Roma manager Daniele De Rossi has waxed lyrical about his captain, Lorenzo Pellegrini, after the midfielder’s match-winning performance against Sassuolo. The in-form playmaker maintained his superb form in the post-Jose Mourinho era with a sublime mid-range finish to hand Giallorossi a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Davide Ballardini’s side.
With Paulo Dybala outside the squad after picking up another injury, Roma needed a hero to break Sassuolo’s stubborn backline. Pellegrini answered the call at the start of the second half, running past several challenges before picking out a far bottom corner with a sensational curler.
Today’s winner was the 27-year-old’s fifth goal in nine Serie A appearances under De Rossi. The Italian manager has reignited Pellegrini’s career at the Stadio Olimpico as he seemed on the verge of leaving the capital down the final stretch of Mourinho’s tenure.
He’s now the fan favorite and Roma’s arguably most consistent player, compelling De Rossi to applaud him in the post-match interview.
“I can’t complain about these two months. Practically, he has scored in all games,” De Rossi said, as quoted by VoceGiallorossa. “Pellegrini is the Roma captain, and it’s not a comfortable role.
“When things don’t go well, Rome brings complaints and annoying things, and the captain is the first one to be targeted. I have experienced this personally.
“People love me now, but there were difficult moments when I was in the spotlight. Pellegrini wears this armband with a serenity that has surprised me,” the Roma boss continued.
“He was young when I left, now he’s a captain, and it’s not easy. He is positive and professional, a box-to-box midfielder that not many have. I am happy he will play with the national team because this is his level.“
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