There will be a number of fascinating battles across the pitch during Roma versus AC Milan tonight, and there could be one down the Rossoneri’s left flank.
La Gazzetta dello Sport writes how Theo Hernandez and Gianluca Mancini have probably become public enemy number one when it comes to who winds up opponents the most, so it is no surprise that the pair clashed last year.
Mancini is famous for his strong tackles, excessive fouls and provocative attitude, while Theo often ends up face to face with opponents, who accuse him of provoking them and drawing fouls in an underhand way.
The most recent incident involving each was a clash with Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord in which Mancini and the Mexico international squared up, while for Theo it was the celebration in front of Lozano on the wing shortly after Bennacer’s goal in the first leg of the quarter-finals against Napoli.
Mancini is one of the symbols of Mourinho’s Rome, a team that thrives on physicality. In the last season he picked up 15 yellow cards in the league, his personal best, but he is on 6 in the current campaign. Mou likes him because he doesn’t hold back and he’s a leader.
It is no coincidence that Mancini renewed his deal at €3.5m net per season and is the vice captain, meaning that when Pellegrini is missing the armband is his.
Theo is on another level in terms of ability, because he is much more than just a full-back. He is the true wild card of the team, only Leao knows how to create a danger with the ball like him.
With him Milan have an additional midfielder, and the Frenchman allows Pioli to vary the pace and structure of the team. Coincidentally, he too is a vice captain: if Calabria is missing, he has the armband.
