The men of De Rossi's staff: Emanuele Mancini

'Lele', as they call him in Trigoria, also has a past as a player, having spent several years in Roma's youth sector. Back in 2002 he was on the cusp of featuring for Roma's first Italian champions, led by Fabio Capello, but he went on spend his career in the lower leagues. "I was a central midfielder, let's say in Daniele's role, but with different qualities," he says.

Let's start there, on 8 January 2002, Brescia v Roma in the Coppa Italia. Your name sits along the others there on the bench, such as Antonioli, Fuser, Tomic and Pepe.

"It all happened in the space of a few days. On 30 December I went to train with the first team, doing a couple of sessions. Capello asked us to come back in the new year. Not even a week later, I found myself on the bench at the Stadio Rigamonti. We lost and I didn't get out onto the pitch, but nevertheless I continued to train with the first team throughout the year. Without a doubt, that remains one of the best football experiences of my life."

2001/02. From left: Cesare Bovo, Emanuele Mancini, Armando Guastella, Christian Scarlato, Giordano Meloni (AS Roma / Mario Pietrangeli)

And now you're back at Roma as a coach and still very much a fan. What does that mean to you?

"I have to say it made a big impression on me to return to Trigoria, 20 years on from the last time. Everything had changed, but I've met once again with people I was close to, like some of the kit staff. Beyond that, you can imagine. It's an honour to be here and it's a huge opportunity for me. To do it alongside Daniele, even more so."

What is it like working with the coach? Especially having been a team-mate of his and a friend in different phases of life.

"Next year it will be 30 years that we've known each other. We met for the first time when we were about 12 years old, in Roma's youth sector. We were children. I've been in his presence as a friend over many years, but I never experienced him as a professional footballer in the dressing room. It's great to work with him. I'm seeing this side of Daniele in the dressing room that is very similar to his conduct in everyday life. He knows how to listen and takes things on board from everyone. That's something I really appreciate."

So, it seems your professional collaboration was almost a natural step.

"Without a doubt. We have always discussed football. He has his ideas and I have mine. For at least 10 years we've commented on various games, even drills on the pitch. Our playing careers came to an end. Daniele embarked on his path to becoming a coach. I also coached for a while at amateur level, then the opportunity came up at Spal and it all started from there."

Profession aside, your bond with the coach could be described as almost fraternal.

"We have always been connected. We met as children and the relationship was born. Even though we were about 50 kilometres apart: he in Ostia, me on the Flaminia. That's how it has always been over the years. Our families have connected, as have our children. Coaching together is a natural transition. Our discussions about football – about matches, about players – has always been there, essentially because we both have the same passion, that of coaching."

How is this journey at Roma going? What are your impressions after this first part of pre-season training?

"I've got a very good feeling. The lads have worked really hard. In Trigoria we started pre-season with many youngsters and now the squad is taking shape. The internationals have returned and new arrivals have been added. Those who have started from 7 July have done very well."

From a physical point of view, where are we at?

"We've made good progress. We've worked a lot on fitness and done very well on that. From a tactical point of view, as I said, we're making more gradual progress, considering that we had to include players – both the returnees and new arrivals – a little at a time. We are on the right track, though."

The staff always seems very united and involved in various dynamics and situations on the field.

"That's true. It's exactly what Daniele wants from his staff. We are a united group – everyone is useful and can do everything. Of course, everyone has their own area of expertise, but the idea across the board is that everyone can contribute. You can take cues from everyone, at any time. We are all on the same level. Having exchanges is good and helps you in your work."

Could you tell us more about your area of expertise?

"I am an assistant coach. I work on the methodology aspect of training, on the training sessions themselves, but also on match preparation. Some have more of an aptitude for studying opponents, while I support the coach in the training sessions. It's also the area I like best, working on the field. We all do a bit of everything, with each member having their own characteristics."

Tell us about how a training session is prepared, from setting up the cones to other specific equipment on the pitch.

"Yes, it starts with that. You choose the technical equipment, which is an important step. Then you establish your objectives. Every week you draw up a programme and decide which points to cover in each session. And we go and set up the drills on the field, for one or two daily sessions, so we can achieve what we set out to."

You mentioned having coached at amateur level, for which team?

"At Ottavia in the Eccellenza division. I went there to help out and sometime later they let their coach go and asked me to take over. I had just got my coaching licence, so I accepted, and I really enjoyed the experience. Working at that level is something else entirely. In some respects, it is even more difficult, with fewer resources, fewer people available, so you do a bit of everything yourself. I've a lot of experience of that environment. It's quite a test because you need to be ready for anything. Even when it comes to just preparing a training session – you prepare it for 20 people and maybe 15 show up. This aspect, being adaptable, has really helped me in the professional game."

1994-95: Mancini and De Rossi are in the middle row: Emanuele is fifth from the left, Daniele is eighth