“De Rossi Backs New Record Signing Dovbyk Despite Underwhelming Roma Debut”
Roma manager Daniele De Rossi commended Artem Dovbyk’s performance during his Giallorossi debut after a lackluster 0-0 draw against Cagliari. It wasn’t an ideal Serie A debut for the Ukrainian forward as De Rossi’s side struggled to control the game at the Unipol Domus.
Dovbyk joined Roma from Girona for a club-record €38 million fee after an outstanding La Liga season in which he topped the scoring charts with 24 goals, helping Girona secure their first-ever Champions League qualification.
Roma saw Dovbyk as the perfect long-term replacement for Romelu Lukaku, whose loan from Chelsea wasn’t renewed. However, his first appearance in a Roma shirt didn’t go as planned. Despite showing flashes of his talent in the second half, his first 45 minutes were underwhelming.
Still, De Rossi expressed confidence in Dovbyk’s potential, believing he will succeed at Roma.
“In the first half, it was difficult for him because we didn’t deliver the ball where we wanted to,” De Rossi told DAZN, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “In the second half, he did very well, holding onto the ball and nearly scoring. I believe he will score many goals.”
Dovbyk’s scoreless Serie A debut wasn’t entirely his fault. Roma struggled to break down Davide Nicola’s resolute defense and had to settle for a goalless draw in De Rossi’s first full season as manager.