Gasperini's night: from Klopp's Liverpool to Real Madrid, the Anfield precedent that fuels Roma's dreams

Roma travel to a Champions League test against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, with former manager José Mourinho returning to face his old club for the first time since leaving. The fixture comes after Roma's goalless draw with Como in Serie A. Gasperini will be without Svilar, sidelined for approximately one month, and will rely on Gollini in goal—a choice that has yielded positive performances in the league. Roma enter the match seeking a significant result after drawing 1–1 with Fenerbahce in the opening fixture of the Champions League League Phase. Dybala and Malen are expected to lead the attack. The match will be broadcast on television, with specific broadcast details and team selections confirmed closer to kickoff.

Atlético Madrid supporters have shown solidarity with Roma's fanbase by displaying a Roma badge during their match against Manchester United on 13 October, which Atlético won 2–0. The gesture underscores the friendship between the two supporter bases, which has been evident on previous occasions: Atlético fans have previously unfurled Roma flags during derbies against Real Madrid and during the club's Champions League encounters with Inter. Roma face Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October at 21:00 in the second matchday of the Europa League league phase. The backing from Atlético's support represents tangible encouragement for the Giallorossi as they prepare for the fixture.

Radio pundit Lorenzo Pes has argued that Roma's spending under Gasperini this season exceeds what the club invested during José Mourinho's tenure. Speaking on Tele radio stereo (92.7), Pes said: "If we're talking about spending, this year Roma has spent more with Gasperini compared to Mourinho's years. Perhaps, as a coach, you could say other things about Mourinho. In general, it seems to me he is insisting a lot on the ownership, probably because he knows he can do so. Mourinho is trying to normalise everything, but it is clear that for him this is a particular moment. I expect a high-level match, also because the match itself will drive the teams to play that way. I don't think Roma will start with a fearful attitude: they know they have a technical difference and can face the match with serenity. But the qualification, you play it especially in the last four matches." The broader radio consensus in Rome suggests Roma can compete at the highest level. Nando Orsi (Radio Radio Mattino, 104.5) remarked: "Real Madrid seems very beatable to me right now. It doesn't seem like a top Madrid. Mourinho is now setting other tasks: he's thinking about managing the group more than coaching quality. The difference with Barcelona in terms of points is clear. They're not unbeatable, in short. Roma can compete." Legend Roberto Pruzzo, also on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), called for caution: "At the Olimpico I expect a match that could follow this pattern. A draw could suit both teams, but it will be important that the referee is up to the task, because compared to the Como match I don't have the same certainty: Real is an opponent that can hurt you. For this reason I would proceed with caution, trying to understand what is the best way to face the match."