Gasperini to address media ahead of Lecce trip

Roma will face Real Madrid on Wednesday at 21:00 in the Champions League, a fixture that carries particular weight given the history between the clubs. Gian Piero Gasperini spoke after Roma's draw at Como, saying of the challenge ahead: "If I look at Real Madrid, I see a squad of incredible champions, both on the pitch and on the bench. We face one of the strongest formations in Europe overall, one that has also done extraordinary business in the market this year." Roma's last meeting with Real Madrid in continental competition came in the league phase of the Champions League, where the Spanish side won both encounters — 3–0 at the Bernabéu and a second victory at the Olimpico, with goals from Bale and Vázquez. Roma's last victory over Real Madrid dates to the 2007–08 season under Luciano Spalletti, when the club knocked the Spanish side out at the Champions League round of 16, winning 2–1 both at home and away. Gasperini hopes to follow in the footsteps of that Roma team, which made a strong impression across Europe.

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold his pre-match press conference tomorrow at 13:30, alongside one of his players, as Roma prepare for their Champions League fixture against Real Madrid on Wednesday at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. The squad will conduct a final training session shortly after the press conference. Gasperini has few formation doubts ahead of the encounter, with the main tactical question centring on the attacking midfield position. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé are competing for a starting place alongside Paulo Dybala in that area of the pitch.

Roma turn their attention to the Champions League after drawing with Como, preparing to host Real Madrid at the Olimpico on Wednesday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a press conference on Friday at 13:30, accompanied by a player, to preview the match against Carlo Ancelotti's side. The squad will then conduct a final training session ahead of the encounter with the Spanish champions. The fixture carries particular significance given José Mourinho's history with Roma. The buildup intensifies with Gasperini's media appearance, which will mark the formal start of preparations for a Champions League fixture that sits at the heart of Roma's campaign this season.