Rome (AFP) – Roma captain Daniele De Rossi will be disciplined by his club after picking up a two-match ban for slapping Genoa’s Gianluca Lapadula, coach Eusebio De Francesco said Thursday.
De Rossi was sent off with his side leading 1-0 after 69 minutes for hitting Lapadula in the face and the Genoa striker scored the resulting penalty for a 1-1 Serie A draw.
“The first thing I did was slap him!” Di Francesco laughed at a press-conference before this weekend’s Serie A game against SPAL.
“Joking aside, like with a child you have to help them in times of difficulty. He’ll pay what he has to pay according to our internal rules, which will remain internal. Measures will be taken.
“After that everything will start from scratch. He, who is a real Romanista, has to feel supported in times of difficulty.”
The 34-year-old former Italy midfielder was punished for “seriously unsportsmanlike conduct”, meaning he will miss their next two league games against SPAL and Chievo.
200+ Channels & Local Sports
- Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
- Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
- Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
- Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
- Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
- Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
- Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
- 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season