Roma legend Daniele de Rossi in line to replace sacked Jose Mourinho

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Published: 10:48, 16 Jan 2024Updated: 10:48, 16 Jan 2024

Roma have opened talks with former midfielder Daniele de Rossi to succeed Jose Mourinho as the club’s new manager.

Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday morning after two-and-a-half years in charge at the Stadio Olimpico where he led the club to their first trophy in 14 years, winning the Europa Conference League in 2022.

Daniele De Rossi made over 600 appearances for Roma spanning 18 years

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Daniele De Rossi made over 600 appearances for Roma spanning 18 yearsCredit: Getty

But with the Serie A club languishing in ninth place following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at AC Milan, which followed last week’s Coppa Italia exit to neighbours Lazio, club chiefs decided it was the right time to wield the axe.

A statement read: “AS Roma can confirm that José Mourinho and his coaching staff will leave the club with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement. “Further updates on the new first-team coaching staff will follow imminently.”

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Roma have quickly turned their attention to club legend and former captain De Rossi who clocked up over 600 appearances for the Giallorossi over an 18-year-period.

But the 40-year-old holds little experience in management compared to Mourinho with just a four-month stint in charge of Serie B side SPAL under his belt.

Read more on Jose Mourinho

De Rossi also has worked as a coach in the Italian national team set-up under then boss Roberto Mancini.

Despite being unable to steer Roma to Champions League qualification during his tenure, Mourinho was a glorified figure among the club’s fan base.

Regular sold-out crowds at the 70,000-seat Stadio Olimpico showed their unwavering support to the Portuguese, who led Roma to last season’s Europa League Final - losing on penalties to serial winners Sevilla.

Mourinho was widely tipped to leave Roma at the end of the season but has now been relieved of his duties

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Mourinho was widely tipped to leave Roma at the end of the season but has now been relieved of his dutiesCredit: getty

The 61-year-old led Roma to sixth-placed league finishes during his spell in charge and leaves with the club five-points adrift of Fiorentina in fourth position.

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