Vincent Candela previewed Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid on Prime Video, expressing confidence that the giallorossi will test the Spanish giants despite the strength of their opposition. Candela highlighted the significance of Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after seven years, praising Gasperini and the club for engineering that turnaround. "For us it's a day of celebration, for the players it's a wonderful match against Real Madrid, who are at the top of football," Candela said. "We're back in the Champions League after 7 years with great Gasperini and the club. The stadium is always full, tonight even more so. We support Roma, it will be a beautiful match. I'm convinced we will put them in difficulty."
Candela analysed the tactical duel between Gasperini and José Mourinho, who now manages Real Madrid. "They are two great, winning managers, different in their approach to the match," he explained. "Mourinho is coaching great Real Madrid again, but Gasperini has the squad with him in a moment of confidence in attack and in defence. Gasperini won't change his tactics, he'll play high and press. Even though with Mbappé and Vinicius it will be difficult."
Candela expressed a preference for Gasperini's style of football while acknowledging Mourinho's winning pedigree. "I like how Gasperini plays more, Mourinho is a winner and he has won with Roma," he said. "It will be a very different match, but special."
Story Coverage6 sources on this story
Roma return to the Champions League after seven years to face Real Madrid tonight at the Stadio Olimpico in a matchup between contrasting tactical philosophies. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma will pit their high-pressing, attacking approach against José Mourinho's Real Madrid, with former Roma player Vincent Candela expressing confidence the hosts will trouble Europe's elite. Multiple Roman commentators back Roma's chances, citing weaknesses in Madrid's defence—the Spanish side has conceded eight goals in seven La Liga matches this season—and the quality of Gasperini's squad in attack, which will field Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Garnacho in the forward line.
Candela acknowledged the tactical contrast between the two managers: "They are two great, winning coaches, different in how they approach the match. Mourinho is again coaching great Real Madrid, but Gasperini has the squad with him in a moment of confidence in attack and in defence. Gasperini will not change his tactics, he will play high and pressing." He expressed personal preference for Gasperini's style while recognising Mourinho's pedigree, calling it "a very different match, but special." Radio pundits in Rome reinforced the assessment, with one telling Radio Radio that "Real Madrid seems very beatable to me right now" and another noting that "when Gasperini faces Real, he keeps his identity and manages to create difficulty for them." Gianluca Mancini, drawing on experience as both a former Roma player and Inter player under Mourinho, backed Roma if they bring sufficient intensity, stating that "Gasp's style of play can put the Spanish in crisis."
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“Vincent Candela, ospite di Prime Video in occasione della sfida di Champions League tra Roma e Real Madrid, ha parlato dell'importanza della partita ma anche del confronto tra Gasperini e Mourinho. Queste le sue parole: Cosa significa per un giocatore arrivare allo stadio e vedere…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.
