Opinion: De Rossi back just in time to lead from the front

With a crucial clash against Porto on the horizon, Roma stalwart Daniele De Rossi could not have returned at a better time. After picking up a serious knee problem during the early part of 1-1 draw with Napoli, the midfielder was ruled out of action for three months.

In his absence, the Giallorossi struggled for consistency - experiencing pronounced highs and lows - and looked their most vulnerable at the back.

Out so long, and with such pessimistic reports about his fitness being published every day, question marks were raised about whether or not the 35-year-old would be able to return to his past form. However, if his performance against Milan - his first game in over 90 days - was anything to go by, De Rossi quickly put to bed those concerns.

Against Milan - where his return was almost enforced; despite playing just a few minutes on his return in the Coppa Italia during the week, suspensions to Bryan Cristante and Steven Nzonzi left coach Eusebio Di Francesco with few other options - the Roma captain was his typically tenacious self in the middle of the park, and shielded the back four expertly.

When Milan applied pressure, the midfielder was able to dictate play, and finished the game with the most completed passes (63) on the team. Considering it was De Rossi’s first real test since returning, the midfielder passed with flying colours and established himself as the heartbeat of the side once more.

Di Francesco had high praise for De Rossi’s exploits against the Rossoneri.

“There are some players who are fundamental and De Rossi is one of them, as he sets the tempo, he varies the passes and sparks the moves," the coach said.

"If we play 4-3-3, we cannot do without him."

With Roma hosting Porto on Tuesday - a defensively stingy outfit - and the 4-3-3 a strong possibility once again, the Giallorossi will need De Rossi to be at his best.

In a tight affair against the Portuguese giants, conceding an early away goal could make the difference and could force Roma to chase the game in the second leg. Having lost only once this season in league play and conceding a mere six goals in the process, the Estádio do Dragão has become a fortress of sorts for Porto.

As a result, Roma will be looking to make the most of the early home-field advantage and keep the visitors scoreless.

Last season, Roma’s solidity at home proved to be a difference maker in their run, conceding no goals against both Shakhtar Donetsk and in their historic 3-0 comeback win against Barcelona.

If the Giallorossi are to repeat last season’s feat and reach the latter stages of the competition once more, they will need to recreate this form - something De Rossi undoubtedly helps with.