Gianluca Mancini says he is ‘the happiest man in the world’ after scoring Roma’s winner in the Derby della Capitale against Lazio and reveals he ‘would only leave with a broken leg.’
The defender rose to nod in the Paulo Dybala corner just before half-time, which proved to be the only goal in today’s showdown at the Stadio Olimpico.
“We won the derby after such a long time, with my goal, it was my 10th derby and I had never scored. I am the happiest man in the world right now,” Mancini told DAZN.
“Above all, we had not won for a long time, so the fans deserved this moment. Even when we lost and went out of the Coppa Italia, they stood by us.”
The Giallorossi had not even scored against their arch rivals since the 3-0 result in March 2022, managing three defeats and a goalless draw between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
“The goal makes me happy after the final whistle, but the most important thing was to win. I gave my shorts away to the crowd, but not the shirt, I am keeping this for the rest of my life.
“Celebrating with our fans after the match, without showing disrespect to anyone, I bowed down to the fans because they are fantastic.”
It was especially remarkable considering Mancini had felt unwell during the first half and seemed as if he was about to be substituted, but some vitamin integrators managed to pep him up.
“I had a few problems, then another, but they gave me something at half-time. I only leave the derby if I’ve got a broken leg, it’d be too painful to watch from the stands,” explained the Italy international.
Roma now go into the Europa League quarter-final against Milan on Thursday evening at San Siro.
“This fires us up the right way, but the season is not over. We have Milan, Udinese, a very intense month ahead of us, so feet on the ground, head on our shoulders, we keep going. And Forza Roma!”
LOOK AT THOSE CELEBRATIONS! 🤩
Gianluca Mancini fires Roma ahead in the Derby della Capitale!
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AKA The butcher , protected by all Serie A referees!