level, many have come to appreciate his honesty, passion, and tactical vision. He’s transparent in press conferences, tactical in approach, and emotionally in tune with the fanbase.

There’s a collective understanding now that Rome wasn’t rebuilt in a day—and neither will Roma.

The Verdict: Real Progress with Cautious Optimism

So, is Roma under De Rossi making real progress or is it the same story with a new face?

The answer lies somewhere in the middle—but leaning toward progress.

✅ Tactical evolution is real.
✅ Younger players are being developed.
✅ The team plays with greater attacking intent.
✅ European and domestic results are improving statistically.
❌ Consistency and elite match performance remain hurdles.
❌ The squad still lacks elite depth compared to Inter, Milan, and Juventus.

Daniele De Rossi has laid a strong foundation. Now it’s about growth, squad depth, and turning promising performances into silverware.

⚽ For the Love of Football—Support the Journey

Roma is transforming, and De Rossi is at the heart of this revolution. As fans of this beautiful game, it’s our job to recognize, support, and amplify stories of evolution—especially in clubs built on loyalty and heart.

Whether you’re a die-hard Romanista or a football lover from across the world, now’s the time to tune in and back this journey.

Let’s continue celebrating and supporting the beautiful game—football in its most passionate form.