Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi suffered a fractured cheekbone following the clash with Inter, before suffering a renal colic attack. He has since been released from the hospital, but is expected to rest for some time before returning to training.

The Italy international was hurt during a clash with the Nerazzurri midfielder Patrick Vieira, when the Frenchman appeared to accidentally elbow the Giallorossi midfielder in the right cheek. A statement on the club’s website confirmed that the vice-captain will be out due to the injury and the surgery performed will probably require about two weeks of rest.

Lupi boss Claudio Ranieri was visibly upset with Vieira, insisting the Frenchman often uses his elbow during aerial challenges, claiming such an act would have lead to Vieira being sent-off if he was playing in the Premier League.

De Rossi has withdrew from la Nazionale and his place with the Azzurri was taken by Fiorentina’s Riccardo Montolivo, who was chosen by Marcello Lippi as a replacement for the friendly matches with the Netherlands and Sweden.

Following the renal colic attack, a statement on the club’s official website reads: “AS Rome would like to note that Daniele De Rossi was has been released from the Gemelli Polyclinic in good condition.

“After a brief rest period at home, he will undertake a specific recovery programme in order to then begin physical activity with the team.”

Rami Soufi, Football Italiano