Mancini Ready to Face Porto
Italian defender Gianluca Mancini is fully prepared for the second leg of Roma’s Europa League knockout playoff against Porto, despite a minor injury that forced him off the pitch during Sunday’s game against Parma. "It was a hard knock, but I’ve recovered. Everything is fine," Mancini reassured at a press conference on Wednesday. His contract with Roma, which runs until 2027, reflects his commitment to the club and his satisfaction with his current environment.
A Sense of Belonging at Roma
Mancini’s relationship with Roma is more than just a professional contract; it’s a deep emotional connection. "This year, the team feels like a family. I’ve never seen a group like this," he shared. "I feel great here in Rome; I love this city and this club. The fans appreciate me, and that makes me want to give even more. I’m really happy here." This sentiment underscores the strong bond Mancini has formed with both the team and the city, which is crucial for a defender who needs to be both mentally and physically resilient.
Focusing on the Task at Hand
Despite the potential of a derby against Lazio or Athletic Club in the Round of 16, Mancini and the Roma squad are wholly focused on the upcoming match against Porto. "It doesn’t make a difference. I know the derby is a possibility. But inside the dressing room, we are only thinking about tomorrow’s match," Mancini explained. "Whatever comes next, we’ll deal with it then. The only thing that matters right now is tomorrow. It’s a do-or-die match. In recent years, Roma have played many of these kinds of games. It’s an important match, and there needs to be the right amount of tension to approach a big game against a great team and advance to the next round."
Analyzing the Opposition
Mancini’s preparation is meticulous, especially when it comes to understanding his opponents. "We played against Porto last week. They are a strong team," he said. "Last week, I had Omorodion to deal with, and tomorrow, we’ll analyze the characteristics of whoever I’ll be facing. Based on that, I’ll prepare as best as possible. The videos our staff sends us will help us understand our opponent and how we should approach the game." This approach highlights his commitment to defensive excellence and his dedication to the team’s success.
Learning from the Legends
Mancini’s goal is to adopt the mindset of Roma’s legendary player, Francesco Totti. "Right now, I’m focusing on improving my reading of the game and my quickness in movement. If a teammate is struggling, maybe I need to shout to motivate him, or maybe some players need something different. A footballer’s development never stops. Even Totti, a legendary player, and I’m not comparing myself to him, was still learning at 41. That’s the mindset to have," he emphasized. Mancini’s acknowledgment of Totti’s continuous learning and his own ambition to improve illustrates his professional drive and respect for the club’s history.
The Impact of Claudio Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri’s arrival has had a transformative effect on the Roma squad. "As I’ve said many times, when the coach walked into the dressing room, it was like my body relaxed," Mancini confessed. "He didn’t need introductions. He has coached champions and great teams. Now, everyone has their own role, and he has worked on the concept of unity, staying together. He has brought a lot from his experience. There were no smiles or sense of calm in the weeks before he arrived. First and foremost, you need to be happy to come to training. If you’re not calm and focused, results don’t come. Now, we are starting to see results. We haven’t achieved anything yet, but we are making progress." Ranieri’s influence has fostered a more positive and cohesive atmosphere within the team, essential for tackling the challenges ahead.
