Gianluca Mancini was not entirely satisfied with Roma’s Europa League play-off victory against FC Porto and has revealed what he told striker Samu after the match.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving everything to play for at the Stadio Olimpico. Samu put Porto ahead with an acrobatic bicycle kick, but Paulo Dybala’s quickfire brace within four minutes turned the game around. Porto were then reduced to 10 men after Stephen Eustáquio was sent off for a retaliatory foul on Leandro Paredes.

Niccolò Pisilli’s goal appeared to put the tie beyond doubt, though Roma endured a nervy finish as Devyne Rensch’s own goal in stoppage time made it 4-3 on aggregate.

Mancini Criticises Roma’s Defending

“We put in a good performance, but we cannot afford to struggle like that when we have an extra man,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We need to show more determination, as we relaxed too much after going 3-1 up. The most important thing was securing the win, and over the two legs, we proved that we are the superior side.”

Across both legs, Roma conceded due to clear defensive lapses, and Mancini believes the team must improve in that area.

“Matches at this level are never over until the final whistle. We must be more compact and prevent counter-attacks. More than individual mistakes, I saw moments where we misread situations.”

The match also saw a fiercely contested physical battle between Mancini and Samu, but the Roma defender acknowledged his opponent’s quality.

“It was a great duel—that’s what football is all about, a battle. I congratulated him; he really is an excellent centre-forward.”

Roma have now progressed to the Europa League Round of 16, where they will face either Lazio or Athletic Club. They will learn their next opponents in tomorrow’s draw.