Daniele De Rossi has joined the staff of Roberto Mancini in the Italian national team and will start his first managerial experience since retiring in the upcoming international break. The Roma legend has found a cozy perch while he goes through the process of getting the coaching license, which has been slowed down even though he has already received some offers to be a gaffer. He put pen-to-paper on the contract with the Federation earlier today, Sky Sport reports.
De Rossi will be added to the group of assistants that includes Alberico Evani, Attilio Lombardo, Giulio Nuciari and Fausto Salsano. The 2006 World Cup winner has 117 caps with the Azzurri, the fourth most all-time, and scored 21 goals. He was also part of the squad that finished second in Euro 2012. He won a European Championship with the U-21 team and a bronze medal in the Olympics.
The ex-midfielder stated: “I am proud to start this new career with the national team and I thank the president Gabriele Gravina and coach Roberto Mancini for trusting me with this opportunity. It will be thrilling to return at the Coverciano training center, which will allow me to reunite with several former teammates and friends in the roster and in the staff. I look forward to starting. I will bring my enthusiasm even though I am aware that I am just getting started and that I have a lot to learn, but I hope I can provide a helpful contribution.”