Sun Sep 15 10:14:14 UTC 2024: ## De Rossi Explains Roma’s Genoa Lineup, Responds to Totti’s Comments
**Rome, Italy:** Roma coach Daniele De Rossi has defended his decision to leave new signing Mario Hermoso on the bench for their Serie A clash against Genoa. Despite reports suggesting Hermoso would start, De Rossi opted for Angelino in the back three, with Alexis Saelemaekers and Stephan El Shaarawy as wing-backs.
“Honestly, Hermoso is ready to play, but with a new stadium, new league, I wanted to give him time. We played many times with this defence and I am more confident having him start on home turf, but he will be coming off the bench today,” De Rossi told DAZN.
De Rossi also commented on his tactical choice to field a 3-5-2 formation, explaining it was designed to counter Genoa’s similar tactical approach. “The statistics show that Genoa let you play in their half, but you mustn’t lose the ball, because they will be very direct and attacking. I like to play with three at the back and very attacking wing-backs, but you can alternate and have wing-backs who are practically full-backs against teams with different characteristics. We can alternate,” he said.
De Rossi further addressed El Shaarawy’s recent resurgence, stating, “El Shaarawy started the season with a few difficulties, but has shown great improvement recently and so it was right to give him that chance.”
The Roma coach also commented on the controversial statements made by club legend Francesco Totti this week. Totti had claimed his status in Rome could be seen as ‘cumbersome’ for the club, and that De Rossi acted as a ‘lightning rod’ for any criticism.
“Francesco’s words always hit the headlines, especially in Rome, because when he talks, everyone turns to listen,” De Rossi acknowledged. “We have to focus on the game. I would only note he said he’d give an arm for me and I feel the same about him.”
Roma’s match against Genoa kicks off at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT) at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
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