Roma have confirmed the surprise sacking of head coach Daniele De Rossi after just four games of the 2024-25 season and are believed to be close to hiring his successor.
The long-serving Giallorossi midfielder took over from Jose Mourinho in January and led Roma to the Europa League semi-finals in his first half-season, as well as a sixth-placed finish in Serie A.
However, following a wealth of high-profile exits in the summer - including Romelu Lukaku, Tammy Abraham, Chris Smalling, Leonardo Spinazzola and Rui Patricio - Roma have experienced an underwhelming start to 2024-25.
The Giallorossi have failed to win any of their opening four Serie A matches, drawing with Cagliari, Juventus and Genoa in addition to suffering a shock home loss to Empoli before the international break, leaving them 16th in the table.
Despite their poor start to the campaign, Roma were expected to keep faith with the 41-year-old a little while longer, but the Italian giants confirmed on Wednesday morning that he had been given the boot.
"AS Roma announces that Daniele De Rossi has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team. The club's decision is made in the best interests of the team, to get back on the desired path as soon as possible at a time when the season is still in its early stages," the club said in a statement.
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"A heartfelt thank you to Daniele, who will always be at home at the Giallorossi club, for the work he has done in recent months with passion and dedication. Communication regarding the team's technical guidance will follow."
Who will replace De Rossi as Roma head coach?
De Rossi becomes the first managerial casualty of the Serie A season after some alleged tensions between him and senior members of the boardroom, and he leaves having only taken charge of 30 matches for the Giallorossi.
A couple of high-profile names were reportedly considered to succeed De Rossi, including ex-Juventus boss Max Allegri and former AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli, but the latter is now believed to be close to taking charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Instead, Fabrizio Romano reports that Roma are close to hiring former Torino, Hellas Verona and Genoa manager Ivan Juric, who has been out of work since leaving the former club at the end of the 2023-24 season.
The powers-that-be at Roma supposedly identified the 49-year-old as a prime candidate due to his similarities with Atalanta BC boss Gian Piero Gasperini, as they believe he is the best man to develop young talents into first-team stars.
Juric and Roma are already said to be discussing the final details of his contract, which is expected to be a one-year agreement at first, although it could be extended if the Giallorossi qualify for the Champions League under his leadership.
Roma are back in action against Udinese on Sunday before hosting Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League opener next Thursday.
Ben Knapton
