Gianluca Mancini emerged as the hero once again for Roma, securing a crucial 1-0 victory against AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg at San Siro, surviving a late surge from the hosts.
In a mirror of his recent heroics, the center-back found the net with a header from a corner midway through the first half, replicating his decisive goal against Lazio in the Rome derby just days earlier.
Under Daniele De Rossi’s leadership, Roma impressed with a new tactical approach, dominating play and ending a nine-match winless streak against the formidable Rossoneri.
Mancini’s goal, set up by a Paulo Dybala delivery, followed a sharp save by Mike Maignan from a deflected Stephan El Shaarawy shot, leaving Milan struggling to respond, with Tijjani Reijnders’ efforts thwarted by Mile Svilar throughout the match.
Despite a late surge from Milan, including a Yacine Adli effort hitting the woodwork and Olivier Giroud’s missed opportunity, Roma held on to end Milan’s eight-match unbeaten streak.
With their sights set on redemption after last season’s Europa League final defeat, Roma will aim to secure their advantage in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico, pursuing their second European title in three years following their 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph.