1. Overview
Gianluca Mancini (dʒanˈluːka manˈtʃiːniItalian; born 17 April 1996) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Serie A club Roma and the Italy national team. His career has seen him rise through various Italian clubs, including Perugia and Atalanta, before establishing himself as a key defender for Roma, where he notably contributed to their UEFA Europa Conference League victory. Mancini is recognized for his strong physical presence, excellent heading ability, and versatility across defensive positions.
2. Early Life and Youth Career
Gianluca Mancini was born on 17 April 1996, in Pontedera, in the Pisa Province of Tuscany, Italy. His early football development began with local clubs, including Valdarno Calcio, before he joined the youth academy of Fiorentina.
2.1. Youth Career
Mancini spent his formative years in football within the Fiorentina youth system, playing for their U-19 team until 2015. During this period, he developed the foundational skills that would define his professional playing style.
3. Club Career
Gianluca Mancini's professional club career began in 2015, progressing through various Italian clubs and establishing himself as a formidable defender in Italian football.
3.1. Perugia
In mid-2015, Mancini joined Perugia on a loan deal that included an option for a permanent transfer. He made his professional debut in Serie B for Perugia on 11 September 2015, in a match against Pescara. After a brief return to Fiorentina, as the club exercised a counter-option, Fiorentina ultimately announced on 1 August 2016, that they had sold Mancini outright to Perugia for free. It was later revealed that Fiorentina was entitled to 50% of any future transfer fee for Mancini.
3.2. Atalanta
In January 2017, Mancini moved to Atalanta, a deal that also involved Alessandro Santopadre, the son of Perugia chairman Massimiliano Santopadre. The transfer fees were reported as 200.00 K EUR for Mancini and 1.00 M EUR for Santopadre. Immediately following their acquisition, both players were loaned back to Perugia for the remainder of the season. This transfer deal later faced scrutiny, with accusations from prosecutors of manipulating transfer fees by overstating Santopadre's price and understating Mancini's. However, the chairman and both clubs were acquitted of any wrongdoing in July 2018.
Mancini made his Serie A debut for Atalanta on 24 September 2017, in a 1-1 draw against his former club, Fiorentina, coming on as a substitute for Rafael Toloi after 25 minutes. On 4 February 2018, he scored his first Serie A goal for Atalanta in a 1-0 victory over Chievo.
3.3. Roma
On 17 July 2019, Mancini joined Roma on an initial loan agreement with a conditional obligation to buy for 13.00 M EUR, along with additional bonuses and a 10 percent sell-on fee. He made his Roma debut on 25 August 2019, in a Serie A opening match against Genoa. Later, on 22 September, during a match against Bologna, he received two yellow cards in the 71st and 85th minutes, resulting in a red card and his dismissal.
His move to Roma became permanent ahead of the 2020-21 season. During the 2021-22 season, Mancini played a pivotal role in Roma's success, contributing to their victory in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League. In the final against Feyenoord, he not only delivered a strong defensive performance but also provided the assist for Zaniolo's winning goal. In July 2022, he extended his contract with Roma, committing to the club until the end of the 2026-27 season.
4. International Career
Gianluca Mancini has represented Italy at various levels, from youth national teams to the senior squad, participating in major international tournaments.
On 1 September 2017, Mancini made his international debut for the Italy U21 team in a 3-0 friendly loss against Spain. He later participated in the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with the U21 squad.
His consistent club performances led to his first senior international call-up on 15 March 2019, by manager Roberto Mancini (to whom Gianluca is not related) for Italy's UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying matches against Finland and Liechtenstein. He subsequently made his senior international debut on 26 March 2019, in a commanding 6-0 home victory over Liechtenstein. Mancini was also part of the Italian squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
5. Style of Play
Gianluca Mancini is primarily recognized as a tall and physically strong central defender. His attributes allow him to effectively play in both a three-man or four-man defensive line. A notable strength in his playing style is his exceptional heading ability, which not only aids his defensive duties but also makes him a significant goal threat in the opposition's penalty box during set pieces.
Beyond his natural position, Mancini possesses the versatility to adapt to other roles when necessary, including playing as a right-sided full-back or, more rarely, as a defensive midfielder. He has publicly stated that Marco Materazzi is his favorite defender of all time, indicating a preference for a strong, commanding presence in defense.
6. Personal Life
In December 2019, Gianluca Mancini married his long-term partner, Elisa. Together, they have two daughters. Despite sharing a surname with the notable Italian football manager Roberto Mancini, Gianluca Mancini is not related to him.
7. Career Statistics
This section presents a detailed record of Gianluca Mancini's appearances and goals in both club and international competitions.
7.1. Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition.
| Club | Season | League | Coppa Italia | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Perugia | 2015-16 | Serie B | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 14 | 0 | ||
| 2016-17 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 16 | 1 | |||
| Total | 25 | 1 | 3 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 30 | 1 | |||
| Atalanta | 2017-18 | Serie A | 11 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 13 | 1 | |
| 2018-19 | 30 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | - | 35 | 6 | |||
| Total | 41 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | - | 48 | 7 | |||
| Roma (loan) | 2019-20 | Serie A | 32 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | - | 41 | 1 | |
| Roma | 2020-21 | Serie A | 33 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | - | 41 | 5 | |
| 2021-22 | 33 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 1 | - | 46 | 1 | |||
| 2022-23 | 35 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 | - | 51 | 1 | |||
| 2023-24 | 36 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 3 | - | 49 | 7 | |||
| 2024-25 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | - | 33 | 2 | |||
| Total | 195 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 59 | 6 | - | 261 | 17 | |||
| Career total | 261 | 18 | 14 | 0 | 62 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 339 | 25 | ||
7.2. International
Appearances and goals by national team and year.
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 2019 | 3 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 14 | 0 | |
8. Honours
Gianluca Mancini has achieved significant team and individual honors throughout his professional career.
8.1. Club
Roma
- UEFA Europa Conference League: 2021-22
- UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2022-23
8.2. Individual
- UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2020-21, 2023-24
9. Legacy and Reception
Gianluca Mancini's contributions to Italian football, particularly his robust defensive style and leadership at Roma, have earned him a reputation as a dependable and impactful player. His consistent performances, especially in European competitions like the UEFA Europa Conference League and UEFA Europa League, have solidified his standing among fans and pundits. He is widely respected for his physicality, aerial prowess, and commitment on the field, which have made him a valuable asset for both his club and the national team.