Dybala regenerated as Gasperini's most-used player; Argentine hopes to finish career at Roma

Roma will face Real Madrid in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, the second round of fixtures after opening with a 1–1 draw away to Fenerbahce. Real Madrid enter on three points following a 2–1 victory over Inter at the Bernabéu. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are without goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has suffered a stress fracture to the fifth toe and will miss several weeks, leaving Pierluigi Gollini to start after featuring in the 0–0 draw at Como. Bryan Cristante remains uncertain with a right knee problem that forced him to miss the Como trip. Roma's last four Champions League meetings with Real Madrid have ended in defeat without scoring, making this fixture a chance to reverse a poor record. The clubs have met 12 times in the competition, with Real Madrid winning eight, Roma winning once and three draws recorded. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Marten de Roon partnering Manu Koné in midfield. Paulo Dybala will operate behind the forward, with Matías Soulé in contention after starting on the bench at Como and Donyell Malen leading the line. Malen's red card against Como applies only to Serie A and will not prevent him playing in Europe. José Mourinho's Real Madrid will likely field a 4–2–3–1. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal with a back four potentially featuring Matthijs de Ligt, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy, though alternatives include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Álex Carreras. Yan Diomande, who scored the winner against Villarreal last weekend, is being monitored as a threat to Vinícius Júnior for a starting berth. Federico Valverde and Tchouaméni will anchor midfield, with Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius supporting Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid are without Éder Militão, who has returned to training but will miss Roma and subsequent fixtures, and Mendy is not included on the club's UEFA squad list. The match will be broadcast exclusively in Italy on Amazon Prime Video, with build-up coverage starting at 19:30 and kick-off at 21:00 on Wednesday 14 October. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before the start.

Paulo Dybala has expressed his desire to finish his career at Roma, calling the Italian capital his chosen destination as he prepares for the club's Champions League match against Real Madrid. Speaking to Prime Video ahead of the fixture at the Olimpico, the Argentine reflected on Roma's European campaign last season and the role the supporters play in the team's performances under Gasperini. Dybala highlighted the emotional connection he has built with Italy over the course of his time there. "I would never have imagined having a career like this here," he said. "This country welcomed me with open arms, and the people helped me grow as a man and as a footballer." He acknowledged both the highs and lows of his experience in Italy, describing it as reflective of life itself, and expressed hope for an Italian finale to his playing days. When asked directly where he envisions that ending, Dybala was unequivocal: "Where? At Roma and with Roma. But it's premature to talk about it." He also reflected on last season's European journey, saying: "We gave everything last season. It brought joy to us and to the fans, and pride too." Looking ahead to the Real Madrid clash, Dybala acknowledged the challenge posed by one of the world's most decorated clubs but emphasized Roma's belief: "It will be difficult, we're facing some of the most titled teams in the world, but with the push from our people we'll have something extra."

Paulo Dybala has spoken ahead of Roma's Champions League encounter with Real Madrid, expressing confidence in the Stadio Olimpico crowd and his determination to finish his playing career in Italy. The forward reflected on last season's achievements, saying: "We gave everything last season. It brought joy to us and the fans, and pride as well. It will be difficult — we are facing some of the most decorated teams in the world — but with the push from our people we will have something extra." Dybala addressed his connection to Italy and Roma specifically, highlighting the personal growth he has experienced since arriving. "I never imagined I would have a career like this here," he told Prime Video UEFA Champions League Magazine Show. "This country welcomed me with open arms. The people helped me grow as a man and as a player. There are so many emotions here — beautiful moments and difficult ones, as is life for anyone. I hope there can be an Italian ending" to his career.

Paulo Dybala has spoken ahead of Roma's Champions League clash against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, saying he hopes to end his career in Italy. Speaking to UEFA Champions League Magazine Show on Prime Video two days before the match, Dybala reflected on Roma's performance last season and the challenge ahead. "We gave everything last season," he said. "It brought joy to us and the fans, and pride too. It will be difficult—we are facing some of the most decorated teams in the world—but with the push from our people we will have something extra." On his years in Italy, Dybala expressed gratitude for how the country has shaped him. "I never imagined I could have a career like this here. This country welcomed me with open arms, the people made me grow as a man and as a player. There are so many emotions here—beautiful moments and difficult ones, as is life for anyone. I hope there can be an Italian ending," he said.

Roma will face Real Madrid in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, the second round of fixtures after opening with a 1–1 draw away to Fenerbahce. Real Madrid enter on three points following a 2–1 victory over Inter at the Bernabéu. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are without goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has suffered a stress fracture to the fifth toe and will miss several weeks, leaving Pierluigi Gollini to start after featuring in the 0–0 draw at Como. Bryan Cristante remains uncertain with a right knee problem that forced him to miss the Como trip. Roma's last four Champions League meetings with Real Madrid have ended in defeat without scoring, making this fixture a chance to reverse a poor record. The clubs have met 12 times in the competition, with Real Madrid winning eight, Roma winning once and three draws recorded. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Marten de Roon partnering Manu Koné in midfield. Paulo Dybala will operate behind the forward, with Matías Soulé in contention after starting on the bench at Como and Donyell Malen leading the line. Malen's red card against Como applies only to Serie A and will not prevent him playing in Europe. José Mourinho's Real Madrid will likely field a 4–2–3–1. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal with a back four potentially featuring Matthijs de Ligt, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy, though alternatives include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Álex Carreras. Yan Diomande, who scored the winner against Villarreal last weekend, is being monitored as a threat to Vinícius Júnior for a starting berth. Federico Valverde and Tchouaméni will anchor midfield, with Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius supporting Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid are without Éder Militão, who has returned to training but will miss Roma and subsequent fixtures, and Mendy is not included on the club's UEFA squad list. The match will be broadcast exclusively in Italy on Amazon Prime Video, with build-up coverage starting at 19:30 and kick-off at 21:00 on Wednesday 14 October. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before the start.

Roma will host Real Madrid on Wednesday at 20:45 in the second matchday of the Champions League league phase, with French referee Francois Letexier appointed to take charge. Letexier will be assisted by Mugnier and Rrahmouni, with Dechepy as fourth official. The VAR team comprises Higler and Van Boekel. Roma and Letexier have met four times previously, all in European competition. The record stands at two victories and two defeats. The most recent encounter came in the 2024–25 Europa League knockout round, when Roma won 3–2 against Porto at the Olimpico in the return leg, with Dybala scoring twice and Pisilli adding a goal. In the preceding season, Roma lost 2–0 to Slavia Praga in the group stage, defeated Brighton 4–0 in the Round of 16 first leg, and fell 2–0 to Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final first leg.

Roma will face Real Madrid in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, the second round of fixtures after opening with a 1–1 draw away to Fenerbahce. Real Madrid enter on three points following a 2–1 victory over Inter at the Bernabéu. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are without goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has suffered a stress fracture to the fifth toe and will miss several weeks, leaving Pierluigi Gollini to start after featuring in the 0–0 draw at Como. Bryan Cristante remains uncertain with a right knee problem that forced him to miss the Como trip. Roma's last four Champions League meetings with Real Madrid have ended in defeat without scoring, making this fixture a chance to reverse a poor record. The clubs have met 12 times in the competition, with Real Madrid winning eight, Roma winning once and three draws recorded. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Marten de Roon partnering Manu Koné in midfield. Paulo Dybala will operate behind the forward, with Matías Soulé in contention after starting on the bench at Como and Donyell Malen leading the line. Malen's red card against Como applies only to Serie A and will not prevent him playing in Europe. José Mourinho's Real Madrid will likely field a 4–2–3–1. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal with a back four potentially featuring Matthijs de Ligt, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy, though alternatives include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Álex Carreras. Yan Diomande, who scored the winner against Villarreal last weekend, is being monitored as a threat to Vinícius Júnior for a starting berth. Federico Valverde and Tchouaméni will anchor midfield, with Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius supporting Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid are without Éder Militão, who has returned to training but will miss Roma and subsequent fixtures, and Mendy is not included on the club's UEFA squad list. The match will be broadcast exclusively in Italy on Amazon Prime Video, with build-up coverage starting at 19:30 and kick-off at 21:00 on Wednesday 14 October. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before the start.

Roma have the strongest defence in European football this season, level with Cagliari, having conceded only three goals in six matches. In the top five leagues, no other side has a better defensive record. The goals Roma have shipped came from Atalanta (one) and Inter (two). This defensive solidity marks a significant shift from last season, when Gasperini's team struggled in attack despite strong defensive numbers. Today, Roma's goal difference stands at +11, the best in Serie A, and in the calendar year 2026 only Arsenal have performed better than the Giallorossi, who sit second in that year-long ranking alongside Como. The defensive unit benefits from an embarrassment of riches in depth: Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi, Hermoso, Koulierakis and Ghilardi are all competing for places, a reflection of the squad's overall cohesion and the choices available to Gasperini across the back line.

Pierluigi Gollini delivered a man-of-the-match performance in place of the absent Mile Svilar as Roma won at Como, with Gasperini's trusted contingent from his Atalanta days forming the spine of a dominant defensive display. Gollini, who had played only one match in nearly two years before this fixture, was repeatedly tested by Nico Paz and denied him four times. Marten de Roon, another Gasperini recruit, was among the standout performers, while Gianluca Mancini marshalled the defence alongside Mario Hermoso and Evan N'Dicka, offering little to one of Italy's most attacking sides. Mancini drew particular focus. He had faced criticism for early-season lapses against Atalanta and Inter, yet Roma's defensive record speaks loudly: three goals conceded in Serie A, the best in the division. Only Arsenal, across all competitions, has a better tally. Despite his occasional mistakes, Mancini's concentration never wavered. Seven years at Roma have made him a son of the capital, evidenced by his rejection of Inter's advances. Gasperini shaped the defender during his time at Atalanta, and Mancini has grown into the role. After the match, Gasperini explained: "The group put him in the best conditions." The Atalanta contingent—players the coach brought in—seized the spotlight at Como and may yet dominate again this season. Roma face Real Madrid next. The assignment is among the season's heaviest: marking Vinicius and others. It will be the toughest examination for Italy's best defence. Mancini arrives at the right moment—his statistics and Gasperini's confidence on his side, and the doubters waiting to be silenced.

Roma will face Real Madrid in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, the second round of fixtures after opening with a 1–1 draw away to Fenerbahce. Real Madrid enter on three points following a 2–1 victory over Inter at the Bernabéu. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are without goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has suffered a stress fracture to the fifth toe and will miss several weeks, leaving Pierluigi Gollini to start after featuring in the 0–0 draw at Como. Bryan Cristante remains uncertain with a right knee problem that forced him to miss the Como trip. Roma's last four Champions League meetings with Real Madrid have ended in defeat without scoring, making this fixture a chance to reverse a poor record. The clubs have met 12 times in the competition, with Real Madrid winning eight, Roma winning once and three draws recorded. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Marten de Roon partnering Manu Koné in midfield. Paulo Dybala will operate behind the forward, with Matías Soulé in contention after starting on the bench at Como and Donyell Malen leading the line. Malen's red card against Como applies only to Serie A and will not prevent him playing in Europe. José Mourinho's Real Madrid will likely field a 4–2–3–1. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal with a back four potentially featuring Matthijs de Ligt, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy, though alternatives include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Álex Carreras. Yan Diomande, who scored the winner against Villarreal last weekend, is being monitored as a threat to Vinícius Júnior for a starting berth. Federico Valverde and Tchouaméni will anchor midfield, with Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius supporting Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid are without Éder Militão, who has returned to training but will miss Roma and subsequent fixtures, and Mendy is not included on the club's UEFA squad list. The match will be broadcast exclusively in Italy on Amazon Prime Video, with build-up coverage starting at 19:30 and kick-off at 21:00 on Wednesday 14 October. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before the start.

Roma have the strongest defence in European football this season, level with Cagliari, having conceded only three goals in six matches. In the top five leagues, no other side has a better defensive record. The goals Roma have shipped came from Atalanta (one) and Inter (two). This defensive solidity marks a significant shift from last season, when Gasperini's team struggled in attack despite strong defensive numbers. Today, Roma's goal difference stands at +11, the best in Serie A, and in the calendar year 2026 only Arsenal have performed better than the Giallorossi, who sit second in that year-long ranking alongside Como. The defensive unit benefits from an embarrassment of riches in depth: Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi, Hermoso, Koulierakis and Ghilardi are all competing for places, a reflection of the squad's overall cohesion and the choices available to Gasperini across the back line.

Pierluigi Gollini delivered a man-of-the-match performance in place of the absent Mile Svilar as Roma won at Como, with Gasperini's trusted contingent from his Atalanta days forming the spine of a dominant defensive display. Gollini, who had played only one match in nearly two years before this fixture, was repeatedly tested by Nico Paz and denied him four times. Marten de Roon, another Gasperini recruit, was among the standout performers, while Gianluca Mancini marshalled the defence alongside Mario Hermoso and Evan N'Dicka, offering little to one of Italy's most attacking sides. Mancini drew particular focus. He had faced criticism for early-season lapses against Atalanta and Inter, yet Roma's defensive record speaks loudly: three goals conceded in Serie A, the best in the division. Only Arsenal, across all competitions, has a better tally. Despite his occasional mistakes, Mancini's concentration never wavered. Seven years at Roma have made him a son of the capital, evidenced by his rejection of Inter's advances. Gasperini shaped the defender during his time at Atalanta, and Mancini has grown into the role. After the match, Gasperini explained: "The group put him in the best conditions." The Atalanta contingent—players the coach brought in—seized the spotlight at Como and may yet dominate again this season. Roma face Real Madrid next. The assignment is among the season's heaviest: marking Vinicius and others. It will be the toughest examination for Italy's best defence. Mancini arrives at the right moment—his statistics and Gasperini's confidence on his side, and the doubters waiting to be silenced.