Vitinha on De Rossi: Genoa Striker Praises Roma Coach

Genoa striker Vitinha has praised the impact of head coach Daniele De Rossi, describing him as a manager who instills confidence and positivity even during challenging moments. The comments, made to DAZN ahead of Genoa’s match against Napoli, underscore the transformative effect De Rossi has had on the club since his arrival.

Vitinha’s remarks come as De Rossi prepares to face his former club, Roma, on Monday at the Stadio Olimpico. The match carries particular weight given De Rossi’s legendary status at Roma, where he spent the majority of his playing career and later served as a coach. However, Vitinha emphasized De Rossi’s unwavering commitment to his current team, Genoa.

“De Rossi is a coach who brings a lot of positive energy, confidence, even when we are in difficulty,” Vitinha said, according to reports. This sentiment is echoed by other accounts of De Rossi’s early tenure at Genoa, which suggest a focus on building morale and fostering a strong team spirit.

De Rossi took charge of Genoa in December 2025, inheriting a team struggling in the Serie A standings. His appointment was met with considerable attention, not only due to his celebrated past with Roma but also because of his relatively recent managerial experience. Prior to joining Genoa, De Rossi had managed SPAL, and his return to the Italian top flight was viewed as a significant development.

The impact of De Rossi’s arrival has been described as more than just tactical. Multiple sources highlight a profound shift in the atmosphere within the Genoa squad. Vitinha’s comments align with this assessment, suggesting that De Rossi’s ability to connect with players on a personal level is a key factor in his success.

“He says everything he thinks, he comes close to you and doesn’t have a pre-planned speech, he just comes in and says what he feels in that moment,” Vitinha explained in a recent interview with Il Secolo XIX, as reported by several Italian news outlets. “And for me, as a player and as a person, What we have is very important. I know that he tells the truth, so I listen, I reflect, and I try to grow with his advice, which helps me to be better on and off the pitch.”

This emphasis on honesty and direct communication appears to be a hallmark of De Rossi’s managerial style. He is described as a coach who prioritizes authenticity and transparency, creating an environment where players feel comfortable receiving feedback and striving for improvement. This approach contrasts with more conventional coaching methods that rely on carefully crafted messaging and strategic communication.

The upcoming match against Roma presents a unique challenge for both De Rossi and his players. While acknowledging the emotional significance of facing his former club, Vitinha stressed De Rossi’s professionalism and dedication to Genoa. “He represents Genoa now and will give everything to get points, without forgetting the love that exists between him and the Roma fans,” Vitinha stated. “The coach wants to win, and this is a way of respecting Roma and our sport.”

The sentiment that De Rossi will prioritize securing a positive result for Genoa, despite his deep connection to Roma, is a recurring theme in recent reports. This suggests that De Rossi is fully committed to his new role and determined to succeed with his current team. He understands the importance of demonstrating loyalty to Genoa and proving his ability to lead the club to success.

Vitinha also indicated that De Rossi is prepared to manage the emotional complexities of the match. “He will manage the emotion, we have already seen this in recent days,” Vitinha said. This suggests that De Rossi has proactively addressed the potential for emotional distractions and has equipped his players with the mental fortitude to focus on the task at hand.

Beyond the immediate challenge of facing Roma, De Rossi’s long-term goal is to secure Genoa’s position in Serie A. The club has experienced periods of instability in recent years, and De Rossi’s appointment is seen as a crucial step towards establishing a more sustainable and competitive future. His ability to instill confidence, foster a strong team spirit, and deliver tactical guidance will be essential in achieving this objective.

Vitinha’s comments provide a valuable insight into the dynamics within the Genoa squad and the impact of De Rossi’s leadership. They highlight the importance of a coach’s ability to connect with players on a personal level and create an environment where they feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best. As Genoa prepares to face Roma, the club will be looking to De Rossi to provide the guidance and inspiration needed to overcome a formidable opponent and continue their climb up the Serie A standings.

The match at the Stadio Olimpico is expected to draw significant attention, not only due to the sporting contest but also because of the emotional narrative surrounding De Rossi’s return to his former home. The game will be a test of De Rossi’s ability to balance his personal feelings with his professional responsibilities and to lead Genoa to a positive result against a team he once called his own.