Gasperini tests Roma's European ambitions against Real Madrid and the return of Mourinho

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.

Roma's Stadio Olimpico has sold out for tonight's Champions League match against Real Madrid, with 60,000 supporters ready to create an atmosphere described as historic. Every section of the stadium will become a cauldron, driving Roma forward in a fixture that promises to remain in the memory of all who attend. The evening carries emotional weight beyond the sporting contest itself, rooted in the return of José Mourinho, who managed Roma from 2009 to 2011 and again in 2024–25. The Olimpico has prepared a special tribute for Mourinho despite his current role as opponent, with plans for chants, banners and a demonstration of affection that reflects the unbroken bond Roma's supporters maintain with him. Francesco Totti has been invited by the club to attend the fixture, an invitation that would add further resonance to the occasion. The presence of the club's former captain alongside the return of Mourinho would unite the club's past, present and future in what the article characterises as a single great embrace of Roma's identity.

Roma face Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico at 21:00 in the second matchday of the Champions League league phase. The Giallorossi arrive on the back of a 0–0 draw against Como in Serie A and look to test themselves against the Spanish side managed by José Mourinho. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has one significant defensive selection to resolve: a choice between Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi in the back three. The right flank also remains open, with Devyne Rensch and Nahuel Molina in contention, while Emanuele Lulli sits further down the pecking order. In attack, Matías Soulé is favoured over Rodrigo Mora and Lorenzo Pellegrini for a starting place. Multiple Italian newspapers have published their predicted lineups for the fixture, mostly settling on a 3–4–2–1 formation. La Gazzetta dello Sport lists N'Dicka in defence alongside Gianluca Mancini and Balerdi, with Rensch at right-back and Wesley on the left, and Donyell Malen leading the line. Corriere dello Sport predicts Mario Hermoso in place of Balerdi, also backing N'Dicka and Rensch. Il Tempo opts for Balerdi over N'Dicka and switches to a 3–4–1–2 shape. Il Messaggero agrees on that formation and personnel, pairing N'Dicka with Balerdi and Hermoso behind. IL Romanista and Romanewseu both favour N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence with Wesley and Molina on the flanks in a 3–4–2–1 setup.