Genoa vs AS Roma preview - Zeman keen to see De Rossi response

Posted Sunday, October 21, 2012 by PA

Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has called on Daniele De Rossi to play for him like he played for his country over the last 10 days as he opened the door for a recall.

Zeman caused controversy a fortnight ago when he left De Rossi out of his side along with Pablo Osvaldo.

De Rossi took the decision in silence, but gave the response on the field with two goals for Italy in World Cup qualifiers.

Zeman, who insists he does not have a problem with his side's vice-captain, now expects the same for the Giallorossi, who face Genoa on Sunday night.

"I am pleased that they reacted," he said. "His performance was so good because he got into the area and scored two goals, which is what he should also be doing with us, never mind if we play different tactics."

Zeman does not regret criticising De Rossi's performances, nor does he feel that he has pushed the player away from his club.

"I would repeat everything I said about De Rossi and Osvaldo," he said at a press conference.

"I don't fear that he will leave. He has a long contract here and is a player who wants to stay and I don't have any problems.

"Maybe I just expect a bit more from important players."

Zeman certainly expects more from his side after recent defeats.

"We need to show that we know how to play football," he said. "Genoa are a good team and I am particularly worried about (Ciro) Immobile, (Marco) Borriello and their physical midfield."

Immobile matured under Zeman at Pescara in Serie B last season, scoring 28 goals in 37 games, but his current coach Luigi De Canio says there is still room for improvement in his game.

"If he scored with every chance he gets in each game, then he would be phenomenal," he said.

"But let's not forget he is only 22."