Sabatini lauds versatile De Rossi

Roma director Walter Sabatini praised Daniele De Rossi after the makeshift defender scored in Monday’s 1-1 draw with Juventus in Serie A.

With the Romans missing a host of defenders because of injuries and suspension, coach Luis Enrique was forced to play midfield ace De Rossi alongside Gabriel Heinze at the back.

De Rossi excelled in his defensive role and even managed to open the scoring in the Italian capital, before Roma were pegged back by Giorgio Chiellini’s second-half header for Juventus.

“It was almost embarrassing how easy it was for De Rossi to read and understand the defensive situations,” Sabatini told Roma Channel.

“De Rossi has given us a big hand tonight.”

De Rossi was happy with the way in which he slotted into the back four but was reluctant to accept the plaudits for what was a wonderful performance.

“I was greatly helped by the entire team. Heinze, in particular, was very close to me,” the Italy international said.

“(But) the important thing was to see a team playing together. There were eleven players who were crucial.”

The point takes Roma up to ninth in the standings ahead of their pre-winter break trips to Napoli and Bologna.