During his prime with Italian club A.S. Roma, Mancini was famed for his dribbling skills and use of feints, especially his step-overs. His favoured position was as right or left winger, although he was also capable of playing as a second striker or as an attacking midfielder. At international level, he made nine appearances for Brazil between 2004 and 2008, and was a member of the squad that won the 2004 Copa América.