Mancini backs Malen as derby hero; praises Gasperini's first season at Roma
Opinion·17 May 2026·49d ago

Mancini backs Malen as derby hero; praises Gasperini's first season at Roma

Source: Forza Roma

Former Roma player Amantino Mancini has given his assessment ahead of the Derby della Capitale against Lazio scheduled for today. Speaking to Il Tempo, Mancini evaluated Gasperini's opening season in charge, saying: "For his first year he is doing very important work. Roma has lacked consistency. But Gasperini is an exceptional coach." He also highlighted Roma's remaining chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Mancini was particularly impressed by Donyell Malen's impact since arriving at the club. He described Malen as a powerful player capable of scoring many goals, and suggested that had he joined earlier in the season, Roma would have accumulated additional points. Mancini tipped Malen to be the standout performer in today's derby. On the significance of the capital's derby, Mancini noted the unique atmosphere it creates and its importance to the city and supporters.

Malen has been in strong form recently and Mancini believes he has the quality to decide the outcome of the match. The assessment reflects Roma's hopes of using the derby as a platform to push toward Champions League qualification in the final stretch of the campaign.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Machine-scraped Italian — paste into Google Translate for a full read.

Le sue parole: "Gasperini è eccezionale. Ci sono ancora possibilità di essere nelle prime quattro" Redazione 17 maggio - 08:38 Roma-Lazio, le probabili formazioni del derby: Pisilli in pole accanto a Dybala Mancini, brasiliano ed ex calciatore della Roma, ha rilasciato un'intervista a 'Il Tempo', dove ha parlato del derby in programma oggi a 12. Amantino, con un passato anche con Milan e Inter, ha dato la sua opinione sul match e sulle possibilità di andare in Champions la prossima stagione. Ecco uno stralcio della sua intervista. Come valuta la prima stagione di Gasperini alla Roma?"Per essere il primo anno sta facendo un lavoro molto importante. Alla Roma è mancata continuità. Ma Gasperini è un allenatore eccezionale". Cosa significa giocare il derby della Capitale?"E bellissimo per l'atmosfera che si crea. E una partita molto importante per la città e per i tifosi." Cosa la colpisce particolarmente di Malen?"La sua forza. E un giocatore molto potente, capace di segnare tanti gol. Mi sta piacendo tantissimo e credo che, se fosse arrivato prima, La Roma avrebbe qualche punto in più in campionato". Chi può essere l'uomo derby?"Voto Malen. E il giocatore più in forma della squadra, sta vivendo un momento molto positivo e penso che possa decidere". © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

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