De Roon arrives at Roma in surprise move, bringing Gasperini connection

José Mourinho has made clear he has no intention of letting Endrick leave Real Madrid, directly warning rival clubs including Roma that they will have to contend with him to sign the Brazilian forward. Endrick was a long-standing Roma target last summer under Gasperini, and came close to joining the club in August before Mourinho intervened and persuaded him to stay at Madrid, where he has since received minimal playing time. At a press conference on 13 October ahead of Roma's match against Real Madrid, Mourinho was asked directly about Endrick's future and responded bluntly: "I club interessati dovranno lottare con me per ingaggiarlo. Lo adoro, ha un potenziale di altissimo livello ed è molto importante per noi. Non ha bisogno di essere ceduto in prestito, farà grandi cose e avrà un grande successo qui. Giocherà presto." Roma continue to monitor the 21-year-old, who impressed during a six-month spell at Lyon in France, where he scored 8 goals in limited appearances. Milan and Aston Villa are also credited with interest. Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico is meanwhile evaluating other concrete options to strengthen the club's attack in January.

Roma have begun planning reinforcements for the January transfer window and have set their sights on Daniel Banjaqui, a 2008-born right-back at Benfica considered one of Europe's most promising young talents in his position. The interest comes as the club looks ahead to both immediate needs and longer-term recruitment options. Banjaqui has already attracted attention from several clubs, including Juventus, according to German transfer outlet Transfersfeed. The move would form part of Roma's broader strategy to strengthen the squad in the coming window, with ambitious signings under consideration beyond their existing targets.

Roma have identified Daniel Banjaqui, a 18-year-old right-back at Benfica, as a potential transfer target, according to German outlet Transfersfeed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini stated ahead of Roma's match against Real Madrid: "Now the January market does not interest me", with reference to forward Endrick, who is expected to remain at the Spanish club. Roma's move for Banjaqui comes as the club considers alternative objectives across different positions. Juventus are also monitoring the teenager among several European sides tracking him. Banjaqui remains contracted to Benfica until 2031 with a release clause set at €45 million, though a transfer could potentially be negotiated for around €35 million. Roma have undertaken only preliminary information-gathering through intermediaries at this stage, with no concrete negotiations underway. The club are also watching developments in Portugal across two fronts: alongside Banjaqui at Benfica, Roma are tracking Porto right-winger William Gomes, a 20-year-old left-footed player. Gomes carries a substantial release clause of €80 million in his current Porto contract, which expires in 2031. The clause is expected to rise to €100 million following an imminent contract renewal with the Portuguese club. Neither pursuit represents an active negotiation at present.

Roma face Real Madrid at the Olimpico on 15 October at 21:00 in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase. The fixture marks the return of Champions League football to the Olimpico after seven years and will be broadcast on Prime Video. José Mourinho returns to manage Real Madrid against his former club. Gasperini has two unavailable players for the match: Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar are omitted from the squad list. Konstantinos Koulierakis has recovered from a contusion sustained on international duty and returns to selection. Paulo Dybala suffered a hand problem when he departed Roma's previous match against Como but has no concerns ahead of this fixture. Pierluigi Gollini will start in goal, with Devis Vásquez reintegrated into the Champions League squad list. Roma's starting XI will be Gollini in goal behind a three-defender line of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Wesley plays right-back to handle Real Madrid's pace, while Devyne Rensch takes the left-back slot in a surprise tactical choice over Nahuel Molina. Manu Koné and Marten de Roon fill the midfield, with Matías Soulé deployed behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack. Real Madrid, managed by Mourinho, line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and arrive after beating Inter 2-1 in their opening league-phase match. Roma drew 1-1 at home against Fenerbahce in their first game. The head referee is Letexier from France, with Higler from the Netherlands as VAR. Historically, Real Madrid lead the fixture record with eight victories to Roma's three, with one draw between them. Real Madrid have scored 24 goals and Roma nine across their meetings. Roma's last victory came in the 2007–08 Champions League last-16 tie, when they won 2-1 both at the Bernabéu and at home.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's Champions League league-phase match against Real Madrid, kick-off 21:00 this evening. Konstantinos Koulierakis returns to the travelling party, while Devis Vásquez is included among the goalkeepers. The squad list features 24 players across all four positions. In defence, Gasperini has selected Devyne Rensch, Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfield options comprise Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. The forward line includes Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's Champions League League Phase match against Real Madrid this evening at the Olimpico, with 23 players available. Mile Svilar is unavailable due to a fractured finger, leaving Pierluigi Gollini, Giorgio De Marzi and Devis Vásquez as the goalkeepers in contention. Konstantinos Koulierakis has returned to full training in recent days and is regularly available for selection. Bryan Cristante, however, remains unavailable. The squad spans all four outfield positions, with defenders including Devyne Rensch, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi; midfielders Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora; and forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.