Gasperini on De Roon and Balerdi arrivals: 'Two captains and greater physicality' – Roma still seeking attacking reinforcement

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.

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's loan contingent produced mixed results across European and domestic competitions this week, with midfielder Luigi Cherubini and midfielder Neil El Aynaoui delivering attacking contributions while others awaited their chance. Cherubini, on loan at Benevento with a right of option and obligation to buy, scored in the 93rd minute of Benevento's 2–0 win over Cesena. Introduced from the bench in the 79th minute, the 2004-born winger capitalized on a defensive error by Ilic, rounded the goalkeeper and finished to seal victory. He was booked in the 81st minute and initially had a goal ruled out for offside before his late winner. The performance earned him a rating of 7 from BeneventoNews24 and PianetaSerieB as Benevento secured a third consecutive victory. El Aynaoui, a midfielder on loan at RB Lipsia with a right of rescission, provided the assist for Banzuzi's opening goal after just one minute in a 6–0 Bundesliga demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. Deployed in the starting lineup by Demichelis, El Aynaoui contributed to a dominant first half that saw Lipsia lead 4–0 at the interval, including a hat-trick from Nkunku. He was booked in the 27th minute and substituted in the 58th when the scoreline already stood at 5–0. Elsewhere, defender Filippo Reale (Carrarese, on loan with option and counter-option) played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 away win over Padova, maintaining a clean sheet. Young defender Mohamed Seck (Foggia, on loan) completed all 90 minutes in a 3–1 home defeat to Potenza and received a rating of 5, criticized for poor positioning during the opposition's counter-attacks. Forward Artem Dovbyk (Bologna, on loan with right of rescission) returned to the squad after a muscular injury to his flexors but remained unused on the bench in Bologna's 2–1 away win at Lecce. Forward Robinio Vaz (Hull City) was named in the squad for a 2–2 Premier League draw against Everton but played no part, remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

Roma's loanees made their mark during the international break, with Mohamed Seck delivering a commanding defensive display, Luigi Cherubini scoring for Italy's Under-21s, and Neil El Aynaoui clocking over 240 minutes for Morocco across three matches. Seck, a 2007-born defender, started the full 90 minutes in Foggia's 2-0 victory at Cosenza, keeping a clean sheet and earning praise from local media. The Corriere della Calabria awarded him 6.5, while Foggiacalciomania highlighted an almost flawless performance. He picked up a yellow card in the 28th minute but remained unaffected. Radoslaw Zelezny continued his fine form between the sticks for Perugia, playing all 90 minutes in a 3-1 derby win over Gubbio; he conceded little that was preventable and earned a 6.5 rating for his security in possession and distribution. Federico Nardin also impressed at Pescara, completing the full match in a 1-0 win at Livorno achieved by a late Sardo goal, and has now been called up to Italy's Under-19 squad for friendlies against Scotland on 10 and 13 October. Cherubini made the most impact during the break. After coming off the bench in the 79th minute of Italy U21's 1-0 win in Armenia, he was introduced again at the same stage against Poland on 4 October and scored just seven minutes later to seal a 6-2 victory and confirm Italy's direct qualification to the Under-21 European Championship final tournament. El Aynaoui started all three of Morocco's matches—a 2-0 win over Gabon (90 minutes), a 2-0 victory against Lesotho (67 minutes), and a 1-1 draw with Mali on 4 October (full 90)—demonstrating his standing with the national team. Anass Salah-Eddine also featured for Morocco, starting the full 90 minutes at left-back in the Mali friendly. Marash Kumbulla entered Albania's 3-0 Nations League win over San Marino at half-time and played the full second half. Artem Dovbyk, on loan at Bologna, skipped his Ukraine convocation to continue recovering from a muscular problem affecting his hamstring and has already resumed full training with the Bolognese squad ahead of the league's resumption.

Roma have made a strong start to the 2026-27 season with 13 points from five matches, matching Inter and Lazio at the top of Serie A but ahead on goal difference. A second-half goal by Lautaro in a direct clash with Inter prevented a perfect record, but the squad's overall level remains high. The arrival of summer players has been central to the club's early form. Nahuel Molina is still building fitness but establishing himself in the team, while Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact with a goal already on his account. Leonardo Balerdi has already won over the supporters and claimed a starting berth, and Konstantinos Koulierakis, Marten de Roon and Santiago Castro are all expected to become important resources as the fixture list intensifies through October and November, though some have yet to feature heavily. The squad recruitment was balanced by significant outgoings managed by director Tony D'Amico, which allowed Roma to fund their incomings. With the first international break now reached, a review of Roma's players still on loan across Europe becomes timely. Neil El Aynaoui and other loan-out players carry combined recall obligations of €95 million, making their performances and development over the coming months a matter of considerable financial consequence for the club.