Roma have announced that Daniele De Rossi will continue as the club's head coach for the "foreseeable future".
The former Giallorossi midfielder has overseen a stellar transformation since taking the reins on an interim basis from Jose Mourinho in January, winning 11 and losing just two of his 16 games in charge of the club so far.
Despite possessing limited managerial experience - having lost his job as SPAL head coach after just 17 games in the 2022-23 campaign - De Rossi could now lead Roma to continental silverware in the closing stages of the season.
The 40-year-old's side boast a 1-0 aggregate lead over AC Milan in the quarter-finals of the Europa League thanks to last week's triumph at San Siro and simply need to avoid defeat at Stadio Olimpico in Thursday's return fixture to set up a semi-final with West Ham United or Bayer Leverkusen.
Roma have quickly adapted to De Rossi's preferred 4-3-3 shape, overcoming Feyenoord and Brighton & Hove Albion in the earlier Europa League knockout rounds and stringing together a seven-game unbeaten run in Serie A.
De Rossi's only domestic defeat in charge of the club so far came against champions-elect Inter Milan in February, since when his side have accrued 17 points from 21 on offer to sit fifth in the standings, four points behind Bologna in the final Champions League spot with a game in hand.
Roma owners "couldn't be happier" to build "long-term project" with De Rossi
💬 "After meeting yesterday afternoon with Daniele De Rossi, we are delighted to announce he will continue as Head Coach of AS Roma after this season and for the foreseeable future."
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) April 18, 2024
Read Dan and Ryan Friedkin's statement.
📄👉 https://t.co/axzIKVVmY6#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/ivYVcHJhgB
The former Italy midfielder's contract only ran until the end of the season, but after discussions with Roma owners Dan Friedkin and Ryan Friedkin, De Rossi will continue as the club's permanent manager.
"After meeting yesterday afternoon with Daniele De Rossi, we are delighted to announce he will continue as Head Coach of AS Roma after this season and for the foreseeable future," the Friedkins said in a statement.
"In his short tenure as Head Coach, the positive impact that his leadership has brought to the entire club has told its own story. Daniele leads with respect and courage, while his strength and deep-rooted belief in the club are truly aligned with Roma's values, city and unparalled fans.
"We will continue to work together as hard as we possibly can to deliver a future that AS Roma's fans deserve. We couldn't be happier to build a long-term project with Daniele. Further details to follow in the coming days. Forza Roma!"
Averaging 2.25 points per match from his first few months in charge, De Rossi has also masterminded four successive clean sheets in Roma's last four games, where the Giallorossi have shut out Milan, Sassuolo, Lazio and Lecce.
The Italian previously represented Roma as a player for the majority of his senior career, making 616 appearances for the club - second only to Franceso Totti (786) - while he was also part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad.
Ben Knapton
