On this day of the Roma-Lazio derby, Corriere dello Sport focused on Gianluca Mancini, defender and leader of Roma, approaches this crucial derby with the striking memory of his exploits in April 2024. At that time, he had registered decisive goals, notably in the derby against Lazio and in the Europa League against Milan, helping to fuel Roma’s European ambitions under De Rossi. Today, the context has changed: a difficult season, a disappointing ranking, but an opportunity to give meaning to the campaign by beating Lazio.
Mancini, used to derbies (11 contested, 3 victories), has become a veteran of these intense clashes. During the last derby, he scored the winning goal before celebrating in a controversial manner by brandishing a provocative banner, which earned him criticism and a fine. Despite this, he claims to remain calm, affirming that the opposing whistles reinforce his concentration.
Tonight, Mancini could be captain, unless there is a surprise from Ranieri with a return of Pellegrini. He will have to show exemplary leadership, controlling his emotions to guide his teammates in a match where the pressure is maximum. Among the group’s three Italian leaders, he is the only one to have retained a central role under Ranieri’s leadership.
If Pellegrini and El Shaarawy start on the bench, Mancini will be the only player on the starting team to have already scored in a derby. He thus embodies experience and hope for Roma. With quiet determination, he aspires to repeat his feat and show his teammates the way, secretly dreaming of another decisive goal, accompanied by his famous respectful celebration.
???? Hot topics of the day:
• Dybala, Dele-Bashiru, Saelemaekers, Guendouzi…the keys to the Roma-Lazio derby!
• Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Théo, the end of his adventure with Milan…here are the confessions of Stefano Pioli
• Meanwhile, Stefano Pioli is having fun with Cristiano Ronaldo
• Overwhelmed by the emotion of sad news, Antonio Conte does not comment on Napoli’s new victory
• Juve no longer has a choice and accelerates on the central defenders file
