De Rossi, Florenzi & El Shaarawy Make Italy's Final Euro 2016 Roster

We all know Daniele De Rossi as a Roma stalwart, the beating heart and clenched fist behind all that we love about this club, but just in case you haven't followed DDR's international career quite as closely, let me clue you in on something; De Rossi's fury is no less unbridled when he's wearing blue. 4,287 days have passed since De Rossi made his Italy during a World Cup Qualifier against Norway, and throughout that time he's been the heart, the soul, and let's face it, the balls of Italy's midfield.

While De Rossi has earned 101 additional caps in the ensuing years, given his age, injuries and the simple fact that he isn't an ideal fit into Antonio Conte's system (or more aptly, Conte doesn't register your existence if you don't play for Juve), De Rossi's selection to Euro 2016 was far from certain. Nevertheless, here we are, Daniele De Rossi has been included in Conte's final 23 man roster for Euro 2016, his sixth World Cup and/or Euro appearance for the Azzurri; a testament unto itself.

The official squad for #Euro2016 what do you guys think about Conte's picks? pic.twitter.com/jtpudLevnD

— #ASRnow (@ASRomaNow) May 31, 2016

Following today's announcement, De Rossi admitted his unease, saying " I have been in the Italy side for many years, but this time I really did fear not being part of the squad, so the joy of making the journey is even more special."  If we're being honest, De Rossi probably owes a bit of this honor to injuries sustained by some of his peers, but one thing is for certain, no one will try harder or appreciate this more than Daniele De Rossi.

DDR won't be the lone Roma representative in Italy's ranks, of course,  as both Alessandro Florenzi and Stephan El Shaarawy have made the cut, giving the Giallorossi 1/3 of Italy's ostensible midfielders. For El Shaarawy, it's proof positive that the dark days are behind him, and for Florenzi, it's the perfect reward to all the toil and sacrifice he's made for his club over the past year and half.

Italy kicks off their Euro 2016 campaign against Radja Nainggolan and Belgium on June 13th.