De Rossi to lead Andreazzoli's new Roma

Andreazzoli: De Rossi will be a leader of Roma

Feb 10, 2013 1:40:00 AM

Frozen out after a reported falling out with ex-trainer Zdenek Zeman, the Italy midfielder will get the opportunity to demonstrate his class under the new Giallorossi boss

Roma coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has vowed to have Daniele De Rossi reinstated into the Giallorossi first-team after the Italy international fell out of favour with former boss Zdenek Zeman.

Andreazzoli tookover from Zeman after he was sacked following a 4-2 defeat to Cagliari, and the new coach has said he will place his faith in the more experienced players in his squad to get his side back on track in Serie A.

"De Rossi will be a leader and, if he deserves it, he will play every single game from here to the end of the season. Otherwise, he will be treated the same as everyone else," he told reporters.

"De Rossi and Francesco Totti are icons of the locker room. If you raise them up, those below will climb up to be with them. If you knock them down, the others are compressed. "

It wasn't only Totti and De Rossi who Andreazzoli mentioned as having pivotal roles to play, as he will also look to his Netherlands international goalkeeper, who also struggled to cement his place in the side under ex-coach Zeman.

"[Maarten] Stekelenburg will return to the goal if he plays well, otherwise it will be someone else’s chance."

Andreazzoli also recognised that he needs to produce results, and quickly.

He said: "I won’t ask for time and patience, because I know there isn’t any left. We have faith, though. The team must first of all be regenerated, rediscover its confidence and enthusiasm that evaporated over time.

"I’d love to be the Roma Coach for three years and win the Scudetto, but I am a club man and if I’m asked to step aside, I will do so."

Andreazzoli's first test is against Sampdoria on Sunday.