De Rossi: Florenzi's strength of character will see him through this

Speaking after the Primavera's 5-3 victory over Crotone on Saturday, De Rossi was asked about Florenzi - who suffered a second rupture of the ligament in his left knee this week while training with the Under-19s.

De Rossi, who coached Florenzi when the versatile defender was captain of the Primavera during the 2010-11 season, admitted his devastation at his latest setback - but expressed confidence that the 25-year-old has the mental strength to come through this test.

“We're so upset for him," De Rossi said. "I just couldn't believe it.

"We still have that image of the moment it happened – in the middle of the pitch in training – very clear in our minds. We hoped it wasn't serious.

"I know the boy very well though and he's got tremendous strength of character. He's always faced hardships with a smile.

"He's a very positive person and I'm sure he'll get through it fine. He'll come back even stronger.”