Mancini: Solid defensive displays are credit to all of us

Defender Gianluca Mancini put on a great performance on Sunday, as Roma defeated a stubborn Sampdoria side 1-0 at the Olimpico.

Edin Dzeko’s strike in the 72nd minute was the difference in the end, as the Giallorossi showed toughness and tenacity in a strong all-around display on a difficult pitch.

“It was a hard fought game, and the important thing is we brought home the three points,” Mancini told Roma TV.

“It was important to start off the year well, after we didn’t do that last year [against Torino].”

The Giallorossi dominated the first half with 70 per cent possession and created more chances in the second, never really giving Sampdoria many opportunities to score.

With Dzeko’s strike, a fourth clean sheet in the side’s last six home games was enough to secure all three points.

“When we talk about numbers like that, the entire team deserves the praise,” Mancini continued, “because it starts with our pressure up front, all the way back to our defence.

“It definitely gives us confidence and defensive stability when we don’t concede a lot of goals.”

The Italy international admitted that the opposition did not look to come out and attack much, especially in the first half.

“Sampdoria waited in their own half, so as defenders our assignment wasn’t too hard, but we needed to stay focused,” he said.

“In the second half, with the rain pouring down and the pitch deteriorating, we had to up our concentration, because when you push and push for a goal and don’t score, you risk making that one mistake that can compromise the match.

“Really well done to everyone in the squad for staying focused throughout the half. We deserved the three points.”

Despite a successful first game of 2021, Mancini is looking forward to an eventual future where fans can return to the Olimpico.

“It’s a strange season and we need to stay focused all the time, the absence of our fans certainly has its effect,” he said.

“With the fans at the Olimpico, they keep us fully focused and they push us to give it our all.”