Roberto De Zerbi extols Daniele De Rossi: “Born to coach.”

A challenge between up-and-comers, complete with cross compliments.

Roma versus Brighton also means Daniele De Rossi versus Roberto De Zerbi. And the Seagulls’ coach, on the eve of the Europa League clash against the Giallorossi that will be played Thursday evening at the Stadio Olimpico, used words of high praise for the young colleague who took José Mourinho’s place on the Capitolini’s bench.

"De Rossi è was born to be a coach,” De Zerbi remarked in a press conference.

Already two years ago, during the World Cup break, I said he could become one of the great coaches of the future. He has all the components, including personality and charisma that he exercises with his players. And I am really happy for him, he is setting the tone for the game and changing a strong team. With his work, moreover, results are also coming, an aspect that is not taken for granted".

De Zerbi è then compared himself with his colleague: "I feel neither a genius, noré a better coach than others. Of course, I am not afraid of work or the courage to make decisions that others would not make. But I don’t think I’m smarter than others. De Rossi then è a friend, I respect him deeply and I think as people we are similar. Experience maybe we lack, but we came here to play for it".