ROME: The Italian soccer federation has opened an investigation into Roma defender Gianluca Mancini’s celebrations on the finish of Saturday’s capital derby which noticed the participant waving an enormous flag in Lazio colours that additionally had an enormous rat painted on it.

Mancini, who mentioned he was “the happiest man on the earth” after his goal gave Roma a 1-0 win over Lazio in Serie A, joyously celebrated with the rest of his team in front of the Giallorossi fans but sparked controversy when he was seen waving the flag.

“I didn’t want to offend anyone, I took the first flag they gave me,” Mancini mentioned. “I apologize.”

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina confirmed to Italian media on Sunday that the federation had opened an investigation.

The 27-year-old Mancini faces a potential fine but could also risk a suspension.

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