Mancini on Roma’s effort in Milan draw: “We dominated and should have scored in the first half.” | OneFootball

Roma emerged from the Olimpico match against AC Milan with their first draw of the season.

The Giallorossi center-back, a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini’s defense, focused on the tactical dynamics that characterized the match, highlighting the team’s ability to contain Rossoneri counterattacks and the mental strength required to turn the game around.

Regarding the constant exchanges with the coach during the opening minutes of the game to limit the opposition’s attacks, Mancini clarified the instructions he received from the bench: “We had prepared a different buildup.”

“The coach noticed that Rabiot was coming to my side along with Leao and told me to move up the flank and leave Rabiot to Ndicka or vice versa. That’s all.”

The defender then elaborated on the preventive marking and praised Ghilardi: “The preventive marking was a constant we had prepared. Milan have some fast players up front and in midfield. That’s why I perhaps didn’t go forward much this evening, given the first leg where we had a few counterattacks.”

“I was young too; playing at the Olimpico is different from other teams, with all due respect. Ghilardi needed a few months to adapt, especially to the coach’s style of play, but he’s a truly strong player and is proving his worth.”

On the final outcome of the match: “We dominated the first half, all we needed was a goal. In the second half, Milan, a quality team, came out strong and had a half-shot from Rabiot and then the goal. When you’re behind, you try to come back, and a draw is always better than losing. We didn’t draw in the first leg, but we won games. It’s a fair draw, which is fine, but looking at the match, a defeat would have stung a lot, just like a draw does.”

“In his press conference, Mancini compared the two matches against AC Milan: “Today was even better than the first leg. We lacked a goal in the first half. It gives us confidence, and we’ll go home stronger. AC Milan have a great goalkeeper who made some great saves, like ours. Performances count and give us more self-confidence.”

Then, on the gap with the league’s big teams and his contract renewal: “We’ve always performed well against the big teams; we’ve just been missing a result. We need to stay calm and focus on what we’re doing, improving game after game. Regarding the contract renewal, I’ve always said there are no problems; when the time comes to discuss it, I’ll do so. I’m delighted to wear this jersey and play for these colors.”