Roma defender Gianluca Mancini thanked Gian Piero Gasperini for his development and opened up about his friendship with Leonardo Spinazzola.
The 27-year-old Italian centre back has started all but one of the Giallorossi’s games this term, seeing 1503 minutes of action across 18 matches. In that time, he’s scored two goals and kept the trust of coach Jose Mourinho.
Roma started the season in poor fashion but have bounced back in recent weeks, winning six of their last eight league outings. The team currently sit fourth in the league table, tied with defending champions Napoli.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset on Instagram via TMW, Mancini first discussed the impact of Jose Mourinho.
“José Mourinho is a football icon, it’s one more reason for him to give more in training and in matches too.”
He touched on the importance of wearing the captain’s armband.
“Here in Rome, it’s an important thing that I’ve learned to understand by being here, it’s an honour to wear it, even if ours is a super captain like Lorenzo Pellegrini.”
The defender revealed which coach had the biggest impact on him.
“Every coach I have had has given me something, if I have to name one Gasperini gave me a lot, making me grow in every aspect to be in Serie A. Today I have the best one and I learn from him every day in every aspect, both tactical and psychological.”
Mancini also commented on which player has had the biggest impact on his career.
“If I have to name one, I’d say my friend Leonardo Spinazzola, we’ve known each other for eight years, we lived together, we argue, we push each other. I remember the first months in Perugia when I didn’t play much, and he talked to me and helped me not give up.”
He touched on Italy’s toughest opponents in their Euro 2024 group.
“Spain, but we are Italy, and we must look everyone in the face and play with pride, without fear.”
Finally, Mancini was asked what it was like to play with Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala.
“First of all, they are two exceptional guys and then very strong players. It’s nice to defend against them because you can learn, they are two really strong players.”