Former Roma captain Daniele De Rossi made his debut when SPAL played Cittadella.
Four days ago, the Ferrara-based team hired De Rossi as their new coach after letting Roberto Venturato leave.
SPAL and Cittadella, who were positioned 13th and 14th in the Serie B standings, respectively, entered today’s matchup tied on nine points.
There was speculation about the shape De Rossi would use before the match; the 39-year-old ultimately chose a 3-5-2.
“My emotions? I thought it’d be worse but I’m actually quite calm,” he told Sky Sport before kick-off.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment for awhile and it’s beginning at a very high level because Serie B is an important competition. This is also an ambitious club and things couldn’t have started better.”
“The lads worked very well during the week and hopefully we’re successful on the pitch.”
The affair ultimately ended 0-0 despite SPAL having a man advantage for the entirety of the second half after Cittadella midfielder Andrea Danzi was sent off just before halftime.
