Di Francesco: Dybala in outstanding form, Roma a difficult side to contain

Gian Piero Gasperini will not alter Roma's tactical approach to contain Real Madrid's attacking threat, the head coach confirmed on the eve of the Champions League fixture at the Olimpico—the club's first home European night in 3,165 days. Real Madrid arrive with an array of attacking talent in Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius, who between them have scored 527 goals excluding international appearances, but Gasperini ruled out man-marking across the pitch or wholesale tactical changes. "The Roma do not betray themselves," he said, pointing to the aggressive and courageous style that carried the club to third place in Serie A and Champions League qualification. Gasperini acknowledged Real Madrid's quality and their continued adaptation under new management, citing their victory over Inter as proof of their calibre. He emphasised that Roma will take the field with their established identity, a philosophy already proven in memorable European nights such as the 2–0 win at Liverpool in 2020. The Real Madrid attack, powered by Mbappé and Vinícius, will demand maximum concentration from the Roma defence, particularly in guarding against the counter-attacks that are Mourinho's favoured weapon. The fixture pits individual contests across the pitch: Malen against Mbappé, Dybala against Bellingham. When asked to compare himself with Mourinho, Gasperini deflected the question while underscoring his Roma side's achievements, joking about the Friedkin ownership and Mourinho's ability to assemble world-class talent. The coach approached the match vigil with enthusiasm and conviction that Roma can compete at the highest level.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Olimpico at 21:00 tonight in a Champions League fixture that carries profound emotional weight with the return of José Mourinho as an opposing manager. Gasperini has made the Champions League a central objective since his arrival, and tonight offers the kind of occasion he identified as essential to the club's European ambitions. The story is framed around Mourinho's homecoming—a return that carries strong memories for the Roma environment—but on the pitch, the task is straightforward: to measure Roma's maturity against one of world football's strongest and most decorated teams. Gasperini has acknowledged the enormous emotional significance of Mourinho's return and the deep affection Roma's supporters hold for the Portuguese coach, recognising that his extraordinary achievements and career record deserve full respect and recognition. However, sentiment gives way to football's only judge. Roma's ambition is to win and to face Real Madrid without fear. Gasperini has noted that Real Madrid represent an absolute point of reference globally and that an opponent of such standing is difficult to use as a standard of comparison. The Blancos are still completing their bedding-in period following a change in coaching staff, yet they remain a formidable force—capable, as they demonstrated, of beating Inter in Europe. For Roma, this is a night of prestige and maturity in which the club wants to prove it belongs on such a stage.

Roma face Real Madrid at the Olimpico tonight in a Champions League match that marks the club's return to Europe's elite competition after 3,165 days away. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini remains characteristically unflustered by the occasion, refusing to abandon Roma's tactical identity despite the magnitude of the opponent. "No, we won't change our nature, because this attitude is what allowed us to finish third and earn Champions League access," Gasperini said. "We are in good form and keen to test ourselves against one of Europe's best sides, who perhaps need some time to settle after changing their coach and playing system." Gasperini's conviction in his methods stems from a successful campaign: he won the Europa League, reached the Champions League semi-finals, returned Roma to Europe's top tier after seven years, and has delivered tactical lessons across the continent. Most memorably, on 25 November 2020, his Atalanta side defeated Liverpool 2–0 at Anfield, a result bookended by a remarkable defensive statistic: in the opening 31 minutes and 51 seconds, Liverpool failed to enter Atalanta's penalty area with the ball—nearly a record in modern football. That Anfield precedent has circulated widely among Roma supporters as a source of hope. Tonight's task will be considerably harder, but Gasperini's credentials speak clearly: a coach unimpressed by celebrity opponents, armed with a proven tactical system, facing a Real Madrid side in transition under their new manager.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in the second matchday of the Champions League League Phase, with José Mourinho returning to the capital as an opponent after his time managing the club. Roma began their European campaign with a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahçe, while Real Madrid beat Inter 2–1 at the Bernabéu. Gasperini will field Pierluigi Gollini in goal with Mile Svilar unavailable through injury. Devyne Rensch competes with Nahuel Molina for the right-back berth. The midfield pairing of Manu Koné and Marten de Roon will anchor the centre, while Matías Soulé returns to start alongside Paulo Dybala in support of Donyell Malen. The back line consists of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Wesley at left-back. Roma's official XI: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Koné, De Roon, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen. Substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Koulierakis, Lulli, Pisilli, Pellegrini, Mora, Castro. Real Madrid line up: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Arda Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé. The referee is François Letexier of France.

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.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in the second matchday of the Champions League League Phase, with José Mourinho returning to the capital as an opponent after his time managing the club. Roma began their European campaign with a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahçe, while Real Madrid beat Inter 2–1 at the Bernabéu. Gasperini will field Pierluigi Gollini in goal with Mile Svilar unavailable through injury. Devyne Rensch competes with Nahuel Molina for the right-back berth. The midfield pairing of Manu Koné and Marten de Roon will anchor the centre, while Matías Soulé returns to start alongside Paulo Dybala in support of Donyell Malen. The back line consists of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Wesley at left-back. Roma's official XI: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Koné, De Roon, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen. Substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Koulierakis, Lulli, Pisilli, Pellegrini, Mora, Castro. Real Madrid line up: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Arda Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé. The referee is François Letexier of France.

Francesco Totti has backed Roma to compete for the Serie A title this season, naming head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the driving force behind the club's ambitions. Speaking at the launch of a Panini album, Totti said: "The whole of Roma is playing well, but the added value is Gasperini: he is creating a great squad that has the hunger to win." On the title race, he added: "Roma can compete for the Scudetto: Inter have an extra gear, but Roma can give them a real game." Totti also addressed Roma's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid on the night of his interview, remarking that the Spanish side no longer possessed the star power of past eras. "If they come to play at the Olimpico with 70,000 people, it is not simple," he said. He highlighted the significance of José Mourinho's return to the stadium as an opposing manager, saying: "The manager gave a lot to this city and this squad. He reached two consecutive European finals, so this tribute is only right." On individual players, Totti praised Donyell Malen's performances since arriving at the club: "He is a very great player. Since he arrived he has expressed himself at the highest levels—we are talking about a top player, and I hope he continues like that." He also expressed optimism about the national team under Luciano Spalletti, though he ruled out a playing return to Roma himself.

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.