How De Rossi came to Motta’s defence with Italy national team

Juventus coach Thiago Motta shared a touching anecdote from his time in the Italy national team with Roma boss Daniele De Rossi during his pre-match press conference ahead of the meeting of the two sides in Serie A this weekend. ‘He could have easily not said anything, but he did and I am grateful’.

Thiago Motta provided a glowing character reference for De Rossi during his pre-match press conference on Saturday.

The Bianconeri tactician was asked what he made of Roma’s start to the 2024-25 season, given that they have only picked up one point from matches against Cagliari and Empoli.

Motta told reporters not to read too much into it, as it is still early days in the season. He also pointed out that Roma enjoyed a strong finish under DDR at the back-end of the 2023-24 campaign.

He then shared a touching tribute to De Rossi, who once came to his defence in a moment of personal difficulty.

Juventus coach Thiago Motta on Roma’s De Rossi

“I know him well, because we were teammates in the national team,” Motta said. “The thing I have always liked is that he faces the situation as he thinks is right, even if it means going against others’ opinions.”

An example of that was when Motta was handed the Italy no.10 shirt during his playing days, which was met by criticism from some portions of the Azzurri fanbase.

“When I was given the no.10 shirt in the national team, he gave me his full support. He could have easily not said anything, but he did say it and I am grateful to have had a teammate who defended me in a moment of difficulty.

“It’s reasons like that why he’s at a great team today. I wish him well, not tomorrow, but for everything else.”