Totti: Conte and Napoli ‘not’ surprising, but De Rossi ‘disappointed’ by Roma | OneFootball

Roma legend Francesco Totti is ‘not’ surprised by Antonio Conte’s Napoli results but admits his former teammate Daniele De Rossi is ‘disappointed’ with how the Giallorossi treated him.

Totti and De Rossi reunited in Viareggio, Tuscany, on Tuesday for a party involving all Italy’s 2006 World Cup winners.

“It was a nice dinner; everyone was happy, and it was a pleasure to reunite after so much time. That team was one of the best, but what made us become great was the group. We all went in the same direction,” the ex-striker told TMW.

“I think today’s Italy can do great things as we have a great coach and promising youths.”

Roma academy product Niccolò Pisilli has received his first senior Italy call-up for international games against Belgium and Israel.

Totti: Conte and Napoli ‘not’ surprising, but De Rossi ‘disappointed’ by Roma

“We are talking about a promising talent, and I am happy Roma can rely on him,” said Totti.

“He is a great player and a polite person who keeps his feet on the ground.”

De Rossi, a former Totti teammate at Roma and one of the club’s legends, was suddenly sacked by the Giallorossi in September and replaced by Ivan Juric.

“He’s disappointed with how it went, both in terms of timing and modality, but these things happen in football, and one can always start again after negative events,” noted Totti.

Conte’s Napoli are the Serie A table leaders, with a two-point lead over Inter. The Partenopei didn’t even qualify for European competitions last season, but Totti is not surprised by their results this term.

“Not at all. He [Conte] is a great coach with a great team. Napoli, Juventus and Inter are the favourites for the Scudetto.”

Totti won one Serie A title with Roma in 2000-01 and spent his entire career at the Stadio Olimpico, scoring 307 goals in 786 games.