Foti reflects on Mourinho era: 'He deserved a different farewell'

Atlético Madrid supporters displayed a giant Roma banner during their Champions League match against Manchester United on 14 October, continuing a long-standing tradition of solidarity between the two sets of fans. The tifo emerged from the Metropolitano's stands as a gesture of brotherhood ahead of Atlético's upcoming fixture against Real Madrid. The display underscores a formal twinning that has united the Roma and Atlético ultras for years. Roma's connection with Madrid's club runs deep enough that the giallorossi banner has become a regular fixture on Atlético's terraces, a symbol of their shared identity as fierce rivals to their respective domestic powers. Tonight, Gasperini's Roma will attempt to upset Real Madrid at the Olimpico in front of more than 67,000 supporters, carrying the backing of their Spanish allies into the Champions League fixture.

Gian Piero Gasperini and José Mourinho will face each other tomorrow evening in a Roma-Real Madrid Champions League match at the Stadio Olimpico, and artist Harry Greb has created a mural at Roma Club Testaccio honouring both managers. The work, titled "I Mister (Roma chiamò)", depicts Mourinho's iconic Vespa on the left and the Special One in a Real Madrid tracksuit sitting on the Roma bench before being playfully ejected by Gasperini. The mural pays tribute to the recent history of Roma under two managers who each, in their own way, conquered the Roman supporters and restored hope to the giallorossi faithful. Gasperini has been Roma's head coach since 2025, while Mourinho managed the club during the 2024–25 season. Both left their mark on the Stadio Olimpico and the club's identity during their respective spells in charge.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out discussing Endrick with José Mourinho ahead of tomorrow's match, stating that the transfer market holds no interest for him at present. Gasperini said: "We have just begun a run of matches and we will experience tomorrow's fixture as an event that has been missing for many years. We will live it that way." The fixture marks a significant occasion for Roma, with Gasperini emphasising the weight of the occasion. He added: "Tomorrow we will understand our level but we must not lose sight of who we are. Mou deserves the affection of the people." The comments come as Roma prepare for a match Gasperini considers a defining moment in the club's current campaign, though he has signalled that squad reinforcements are not a priority in his immediate thinking.