AS Roma have drawn three times at the start of Serie A – with Cagliari, Juventus and Genoa. In addition, they unexpectedly lost to Empoli, which puts them just above the relegation zone. On Sunday, they will have a chance to bounce back in a match with Udinese, which is sensationally at the top of Serie A. Ivan Jurić will make his debut on the coaching bench then.
Roma's CEO resigns from her position
Not only is the club from Rome not having any results, but the atmosphere in the offices is not the best either. In recent days, there has been a lot of heat due to the failed sale of Nicola Zalewski to Galatasaray Istanbul. The Pole rejected the offer from the Turks, even though the club accepted the transfer conditions. As a punishment, our representative was removed from the team.
Before the weekend, Daniele De Rossi, who had previously been highly praised for his work, was suddenly dismissed from his position as coach. The Italian media cited Roma's board president Lina Souloukou as the person who made the decision to dismiss him. According to the daily “La Repubblica”, the Greek woman did not get along with the club legend. The coach himself did not want to agree to Zalewski being removed from the team, and he also allegedly refused to put Paulo Dybala on the bench. After playing 15 matches, the Argentine's contract would automatically be extended and his salary would increase, and Roma's management would like to save this money.
Fans were reportedly outraged by De Rossi's dismissal. There is to be a protest at the match with Udinese – the most ardent fans' sector is to remain empty for the first half hour of the match.
Italian media also reported on friction and conflicts at the highest levels, and Saturday's statement from Roma only confirms that the club is in disarray. Lina Souloukou, who held the position for a year, has resigned from her position as board president. The Greek left the club with immediate effect. She was a trusted person of the owners, the Friedkin family. The Italians do not rule out that she left because of the very negative reaction of the fans to De Rossi's dismissal.
“We thank Lina for her dedicated service during this difficult period for the club and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. The owners remain fully committed to the development and success of AS Roma, while continuing to focus on the values that make the club so special,” the statement added.
AS Roma – Udinese match at 18:00. It is not known what will happen to Nicola Zalewski. Gianluca Di Marzio reported that he has at least returned to training with the first team.