Mancini reveals inspiration from Dybala in Roma’s win over Milan

Cheerful Roma defender Gianluca Mancini says Paulo Dybala led by example in a 1-0 win over Milan at San Siro and admits he couldn’t ask more after scoring a winner in the derby as well.

The Italy centre-back scored the second consecutive winning goal for Roma, allowing the Giallorossi to beat Milan at San Siro on Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.

“We are all protagonists, not only I because I scored. We played a good game and we are happy, but it’s everything is still open,” Mancini told Sky Sport, as quoted by TMW.

“We’ll prepare for the next game on Sunday and then another great match awaits us at the Olimpico.

“Roma hadn’t won at San Siro since 2017 and winning the derby gives great desire to do even more,” continued Mancini.

“I saw players like Dybala give their all and this pushed everyone to do their best. It’s all open, but we were aware we could come to San Siro to get a result and we proved it.”

What does he feel after scoring against Milan and beating the Rossoneri?

“Immense joy,” he replied.

“Many things have been said about me these days, but winning at San Siro and in the derby, playing with humility and without fear, gives us great joy. I couldn’t ask for more from this week.”

Mancini has scored six goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, including two in Europa League.

Roma return to the pitch on Sunday in an away game against Udinese. The return leg against Milan is at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, April 18, at 17:00 UK time (GMT+1).

The Giallorossi currently sit fifth in the Serie A table and, as things stand, it would be enough to secure Champions League qualification given that Italy leads UEFA’s country coefficient rating.