Official: Eusebio Di Francesco Named Roma Coach

While it didn’t drag on like normal Roma business, the appointment of Eusebio Di Francesco as the Giallorossi’s next coach took a bit longer than expected. EDF was, for all intents and purposes, tabbed as Luciano Spalletti’s successor several weeks, if not months, ago. However, due to Sassuolo’s pursuit of his replacement and the small matter of his buyout clause, this presumptive appointment took a few weeks longer than in may have otherwise, but here we are, Roma got their man.

Di Francesco arrived in Roma today to finalize his new two-year deal with the club, marking not only a return to home (of sorts) but a step in his career trajectory. EDF was all smiles as he was introduced to the media.

I am extremely happy to be able to return to Roma, to coach a club that has always meant a lot to me...I am grateful to President Pallotta and all the directors for this opportunity.

I will give everything I have to make sure this team gets the results it deserves.

Di Francesco spent parts of five seasons as a midfielder for Roma, including their last Scudetto winning season in 2001. On his return to Roma, EDF pointed out several notable differences:

It was like coming home after many years, It’s an amazing feeling.

I’ve seen lots of people again that were here before and met lots of new people who have made me feel very welcome.

Apart from the building itself, almost everything is new. There’s been a lot of innovation and you can see the desire to grow. Clearly, the club is working to get to the top of European football.

On his preferred tactics, EDF spoke briefly about his favored 4-3-3

In terms of the formation I’ve almost always used a 4-3-3. I prefer a four-man defence and have only gone with a back three out of necessity. In order to be able to get better, all coaches have to be able to get their philosophy and coaching style across. For me, a back four will be the basis of this Roma team.

We’ll have much more about how this Roma will play under Di Francesco tomorrow, but suffice it to say, that is the question pursed on everyone’s lips—how will he shape and shift a team that was built and/or molded to Spalletti’s tactics?

Ultimately, whether you’re on board with this move or not, Di Francesco is here, so let’s see what he can do before we react like lemmings in the sea.