Roma begin life after Mourinho with victory over struggling Verona

First-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Pellegrini were just enough for Roma, who are eighth in Serie A, to get past Verona and give De Rossi a tight debut win after taking over on Tuesday.

Former Italy midfielder De Rossi, who played for nearly two decades at Roma and is a huge favourite among supporters, was brought in after Mourinho's sudden sacking.

"Coming back has been a real pleasure. When I came to games as a fan, or when I walked around Rome, I always felt love from the fans. On one hand there are a lot of emotions in play but also a lot of tension because I've got a job to do," said De Rossi to 'DAZN'.

Roma took advantage of fourth-placed Fiorentina not playing a league fixture this weekend due to their Italian Super Cup commitments in Saudi Arabia by moving to within two points of the Champions League positions.

Verona, who have serious financial problems and have unloaded seven players this month, sit just inside the relegation zone after their 12th defeat in 21 matches.

However, Roma didn't have it all their own way as Michael Folorunsho pulled one back with a well-struck shot in the 76th minute which Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio should have kept out.

Earlier Rome-born Folorunsho, who said pre-match that he is a Lazio fan, had a goal disallowed for a soft-looking foul, while Verona striker Milan Djuric smashed a penalty over the bar just after the hour mark.

A large portion of Roma's support is still livid at Mourinho's dismissal despite the poor results which left them ninth before Saturday's match, with posters appearing in Rome demanding American billionaire owner Dan Friedkin sell the club.

And the rancour was not dispelled by De Rossi's return, with boos and whistles accompanying the players to the