Gianluca Mancini praised Roma’s resilience and the impact of their substitutes after the dramatic 3–3 draw at Napoli, insisting the summer arrivals have raised the squad’s quality.
Speaking to DAZN, the defender also acknowledged the defensive mistakes that left the Giallorossi chasing the match, but welcomed their ability to recover twice at the Maradona.
“This Year We Always Believe”
Asked whether the comeback demonstrated Roma’s maturity, Mancini stressed that the team’s belief comes from knowing they can create chances.
“You’re right, but I don’t think we’ve ever really given up. Perhaps, thinking back to last year, there was a match in Milan against Inter when we gave up mentally, but not in the others.
“This year we always believe because we create chances. Then there are strong teams, as Napoli showed themselves to be. But we fought, got back to 2–2, conceded the third from outside the box and then kept believing.
“That also reflects both those who come off the bench and those who start. Today Leo, Molina, Ghilardi—I can’t remember everyone who came on—Mora. The players coming off the bench are important: they don’t let the tempo drop and they bring extra quality because those who start can lose a little energy.
“When players come on like that, they give you an extra push and the team keeps operating at full intensity. So we’re very happy.”
New Signings Have Raised Roma’s Level
Mancini was unequivocal when asked whether Roma are stronger than last season, highlighting the experience and leadership brought by Leonardo Balerdi.
“Absolutely, yes. That was what we were missing a little. Strong, young players have arrived—although Leo isn’t exactly a youngster anymore, but let’s say he’s young.
“He was captain at Marseille, an important club, so he has brought his experience and leadership.
“Molina, Marten, Santi, Rodri—all those who have arrived are strong players who have increased the quality of our squad. As I said, whether you start or come on, what matters is Roma.
“We give everything for this shirt, for this team, to keep bringing home results.”
“We Need to Look Back at the First Half”
Roma conceded as many goals in Naples as they had in their previous seven league matches combined. Mancini admitted there were moments the team needed to review.
“Yes, unfortunately there are matches when you don’t concede and others when you do. We probably need to look back at the first half, when we allowed them chances.
“Even with the way Anguissa’s goal came about, we could have managed the ball better. For the second, we knew about McTominay’s strength inside the penalty area, and the third came from distance.
“But that is part of these matches when you play against the big teams. The important thing is not to get discouraged and to react to what happens.
“We scored three, so considering how the match had developed, a point is a good result.”
Source: DAZN.
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