In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Sampdoria manager Claudio Ranieri discussed the games that cost his Roma side the 2009/10 title at the expense of Mourinho’s Inter, as well as the post-football careers of the two local heroes he managed in that time.
“[2009/10] was a great season. It’s shame we lost points in away games. Everyone remembers the Sampdoria loss, where we could have scored another two or three goals and instead we lost. I think what made the difference were the points dropped to Livorno, who were relegated. We took just one point in two games.”
“I think [Totti’s] decision to leave was thought out and suffered over. You have to acknowledge that he made a very important decision. I hope he goes on to achieve big things away from Roma, to reach the highest level just as he did as a player, now he wants to find new talents.”
“[Daniele De Rossi] has the character and charisma to be a manager and his father can set him on the right track. He’s a smart boy, he’ll be able to get by in a new, completely different environment.”