AS Roma chief Franco Baldini says Daniele de Rossi let the club down after he was dropped for defeat to Atalanta.

It was reported that De Rossi was furious until he had a meeting with director Baldini.

"Daniele was late, the Coach has always said there are rules that nobody can transgress," confirmed Baldini on RAI Sport.

"What's really disappointing is that it happened to a player who usually keeps others in check.

"Did the lad take it well? I challenge anyone to take that well. I can understand it might seem difficult to accept this decision, but we have often talked about this.

"The Coach always asked for absolute respect on these few rules. It already happened in Florence with Daniel Osvaldo. Our Coach always thinks about the long term for the squad rather than short-term convenience and this will eventually bear fruit."