Trigoria is once again bustling with those players whom José Mourinho has overlooked this season. While awaiting Abraham, the only one still on the sidelines (he’ll need another month), De Rossi can now revel in his selection choices, enjoying the abundance that was only dreamed of during Mourinho’s tenure. All eyes are on Chris Smalling: it’s been since September 1st that the Englishman hasn’t seen the field, having only tasted official action from the bench against Inter and Feyenoord. He is now ready to clock in minutes to lead the Giallorossi defense once again.

Also vying for a chance is Renato Sanches, sidelined after Mourinho’s definitive rejection following the surprising substitution just eighteen minutes after his introduction against Bologna. It’s a shared desire among many, in fact: the goal is to follow in the footsteps of Spinazzola and Pellegrini, the two players who have transformed their seasons the most following De Rossi’s arrival.