Mancini backs Malen as derby hero; praises Gasperini's first season at Roma
Opinion·17 May 2026·50d 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

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',…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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