Gianluca Mancini is a dream for Roma fans. The Italian is skilled on the ball, dominant in the air, and absolutely bonkers. Two match winning headers and a £5,000 fine is honestly an unsurprising weekend for the Italian centre back.

You might wonder why I’ve chosen to write about two Roma players in a row, but after securing the match-winning header in the Rome derby and then engaging in some post-match antics that resulted in the defender being fined.

To add to that, during the midweek clash against AC Milan in the Europa League quarterfinals, he scored a crucial goal at the San Siro, giving Roma a 1-0 aggregate lead heading into the second leg. He rightfully deserves all the headlines at the moment.

In the derby, Mancini scored his first goal in a Rome derby with a powerful header that flew past keeper Provedel. His celebration was exuberant and rightfully so. To score in a game so big, as well as being city rivals Lazio also are on their tail in the race for European spots adding either more fuel to a fiery fixture. Mancini leaped over the billboards and rejoiced in front of the Giallorossi fans. However, it was his post-match celebration that led to a 5,000 euro fine, as he waved an anti-Lazio flag, displaying Lazio colours and a rat emblem in front of the crazed Roma fans, whoa absolutely adored this gesture.

Following the fine and in true Roma fashion. Fans responded by setting up a fundraiser that raised over 10,000 euros in support of Mancini. Mancini’s gesture garnered praise from Roma fans worldwide and made headlines in England. His winning goal, coupled with his passionate celebration, which further solidified his cult hero status amongst Roma supporters.

Then, in the midweek clash against Italian rivals AC Milan, Mancini once again scored the winning goal, this time with a glancing header into the far corner. This goal provided Roma with a significant advantage heading into the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico.

Mancini’s first derby goal and crucial goal against Milan, along with his subsequent celebrations, encapsulate his impact while wearing the Roma shirt. He is an exceptionally talented and aggressive defender with a noticeable hot streak, accumulating 9 yellow cards so far in Serie A.

His fiery nature underscores his deep passion for Roma. Throughout his four years in a Roma shirt, he has been involved in numerous incidents with players, coaches, and referees. His passion often leads him to be at the center of any scuffles or altercations during Roma games. Fighting (sometimes quite literally) for his teammates and the badge.

Mancini’s love for the club, combined with his recent standout performances in crucial matches, deserves commendation. He will be a key part of De Rossi’s backline in the upcoming fixtures, especially with the worrying collapse of fellow centre back Evan Ndicka at the weekend. Fortunately he has now been discharged from hospital. However Ndicka will likely be out for a prolonged period of time.