Mancini: I’ve never punched anyone, Gattuso gave Italy ‘sense of belonging’

On the eve of an ‘exciting’ game against Juventus, Roma defender Gianluca Mancini insists he’s not mean and that he always gives ‘everything’ for the shirt.

Roma visit Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin tomorrow in the big match of Serie A Round 16.

“It will be exciting and stimulating. We’ll have to sweat, but we’re going into it fired up,” the Giallorossi defender Mancini told La Stampa.

“Spalletti is a great coach. I had him for a year with the national team. I consider Juventus a great and complete team, with important qualities in terms of physicality, technique and speed. It will be a great match to approach with the belief that we can put in a strong performance. Openda, David, Yildiz and Zhegrova can play their part and decide the game.”

Mancini is often involved in arguments and clashes on the pitch, but the Italy international insisted he’s not a mean person.

“Absolutely not, just talk to the people who know me well,” he said.

“On the pitch, many factors come into play, like adrenaline and tension, which are part of the competition. I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in elbows, killer tackles or punches to the face. Mine are all football clashes. I focus on playing with maximum dedication, giving everything for my team’s shirt, for my teammates and myself. The dislike from fans of opposing teams can be unpleasant, but I always prefer to be seen in a positive light by my own supporters.”

The Roma defender is expected to be part of the Italy squad playing in the World Cup playoff in March next year.

“Our generation feels the absence from the World Cup very strongly. We need to stay calm and approach the playoffs with the right mindset,” he said.

“The impact with Gattuso has been wonderful. He’s given the group the desire to go to Coverciano with a smile and a real sense of belonging to the shirt.”

Lastly, Mancini spoke about his idols: “One has always been Marco Materazzi, even when I played as a midfielder. I also liked Aldair, Samuel and Maldini. Now I appreciate Sergio Ramos, Van Dijk and Rudiger, defenders who are physically tough and live matches intensely.”