Filippo Mancini is only 17 yet he is already donning on the colors of the mighty Inter Milan. Cynics would point out that the teenager is doing so only because he is the son of the Inter coach Roberto Mancini yet we would like to keep that patronage factor out of the equation.
Filippo Mancini played the last 8 minutes of the Coppa Italian tie against Reggina in midweek in what was his first game for the senior Inter Milan side. Goal.com quotes both father and son as saying that the scenario was a hugely emotional one for them and that they will remember this for a long, long time.
Roberto Mancini says:
I was emotional, yes – it had an effect on me. But my son is a young talent just like the others. Big clubs like ours have plenty of young players, and Reginna do as well, so there were many on the pitch. The Coppa Italia may not get much respect, but at least the youth get a chance there.
Filippo Mancini says:
I’ll never forget this. It was very emotional, and this is a day that I won’t forget. I’d like to thank my father. Also, I can’t forget all the coaches I’ve had over the years, including my first at Mary Mount in Rome, Gianluca Amdrissi at Inter, and the Primavera coach Vincenzo Esposito. Before I came on, my father told me to play it simple and play calm.
Oh, a trivia for you. Mancini junior was wearing the number 17 shirt against Reggina. Why was it so? Simple: because Cristiano Ronaldo has the same number on his back and the Portuguese is Mancini’s idol.