Gasperini holds pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid visit

On the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid, Gian Piero Gasperini framed the fixture as a measuring stick for the club's competitiveness. "Difficult to have Real Madrid as a benchmark. What we must take as a benchmark is what happens on the pitch, to measure ourselves against them. We have played Inter and Como, among the best in Italy; now we find one of the best in Europe, and we can understand how competitive we can be," Gasperini said at his pre-match press conference from Trigoria. On José Mourinho's return to the Olimpico, Gasperini acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion: "It is right that it is so; there was great affection for Mou. He deserves all the recognition the fans will give him. Then the match begins, and Roma's supporters will cheer for Roma." Mourinho himself addressed the media after arriving at the stadium, reflecting on his homecoming. "Coming back here… I am ready, I am well, I am balanced, solid, without doubt that during the match I will give everything. Then perhaps before or after my heart will beat faster, but during the match there is no room for doubt. The Roma fans want to win and so do we; in that moment there is no room for love," he said. He emphasised Roma's place in his career: "The interests of the club, the players and the fans are always ahead of mine. Many people recognise that. We won a European competition with Roma, reached another final and more besides. Roma fans are special people; I have been treated well at many clubs, but these people are special." Donyell Malen has been handed a one-match suspension following his red card in the away fixture at Como, meaning he will miss the next game against Genoa but will be available for the Napoli fixture. Referee Michael Fabbri sent Malen off for a challenge on Kaiki; the incident sparked debate over the referee's conduct and a possible prior foul on Malen himself. Malen posted an apology on social media to his teammates and the Roma fans, acknowledging his own recklessness. With Mile Svilar sidelined by injury, Pierluigi Gollini has taken over in goal. Devis Vásquez, the Colombian goalkeeper, has now been added to both the Serie A and Champions League squad lists to serve as back-up to Gollini during Svilar's absence. Gasperini had revealed after the Como match that Vásquez would be reintegrated into the league squad; his inclusion in the European list is a fresh addition.

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."

On the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid, Gian Piero Gasperini framed the fixture as a measuring stick for the club's competitiveness. "Difficult to have Real Madrid as a benchmark. What we must take as a benchmark is what happens on the pitch, to measure ourselves against them. We have played Inter and Como, among the best in Italy; now we find one of the best in Europe, and we can understand how competitive we can be," Gasperini said at his pre-match press conference from Trigoria. On José Mourinho's return to the Olimpico, Gasperini acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion: "It is right that it is so; there was great affection for Mou. He deserves all the recognition the fans will give him. Then the match begins, and Roma's supporters will cheer for Roma." Mourinho himself addressed the media after arriving at the stadium, reflecting on his homecoming. "Coming back here… I am ready, I am well, I am balanced, solid, without doubt that during the match I will give everything. Then perhaps before or after my heart will beat faster, but during the match there is no room for doubt. The Roma fans want to win and so do we; in that moment there is no room for love," he said. He emphasised Roma's place in his career: "The interests of the club, the players and the fans are always ahead of mine. Many people recognise that. We won a European competition with Roma, reached another final and more besides. Roma fans are special people; I have been treated well at many clubs, but these people are special." Donyell Malen has been handed a one-match suspension following his red card in the away fixture at Como, meaning he will miss the next game against Genoa but will be available for the Napoli fixture. Referee Michael Fabbri sent Malen off for a challenge on Kaiki; the incident sparked debate over the referee's conduct and a possible prior foul on Malen himself. Malen posted an apology on social media to his teammates and the Roma fans, acknowledging his own recklessness. With Mile Svilar sidelined by injury, Pierluigi Gollini has taken over in goal. Devis Vásquez, the Colombian goalkeeper, has now been added to both the Serie A and Champions League squad lists to serve as back-up to Gollini during Svilar's absence. Gasperini had revealed after the Como match that Vásquez would be reintegrated into the league squad; his inclusion in the European list is a fresh addition.

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.

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.

Roma held their final training session before tomorrow's match against Real Madrid, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini overseeing a refresher workout at around 15:30. The only absentees were injured midfielder Bryan Cristante and goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who will remain out for approximately a month. The club has removed Svilar from the UEFA squad list and replaced him with Devis Vásquez. The session began with a warm-up phase followed by tactical drills that reflected a relaxed atmosphere despite the significance of tomorrow's fixture against José Mourinho's side. The training was also monitored from a distance by Tony D'Amico and John Galantic.

Roma held a training session at Trigoria on 13 October at 15:00 ahead of their next fixture against Real Madrid. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used the session to assess squad condition and finalise his starting lineup. Konstantinos Koulierakis has recovered from injury and is available for selection, but Bryan Cristante remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury. The session included goalkeeper work, with Devis Vásquez included in the UEFA squad list following Mile Svilar's injury. The press access portion of training concluded with the squad working on possession drills.

Roma held a training session at Trigoria on 13 October at 15:00 ahead of their next fixture against Real Madrid. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used the session to assess squad condition and finalise his starting lineup. Konstantinos Koulierakis has recovered from injury and is available for selection, but Bryan Cristante remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury. The session included goalkeeper work, with Devis Vásquez included in the UEFA squad list following Mile Svilar's injury. The press access portion of training concluded with the squad working on possession drills.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference at Fulvio Bernardini training ground on the eve of Roma's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid at the Olimpico. The head coach addressed the magnitude of the occasion, the emotions surrounding José Mourinho's return to the club he managed, and Roma's tactical approach to one of Europe's strongest sides. Gasperini said Roma are in good form and eager to measure themselves against elite European opposition. "For us it is a fine moment, we want to test ourselves against one of the best squads in Europe," he said. He acknowledged Real Madrid's quality and recent managerial change under Carlo Ancelotti but noted they "have need of some matches to work themselves in, given that they have changed system and manager. But it is a squad that has great resources and I believe it can grow over time, remaining a very dangerous squad capable of winning any match." On Real's attacking talent—Mbappé, Vinicius Jr, Diomandé, and Bellingham—he observed: "If in front you have Mbappé, Vinicius, Diomandé, then Bellingham, you have extraordinary players who can settle any match but you perhaps lose something on compactness." Regarding Mourinho's reception, Gasperini said it was right and proper. "It is just that it should be so; towards Mourinho there has been important affection and he deserves the recognition of the people. These are things that everyone feels, they cannot be stopped. Then the match starts and all feeling is set aside: the people of Roma will support only their own team." When asked if he would ask Mourinho about Endrick, Gasperini smiled and said: "I do not believe so. We have begun a path and tomorrow will be a great event, we will live it with this pleasure." On squad fitness, he reported that Konstantinos Koulierakis had returned to training with the group after missing time, while Bryan Cristante required more recovery following the recent match against Como. Donyell Malen's goalscoring form drew praise: "No, I did not expect he would have more goals than Mbappé in the calendar year, but these goals are all valid and deserved." Gasperini expressed hope that Roma can surpass what his Atalanta achieved. "This is my objective and my hope. The Atalanta arrived from a lower position than Roma, won the Europa League, played five Champions Leagues. But we cannot launch proclamations for our football: we cannot win the Champions, we need to grow our own garden well. Then the journey will still be long."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 October ahead of Roma's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. Gasperini framed the encounter as an opportunity to test Roma's competitive level against one of Europe's elite sides. "We verify it tomorrow," he said. "For us it's a good moment. We want to measure ourselves against a squad that is among the best in Europe, even if perhaps they need a period of adjustment because they have changed manager and playing style. It remains a squad that beat Inter—it's a prestigious match that also counts for the standings." Gasperini emphasised that Roma should not abandon their identity against such opposition. When asked about Roma's defensive approach against top teams, he stated: "Our attitude brought us to win the Champions League, it is clear that we know the value of Real Madrid but it is not the first squad of value we meet. Real are a squad that when you think you are putting them in difficulty, that is the moment they score a goal. It is part of the great squads that have great players. I do not believe Roma should distort its characteristics." He added that Roma's return to the Champions League itself represented a significant achievement for the club, comparing the current squad to his previous work with Atalanta and framing the ongoing project as one requiring patience. On José Mourinho, who managed Roma until last season, Gasperini predicted the Roma supporters would offer him recognition before kick-off. "There has been important affection from the fans towards Mourinho," Gasperini said. "He deserves the recognition of the people. Then the match begins and everyone lets go of all sentiments and the people of Rome will only support their own squad." Regarding what he might learn from Mourinho, Gasperini offered: "If I could take something it would be the empathy to have yourself taken extraordinary players and spend notable sums—that is fantastic." On squad availability, Gasperini confirmed that Konstantinos Koulierakis returned to group training on 12 October, while Bryan Cristante requires further recovery time following the Como fixture. Gasperini noted that Real Madrid, despite their individual quality, still require match fitness and cohesion. "They have great resources, they remain a squad capable of winning any type of match," he said. "On the purely playing side they have margins and they will be able to improve." The fixture will be Roma's next serious test after recent domestic engagements, with Gasperini stressing that the Champions League competition itself offers the club vital resources for development regardless of trophies won.