Gasperini eyes Real Madrid test; Mourinho returns to the Olimpico; Malen avoids lengthy ban

José Mourinho has issued a clear warning to clubs pursuing Endrick ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League fixture against Roma on Tuesday. The Real Madrid manager said: "Whoever wants to take him in January will have to go over me and fight me." Mourinho doubled down on his determination to keep the Brazilian forward, stating: "Endrick is not going anywhere, I adore him. He is very strong and will help us. Loans are not needed, Endrick will explode here at Madrid." The comments represent a significant setback for Roma, who have continued to monitor the 2006-born forward ahead of the January transfer window. The Giallorossi had come close to signing Endrick on loan during the summer before Mourinho intervened to retain him at the Bernabéu. Interest has resurfaced because of the limited playing time Endrick has received at the start of this season, prompting Roma and other European clubs to renew their pursuit. Mourinho's latest stance suggests he plans to block any departure attempt again, convinced he can revive Endrick's form directly at Madrid. When asked in a press conference today whether he might use his encounter with Mourinho to discuss Endrick, Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini smiled but deflected the question. Gasperini said: "Right now the January market is something that doesn't interest me." For Roma to realistically pursue Endrick in January, they will first need to persuade Real Madrid and overcome Mourinho's clear resistance to letting the player leave.

Aurélien Tchouaméni said Real Madrid respect Roma's quality ahead of their Champions League meeting at the Olimpico on 14 October at 21:00, the second fixture of the league phase. The French midfielder acknowledged the difficulty of playing away but expressed confidence in Madrid's ability to win. Roma qualified for the Champions League this season by finishing third in Serie A last year and will face Madrid in a high-profile early test of their continental campaign. Tchouaméni, speaking in his pre-match press conference, outlined both teams' form and approach to the fixture. Asked his assessment of Roma, Tchouaméni said: "I like very much how Roma play and I know that tomorrow the match will be difficult, also because we will play away from home. I think we have enough quality to win the match and that is what we will try to do." On Madrid's own campaign, he noted: "It's a really important match for us. We started well by beating Inter, now we want to continue to pick up points in this competition." When pressed on Madrid's midfield creativity, Tchouaméni declined to elaborate publicly: "I have my opinion on this, the rest is up to you. I won't say what I think, I think it's more important to talk about tomorrow's match. I'm only one of the players and I have my opinion which I won't share. I know what players we have in the squad and we give 100% with our characteristics. We all have different characteristics, the most important thing is to continue to work as a team." He also defended the squad against criticism, saying: "When you play for Real Madrid there are always criticisms, the most important thing is to stay focused and always try to improve as a squad. We can certainly do some things better, but we all know that the most important thing is what you win at the end of the season. And that is what we will try to do."

José Mourinho, Real Madrid's head coach, faced the media on the eve of his side's Champions League visit to the Olimpico against AS Roma. Addressing the emotional nature of the fixture, Mourinho said: "Playing Roma is not normal for me, I must forget where I am. I think both teams will qualify, perhaps I will return for the quarter-finals or semi-finals." The Real Madrid manager added: "Roma, opponents but only for 90 minutes. I love the giallorosso people." Mourinho managed Roma from 2016 to 2024, winning the Coppa Italia in 2019 and the UEFA Conference League in 2023. The fixture marks a rare occasion where he confronts his former club in continental competition. His comments reflect the deep affection he retains for the Roma fanbase despite now leading one of European football's biggest rivals.

DAZN's BordoCam coverage revealed multiple flashpoints from Sunday's match at San Siro between Como and Roma, from a mysterious exchange between the two coaches before kickoff to the controversial dismissal of Donyell Malen in the second half. Gasperini and Como manager Fabregas embraced before the match and spoke briefly, with Fabregas making a request of the Roma boss. "In a future," Fabregas said. "That's fine," Gasperini replied. The first half saw a heated duel between Jacobo Ramón and Gianluca Mancini after Paulo Dybala set up the Roma defender's overlap; Ramón responded with a forceful shoulder-to-shoulder challenge and excessive celebration. Later, a clash involving Manu Koné, Como's Perrone and Nico Paz saw Koné foul his opponent, prompting the midfielder to tell Paz in Spanish: "How is that a foul on me? Be quiet, calm down." After Marten de Roon's violent contact with Como's Butez—which the referee had already whistled for offside—Gasperini gave an ironic half-smile before turning to the bench and shouting "What is this?" The opening half's most explosive moment came from the Wesley–Diao contact. Fabregas erupted in protest; Diao was cautioned for dissent, and Como director Ludi and captain Da Cunha joined the complaints. Referee Fabbri explained in the tunnel: "It's an involuntary crossing of legs." He then told Ludi and Ramón: "He even tries not to take him." In the 53rd minute, Malen was sent off following a prolonged shirt-hold by Ramón that went undetected. Fabbri immediately showed red; Malen's disbelief was matched by Gasperini, who ran ironically along the bench. "He's ruined a match, you can't ruin a match like this, he got the ball first," Gasperini said. His assistant Gritti acknowledged: "If he whistles earlier, it's all over"—a view Malen conveyed to fourth official Sozza on his way off. Gasperini had Santiago Castro ready to replace Paulo Dybala after the expulsion, but Dybala performed well with his heading play and the substitution never came.

Roma's match against Real Madrid at the Olimpico tomorrow will hold particular significance for José Mourinho, who received a warm reception from Giallorossi supporters outside the Blancos' hotel in the capital. The fixture carries emotional weight for the former Roma manager, who is being welcomed with affection by the club's fanbase despite now leading the visiting side. Gasperini commented on the occasion: "With Real we will understand our level, we must not change who we are. Mou deserves the affection of the people." The coach framed the Champions League encounter as a benchmark for Roma's standing among Europe's elite. Donyell Malen was suspended for one match—siting out the fixture against Genoa—following a disciplinary decision by the Giudice Sportivo.

Angelo Di Livio has criticized Roma for wasting another significant opportunity in their match at Como. Speaking to Retesport, the former player said: "The Roma threw away another big chance at Como, I saw a really good team. If the giallorossi had gone ahead they would have won the match. In the second half not even a pin could pass through. In the first half the giallorossi team deserved to go ahead but once again they were not clinical in front of goal. Winning at Como would have been a great result, so this is not good." Di Livio highlighted Roma's finishing as the key problem, particularly after a missed opportunity by Paulo Dybala. He stated: "If Dybala doesn't score, Malen becomes a problem. I don't want to criticize the Argentine for the missed goal at Como, but the team lost another big chance because in the first half they could have been ahead." He suggested tactical changes for the second half, saying he would have played long balls to Santiago Castro instead of keeping Dybala on the pitch. Di Livio also questioned the management of Rodrigo Mora and Castro, noting that Castro will play against Genoa but expressing concern about his fitness given limited playing time. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's performance, he offered praise: "He played an important match, he got into the thick of the action and almost scored. He gave a good signal, like all the others who hadn't played much such as De Roon and Gollini."

Roma will host Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday in their first UEFA Champions League fixture at the ground in over six years. Gian Piero Gasperini has led the Giallorossi back to Europe's elite competition for the first time since 2018–19, but their league-phase campaign has stuttered. After a dramatic 1–1 draw with Fenerbahce on matchday one, Roma extended their winless run in European football to four matches (three draws, one loss). They beat Torino 2–0 in Serie A but have since drawn back-to-back league games against Como and Inter, though they notably held a scoreless stalemate at Como on Saturday despite playing with a numerical disadvantage. The Olimpico has not hosted a Champions League match since February 2019, and Roma will need to reverse a troubling home record in continental competition—five defeats across their last five European outings in Rome (two wins overall). However, Gasperini's side remain unbeaten across their last eight competitive games at the stadium (six wins, two draws) stretching back to late March, and have scored at least two goals in their last five home matches. Roma have won only three of their 14 meetings with Real Madrid (one draw, eight losses) and will seek to avenge a 2–0 defeat here in November 2018. Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho—who won the UEFA Conference League with Roma in 2021–22—have dominated Italian opposition in the Champions League, winning 19 of their last 21 clashes against Serie A sides (two losses). They opened their league-phase campaign with a 2–1 win over Inter and have lost only one match in the Champions League main draw under Mourinho (15 wins, three draws), though their recent away form has been inconsistent: four losses in their last eight Champions League away games (four wins). Los Blancos have beaten Roma in five of their six away European showdowns at the Olimpico in the 21st century (one loss), scoring at least two goals in each victory. Summer signing Yan Diomande scored his maiden La Liga goal in a 1–0 win over Villarreal, a response to a 2–1 derby defeat at Atlético Madrid on the international break. Gasperini will have his full Roma squad available except goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who is struggling with a toe injury; Pierluigi Gollini is expected to start in his place. Donyell Malen is expected to lead the line despite picking up a red card against Como at the weekend. Real Madrid will be without Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raul Asencio. Former Roma defender Dean Huijsen returns after serving a domestic suspension but should start on the bench, with Ibrahima Konate likely to partner Antonio Rudiger in defence.

AS Roma have registered Devis Vásquez in their Champions League squad to cover for Mile Svilar, who is sidelined with a fractured toe expected to keep him out for over a month. UEFA regulations permit clubs to temporarily replace a goalkeeper on their A-list when injury requires an absence of at least 30 days, and Roma have exercised this option to provide cover during Svilar's recovery. Vásquez was already back in the squad after Svilar's injury and was included in the squad for Roma's away trip to Como. His Champions League registration now means he will serve as the alternative to Pierluigi Gollini throughout the period when Svilar is unavailable. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will therefore have an additional goalkeeper option during what the club describes as a delicate Champions League cycle ahead. The arrangement is temporary: once Svilar recovers and returns to availability, he will replace Vásquez on the European list. The Colombian goalkeeper's reinstatement comes as Roma manage a crucial phase of their European campaign with full squad depth restored at the goalkeeper position.

Devis Vásquez has been added to Roma's Champions League squad list following Mile Svilar's injury, expanding Gian Piero Gasperini's goalkeeping options for European competition. The Colombian goalkeeper will now be available to Gasperini in both Serie A and the Champions League, a decision that provides the club with additional depth between the posts while the first-choice goalkeeper is sidelined. Gasperini had already communicated Vásquez's reinstatement to the Serie A squad after Svilar's injury setback, a decision he confirmed off the record at the end of his press conference ahead of Roma's match against Como. The addition to the Champions League list represents the next step in managing Roma's goalkeeping resources during Svilar's absence, ensuring continuity in the club's European campaign this season.

Angelo Di Livio has criticized Roma for wasting another significant opportunity in their match at Como. Speaking to Retesport, the former player said: "The Roma threw away another big chance at Como, I saw a really good team. If the giallorossi had gone ahead they would have won the match. In the second half not even a pin could pass through. In the first half the giallorossi team deserved to go ahead but once again they were not clinical in front of goal. Winning at Como would have been a great result, so this is not good." Di Livio highlighted Roma's finishing as the key problem, particularly after a missed opportunity by Paulo Dybala. He stated: "If Dybala doesn't score, Malen becomes a problem. I don't want to criticize the Argentine for the missed goal at Como, but the team lost another big chance because in the first half they could have been ahead." He suggested tactical changes for the second half, saying he would have played long balls to Santiago Castro instead of keeping Dybala on the pitch. Di Livio also questioned the management of Rodrigo Mora and Castro, noting that Castro will play against Genoa but expressing concern about his fitness given limited playing time. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's performance, he offered praise: "He played an important match, he got into the thick of the action and almost scored. He gave a good signal, like all the others who hadn't played much such as De Roon and Gollini."

Roma will host Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday in their first UEFA Champions League fixture at the ground in over six years. Gian Piero Gasperini has led the Giallorossi back to Europe's elite competition for the first time since 2018–19, but their league-phase campaign has stuttered. After a dramatic 1–1 draw with Fenerbahce on matchday one, Roma extended their winless run in European football to four matches (three draws, one loss). They beat Torino 2–0 in Serie A but have since drawn back-to-back league games against Como and Inter, though they notably held a scoreless stalemate at Como on Saturday despite playing with a numerical disadvantage. The Olimpico has not hosted a Champions League match since February 2019, and Roma will need to reverse a troubling home record in continental competition—five defeats across their last five European outings in Rome (two wins overall). However, Gasperini's side remain unbeaten across their last eight competitive games at the stadium (six wins, two draws) stretching back to late March, and have scored at least two goals in their last five home matches. Roma have won only three of their 14 meetings with Real Madrid (one draw, eight losses) and will seek to avenge a 2–0 defeat here in November 2018. Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho—who won the UEFA Conference League with Roma in 2021–22—have dominated Italian opposition in the Champions League, winning 19 of their last 21 clashes against Serie A sides (two losses). They opened their league-phase campaign with a 2–1 win over Inter and have lost only one match in the Champions League main draw under Mourinho (15 wins, three draws), though their recent away form has been inconsistent: four losses in their last eight Champions League away games (four wins). Los Blancos have beaten Roma in five of their six away European showdowns at the Olimpico in the 21st century (one loss), scoring at least two goals in each victory. Summer signing Yan Diomande scored his maiden La Liga goal in a 1–0 win over Villarreal, a response to a 2–1 derby defeat at Atlético Madrid on the international break. Gasperini will have his full Roma squad available except goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who is struggling with a toe injury; Pierluigi Gollini is expected to start in his place. Donyell Malen is expected to lead the line despite picking up a red card against Como at the weekend. Real Madrid will be without Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raul Asencio. Former Roma defender Dean Huijsen returns after serving a domestic suspension but should start on the bench, with Ibrahima Konate likely to partner Antonio Rudiger in defence.

Mario Somma praised Roma's performance in the Como match, describing it as further evidence the side are becoming a major force. Como began with organised pressing to disrupt Roma's game, but the visitors imposed their football and won the tactical battle as the home side dropped deeper. "This means they are becoming a great squad," Somma said on Retesport. On Paulo Dybala's display, Somma was upbeat despite a missed chance. "He provided an important performance in intensity, running and work rate. It's normal that when you have to be decisive technically you can be less sharp. I don't recall a Dybala so willing to work for the team. I'm not worried — I believe at the end of the season the numbers will arrive." Pierluigi Gollini received praise for his goalkeeping: "He had a very good match, was calm in goal. I've known him for many years and Sunday he showed he's a great goalkeeper." On Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gasperini's approach, Somma offered analysis of the manager's thinking. "Pellegrini has Bellingham-like qualities. He reached important numbers at a crucial point in his career without playing for Real Madrid but in a mediocre Roma. At Como he played a containing role and created a crossbar. I think it's normal Gasperini is trying to recover him — on the attacking midfield line, long-term, he can deliver more goals than Mora and Soulé on the left wing." Somma also contrasted the midfield pair: De Roon "runs after everyone," while Cristante is "more a preventing midfielder who thinks a lot." Somma concluded by noting Roma's ability to contain with quality — as demonstrated at Como — could have been replicated in their home fixture with Inter, which the article implies did not occur.