Roma Player Ratings vs Milan: Mancini Does it Again

Roma qualified for the Europa League semi-finals for the second season running, beating Milan 2-1 in the return leg of their quarter-final tie to seal a 3-1 aggregate triumph. Giallorossi seemed better tactically prepared for this fixture and deservedly sent their Serie A rivals packing.

Many expected Roma to drop deep and defend their first-leg advantage, but that’s not in Daniele De Rossi’s nature. When a shark smells blood in the water, it strikes. That perhaps best summarizes the opening 25 minutes at the Olimpico in which Giallorossi picked Milan apart.

After scoring a winning goal in the first leg, Gianluca Mancini had a sense of deja vu as the ball fell straight to his fit after Lorenzo Pellegrini struck the post. Alone in front of an empty net, the Italian defender could not miss from point-blank range to double Roma’s advantage.

Only ten minutes after drawing first blood, Roma poured more misery on Milan as Paulo Dybala took advantage of Matteo Gabbia’s sloppy clearance, netting an absolute beauty from the edge of the box to extend Giallorssi’s aggregate lead to 3-0. 

Everything looked idyllic from De Rossi’s perspective in that 22nd minute. However, moments after an injury forced Romelu Lukaku off, Zeki Celik picked up a straight red for a mindless tackle from the back on Rafael Leao. Despite going down to ten men, Roma almost effortlessly fended Milan off by halftime. 

If it wasn’t for Gabbia’s late consolation goal, it would’ve been a perfect win for a resurgent Roma side.

Roma (4-3-3)

Mile Svilar – 7

Though he only had to make a handful of saves, every intervention was spot on. He was helpless against Gabbia’s thumping header.

Zeki Celik – 1

How reckless you must be to pick up a straight red in a relatively innocuous situation when your team is 3-0 up?

Gianluca Mancini – 8

In the right place at the right time to give Roma a two-goal cushion in the aggregate scores with a simple tap-in. Encouraged by his scoring spree, the dependable defender didn’t put his foot wrong tonight.

Chris Smalling – 7.5

Mancini was the star, yet the experienced Englishman was equally up to the task, winning almost every aerial duel against Olivier Giroud while timing his tackles to perfection.

Leonardo Spinazzola – 7

He should’ve capped off his superb defensive display with a goal, but Mike Maignan came out on top of their one-on-one duel.

Edoardo Bove – 6.5

The youngster left his heart and soul on the pitch as Roma fought tooth and nail with a man down, but was left in the dust by Milan dribblers several times, especially in the first half.

Leandro Paredes – 7.5

It was a game to his taste, brimming with physical battles and flying tackles, allowing his defensive attributes to come to the fore.

Lorenzo Pellegrini – 7.5

He’s such a classy midfielder. His composure on the ball and impeccable distribution helped Roma secure lengthy spells of possession after being reduced to ten men.

Paulo Dybala – 7

The Argentine’s world-class left-footed finish sent Roma fans into dreamland. It was a shame De Rossi subbed him off before the break.

Stephan El Shaarawy – 7

De Rossi’s tactical alterations put additional defensive weight on the winger, but it didn’t stop him from showing his technical brilliance and speed.

Romelu Lukaku – 6

Made Gabbia look like a schoolboy, winning literally every duel before picking up an injury.

Substitutes

Tammy Abraham – 7

Diego Llorente – 7.5

Renato Sanches – 6

Angelino – 6