Mancini: I’ve changed thanks to Ranieri and De Rossi, Leoni has ‘real quality’

Roma defender Gianluca Mancini says the Giallorossi ‘earned their victories’ in Serie A this season and admits he’s changed thanks to Claudio Ranieri and Daniele De Rossi: ‘I used to think about too many things that drained my energy.’

Roma are the only team keeping pace with defending Serie A champions Napoli so far this season, as Giallorossi and Partenopei have earned 15 points in the opening six games.

Roma, who appointed Gian Piero Gasperini over the summer, scored seven goals, but only conceded twice, resulting in the least-beaten defence in the league.

“We earned our victories; we fought for them. I know the coach, his qualities and his character,” Mancini told Gazzetta.

“Compared to his time at Atalanta, he’s grown in terms of international experience, but his passion is still sky-high. Maybe we had a bit of luck in some games, but we didn’t steal anything from anyone. There’s always a reason why things go well or badly.”

Mancini already played under Gasperini at Atalanta, and now they hope to bring Roma back to the Champions League.

“Getting there is our goal. A club like Roma, with this kind of support, has to play in the Champions League,” said the Italian defender.

“Over the past two years, we’ve come close. We reached the semifinal and final in the Europa League. We are an experienced team. I miss it, sure, but I’m at peace with it, focused on the present.”

Mancini seems to have developed a milder attitude over the last few months, and the Giallorossi star credited two of his latest coaches for that.

“I used to think about too many things that drained my energy,” Mancini admitted.

“Ranieri was key in making me reflect. He once told me that when he faced me as an opponent, he hated me. But De Rossi also made me realise that I was losing focus that way. They helped me, I thought it over, and finally clicked. I’m still a bit of a nuisance, very competitive, but now I manage better the things that could drain me.”

Roma host Inter at the Olimpico tomorrow.

“It’s a tough one, even if in football today, there are no easy games anymore,” Mancini argued.

“Inter are the strongest team in the league, along with Napoli, even if maybe the Nerazzurri are slightly ahead, also for what they’ve done in Europe in recent years. But we’ll be ready, it’s the kind of match that will show what we’re really made of.”

The 29-year-old was asked his thoughts on talents shining in Serie A and which experienced player has surprised him so far.

“Among the youngesters, I’d say Leoni, even though he’s left now; he was here a few months ago,” said Mancini.

“A strong lad, a defender with real quality, I send him a hug.

“Modric looks like he’s still 20. If you’re playing at that level at this age, it means we’re talking about a top, top, top player.”

Mancini joined Roma in 2019, and his contract expires in June 2027.

“I’m happy here. There’s mutual love between me and the fans in this city,” he concluded.

“I’d be very glad to stay, but I don’t want to think about that now. I’m focused on the present, on improving, and never stopping learning.”