Roma instantly replace Jose Mourinho! Daniele De Rossi named new Giallorossi boss as Friedkin Group make ruthless change in the dugout amid nightmare 2023-24 season

Just hours after showing the door to Mourinho, the Giallorossi brought on board club legend De Rossi as their new head coach until June 30, 2024. The former Italy international is a massive crowd favourite after spending 18 years as a player at the Stadio Olimpico, and will take charge of his first game against Verona on Saturday evening.

After signing his contract, Rossi said: "I would like to thank the Friedkin family for entrusting me with the responsibility of Roma's head coach role. From my side, I know no other way but dedication, daily sacrifices, and giving everything I have to face the challenges that await us from now until the end of the season.

"The excitement of being able to sit on our bench is indescribable. Everyone knows what Roma means to me. However, the work that awaits us all has already taken precedence. We have no time or choice but to be competitive, fight for our goals, and try to achieve them, which are the only priorities my staff and I have set for ourselves.”

Roma's 3-1 loss to AC Milan was the final nail in the coffin for Mourinho in the Italian capital, with the Friedkin Group forced into making a ruthless change in the dugout. That was Roma's seventh loss from 20 Serie A games so far this season, and they have already exited the Coppa Italia following a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the last eight. The Giallorossi are currently down in ninth in Serie A, and De Rossi has a huge job on his hands to lift a confidence-stricken squad.

De Rossi made 616 appearances and scored 63 goals for the Giallorossi and boasts of holding the record for the club's all-time appearances. After hanging up his boots, he joined Roberto Mancini's coaching staff and led Italy to their second-ever European Championship at Euro 2020. However, his subsequent stint with SPAL in Serie B ended on a bitter note as he was shown the door mid-season with the team languishing in 18th.

Roma fans will be eager to witness an instant turnaround in their fortunes under De Rossi as they host a struggling Verona next at home. The Yellow and Blues are currently in the relegation zone having won just four of their 20 matches in the Italian top-flight, and Roma will be expected to pick up three points against them at the Olimpico.