Gianluca Mancini dedicates goal vs Milan to departed player Mattia Giani | OneFootball

Roma defender Gianluca Mancini was once again back on the team’s score sheet in a crucial match against Milan.

The centreback’s goal helped seal the win for the Giallorossi, propelling them to their fifth consecutive European semi-final in the last six years.

In his post-match interview with Sky Sport, Mancini dedicated the goal and the victory to amateur player and close personal friend of his, Mattia Giani, who tragically passed away on Sunday after collapsing on the pitch. Giani was the boyfriend of Mancini’s sister.

“My sister and Mattia’s family are suffering but I wanted to make this t-shirt to give them strength even if they have it. The world has collapsed around them but they will get back up. I wanted to dedicate this goal to his memory,” said Mancini.

“His father came here many times with him and told me that they had been the best days of their lives.”

“Beyond my performance, beyond my goal, what matters is Roma. It was a difficult match but we approached it well. There were 10 of us left but we did it for Zeki who is a champion.”

“What matters is Roma and the collective. We knew how to suffer and in the end that counts. For the third year in a row we are in the semi-finals.”