An exciting story is unfolding at the Stadio Olimpico as Daniele De Rossi prepares to welcome back Paulo Dybala tomorrow. The former Roma captain will lead the applause for Dybala, who turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia to return to the team. This decision has electrified the atmosphere around Trigoria, and the 67,000 fans present are eager to witness Dybala’s comeback as a celebrated hero.
De Rossi acknowledged the impact of Dybala’s choice, emphasizing that it wasn’t an ordinary decision but one rooted in love for the fans. “We’ve seen the reaction his choice has triggered. He rejected significant sums to stay here,” said De Rossi. He further insisted that he wouldn’t let contractual aspects interfere with his decision-making as a coach, stating simply, “If I think he should play, he will play.”
Dybala’s return marks a revival of the tactical project that De Rossi initiated at the start of the summer, introducing a 4-3-2-1 formation that will feature Dybala and Soulé positioned right behind striker Dovbyk. De Rossi explained, “It’s hard to ask Paulo to play with his feet on the line, and Soulé will need to adapt as well. But they can play together, just like all talented players do.”
While Dybala enhances the squad, De Rossi is also looking for a wide player to stretch the pitch, reflecting on the team’s performance after their match against Olympiakos in Rieti. He mentioned the upcoming transfer window, which closes on August 30, and criticized the ongoing transfer market during the league matches. “Managing the market this way ruins and confuses the early matchdays. It wouldn’t be difficult to end it two weeks earlier,” he noted, suggesting that most coaches and club presidents would agree.
De Rossi did make a special mention of Rick Karsdorp, whom he has excluded from the squad. He clarified, “This was my choice, and it will not change. Rick is a friend, but for various reasons, he cannot continue with us. I hope he finds another team because he deserves it.”
In tomorrow’s match against Empoli, De Rossi is counting on his national team players, specifically Cristante and Pellegrini, to lead the team on the field. “I will choose the midfielder based on Paredes’ use. Clearly, Cristante gives us a different physical presence.” As a result, it looks very likely that Bryan Cristante will be favored over Lée for the starting position on the right side.