De Rossi Jokes About Zaniolo: “We Had to Keep Him in Check”

Following their elimination from the Coppa Italia against Atalanta, Genoa is set to face Udinese. The team, managed by Daniele De Rossi, aims to extend their positive streak in Serie A, with two wins and two draws in their last four league matches.

De Rossi on Zaniolo’s Progress

During a press conference, De Rossi reflected on facing Nicolò Zaniolo, his former teammate at Roma. He praised Zaniolo’s choice to join Udinese, describing it as “an island of happiness where football is the only focus.”

Zaniolo’s Impressive Start

Zaniolo has scored five goals in his first thirteen matches across Serie A and the Coppa Italia. De Rossi expressed his delight in seeing Zaniolo at peak performance, noting, “He is physically imposing, comparable to others in the league, with incredible potential. He is a humble and excellent player.”

Training Memories and Future Aspirations

De Rossi humorously recalled their training sessions in Rome, stating, “Sometimes we had to challenge him in practice because he was too strong. Careers can take various turns, and he has faced challenges with injuries but is now gaining momentum.” He remains optimistic about Zaniolo’s future, urging him to perform as expected from the outset of his career.

Upcoming Match Outlook

As for the upcoming clash against Udinese, De Rossi emphasized the importance of the match. He said, “If we could replicate our performance against Cagliari, we would be satisfied with our outing in Udine.” He acknowledged Udinese’s strong physical presence and historical stability in Serie A.

• Current league performance: 2 wins, 2 draws in the last 4 matches.
• Zaniolo’s contributions: 5 goals in 13 games.
• De Rossi’s training anecdotes highlighting Zaniolo’s strength.
• Strategic focus for the upcoming match against Udinese.

Final Thoughts from De Rossi

De Rossi concluded with a clear message: “Every match is crucial for us, especially in this slow start to the season. Our focus is solely on winning, one match at a time.” Genoa aims to escape the relegation zone through determination and consistent performance.