Gollini targets another starring display as Roma face Real Madrid, a team linked to his destiny

Roma's radio stations examined the club's upcoming Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday, with tactical debate and nostalgia dominating discussion among broadcasters ahead of José Mourinho's return to the Stadio Olimpico. Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport flagged Paulo Dybala's missed goal as serious, saying: "The thing that gave me relief is that in 11 against 10 Gollini didn't make a serious save despite missing three fundamental players. De Roon's performance gave me great encouragement—he proved you can play even without Cristante." David Rossi warned of the danger: "If you play soft against Real Madrid you risk waking up to find yourself losing, because they have too many strong players. If Real Madrid gave Roma even one of those champions, Roma would win the Serie A title." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo placed the match in context: "The emotional meanings are greater than the sporting ones, emotional not only for Mourinho but also for the squad, to understand its consistency and make it grow by comparing itself with Europe's best. There are few sporting meanings, because Roma will play well but Real is much stronger and so I don't expect anything special." Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista offered tactical insight, saying: "Of the three matches—Inter, Como and Real—the one with Madrid would be tactically the easiest. Not in absolute values, because Real has stunning players who can win matches alone, but tactically. Real Madrid won't have tactical surprises like Como and Inter might have. Rome will go and press them, widening an attacker on one side and a full-back on the other. I expect Rensch with Wesley, or Molina because he knows the opponents." Lorenzo Pes believed the team carried momentum: "I perceive confidence, and knowing Gasp he'll play the match as usual. What happened at Como is a beautiful proof of knowing how to change skin." Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo offered perspective on Mourinho: "Real Madrid this year are struggling especially away from home. Mourinho? I've already said it, but in my opinion he's never been this emotional in 30 years of a career." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio predicted a warm reception: "The stadium will welcome Mourinho very well; he represented a great deal to Roma's fans. He seems very grateful and remembers this experience with great affection, even more than Milan." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo cautioned: "Real Madrid is a team that doesn't like being attacked, though clearly you must be careful and 100 per cent concentrated because if they start moving, they have players who are the number ones in the world." Giulia Mizzoni of Rete Sport marked the moment's significance: "Roma-Real Madrid is the standout match of this Wednesday's Champions League. It's five years since I've waited to experience an evening like this at the Olimpico. It's a match with many stories inside it: Mou's return, Gasp's first at home." The match was set for Wednesday 13 October, with stadium officials preparing a reception for Mourinho, the manager who guided Roma to the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League title.

Donyell Malen will lead Roma's attack alongside Paulo Dybala in tomorrow's Champions League match against Real Madrid, with Matías Soulé deployed behind them. The Dutch forward is chasing redemption after his red card in the Como fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a press conference at 13:30 alongside Malen, with a training session scheduled for 15:00. Santiago Castro is expected to start in Malen's place on Saturday against Genoa, with a possible rotation between the two for the Real Madrid encounter. Defensive decisions remain fluid: Leonardo Balerdi is pushing for a starting role, while either Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso could be rested. José Mourinho is due to speak at 18:00.

Roma radio pundits have weighed in ahead of tomorrow's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid, with speakers emphasising the importance of maintaining the club's identity on Europe's biggest stage. Andrea Verdenelli told Radio Bruno (101.5) that the match will be "a day of celebration, we return to hear the music of Champions football. The important thing will be not to lose our identity and to continue with the same modus operandi. Respect? Obviously, but not fear — we are Roma." Luca Ferri, also speaking to Radio Bruno (101.5), said: "Tomorrow, finally, we will return to breathe the air of football that matters. I expect a Roma that will not lose its identity and will face Real Madrid with the attitude seen in this start of the season." The comments reflect confidence in Roma's recent form as they prepare to test themselves against one of European football's traditional powerhouses in the league phase. Roberta Pedrelli used her Radio Bruno (101.5) slot to address Paulo Dybala's future at the club. "The story between Dybala and Roma is a love story," she said. "I hope for a renewal and the assignment of the number 10 to Paulo, one of the few players who still refuses the god of money. Nothing would take away from what Totti was for Roma and Rome. There is a need to dream. From tomorrow, even more so."

Roma's radio stations examined the club's upcoming Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday, with tactical debate and nostalgia dominating discussion among broadcasters ahead of José Mourinho's return to the Stadio Olimpico. Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport flagged Paulo Dybala's missed goal as serious, saying: "The thing that gave me relief is that in 11 against 10 Gollini didn't make a serious save despite missing three fundamental players. De Roon's performance gave me great encouragement—he proved you can play even without Cristante." David Rossi warned of the danger: "If you play soft against Real Madrid you risk waking up to find yourself losing, because they have too many strong players. If Real Madrid gave Roma even one of those champions, Roma would win the Serie A title." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo placed the match in context: "The emotional meanings are greater than the sporting ones, emotional not only for Mourinho but also for the squad, to understand its consistency and make it grow by comparing itself with Europe's best. There are few sporting meanings, because Roma will play well but Real is much stronger and so I don't expect anything special." Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista offered tactical insight, saying: "Of the three matches—Inter, Como and Real—the one with Madrid would be tactically the easiest. Not in absolute values, because Real has stunning players who can win matches alone, but tactically. Real Madrid won't have tactical surprises like Como and Inter might have. Rome will go and press them, widening an attacker on one side and a full-back on the other. I expect Rensch with Wesley, or Molina because he knows the opponents." Lorenzo Pes believed the team carried momentum: "I perceive confidence, and knowing Gasp he'll play the match as usual. What happened at Como is a beautiful proof of knowing how to change skin." Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo offered perspective on Mourinho: "Real Madrid this year are struggling especially away from home. Mourinho? I've already said it, but in my opinion he's never been this emotional in 30 years of a career." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio predicted a warm reception: "The stadium will welcome Mourinho very well; he represented a great deal to Roma's fans. He seems very grateful and remembers this experience with great affection, even more than Milan." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo cautioned: "Real Madrid is a team that doesn't like being attacked, though clearly you must be careful and 100 per cent concentrated because if they start moving, they have players who are the number ones in the world." Giulia Mizzoni of Rete Sport marked the moment's significance: "Roma-Real Madrid is the standout match of this Wednesday's Champions League. It's five years since I've waited to experience an evening like this at the Olimpico. It's a match with many stories inside it: Mou's return, Gasp's first at home." The match was set for Wednesday 13 October, with stadium officials preparing a reception for Mourinho, the manager who guided Roma to the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League title.

Roma will host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October 2026 in a Champions League fixture that marks the club's return to the competition at home for the first time in seven years — 2,801 days since their last such match. The encounter carries added significance: Real Madrid are managed by José Mourinho, who left Roma in January 2024, ensuring an emotionally charged reunion between the Portuguese coach and the Giallorossi. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will lean heavily on Roma's defensive strength as his primary weapon against Real Madrid's attacking talent. Roma boasted the joint-best defence in Serie A 2025–26 alongside Cagliari, conceding just three goals across their continental matches and achieving clean sheets in six official fixtures — a record that places them among European football's elite. However, Gasperini faces a defensive injury crisis: Mile Svilar is unavailable between the posts, handing the gloves to Pierluigi Gollini, who last played a Champions League match on 24 February 2021 in the same competition while with Atalanta against Real Madrid. Bryan Cristante is also sidelined, with Marten de Roon set to control the midfield. Paulo Dybala will lead Roma's attacking thrust, bringing experience and quality to European nights. Roma's task is formidable. Real Madrid possess pace and firepower through players including Mbappé, Vinicius and Rodrygo. Roma, however, enter with momentum after claiming a point in their Champions League opener against Fenerbahçe. The Stadio Olimpico is expected to be packed, with supporters determined to provide backing for their side and extend a respectful welcome to Mourinho. Roma aim to secure a positive result that consolidates their path towards the playoff stage and sustains confidence in their European campaign.

Roma face Real Madrid in the Champions League second matchday tomorrow at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, seeking their first victory after drawing with Fenerbahce. The Giallorossi will be at full capacity for the clash against the Blancos. Gasperini will deploy Soulé, Dybala and Malen in attack, while Gollini continues in goal in place of the injured Svilar. The match will be broadcast exclusively on Prime Video. To watch on television, viewers will need an Amazon Prime Video subscription and can access it via smart TV app, gaming consoles including Xbox or PlayStation, or compatible devices such as Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and TIM VISION Box. Live coverage will also be available through Forzaroma.info's live blog and social media updates on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Roma will host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October 2026 in a Champions League fixture that marks the club's return to the competition at home for the first time in seven years — 2,801 days since their last such match. The encounter carries added significance: Real Madrid are managed by José Mourinho, who left Roma in January 2024, ensuring an emotionally charged reunion between the Portuguese coach and the Giallorossi. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will lean heavily on Roma's defensive strength as his primary weapon against Real Madrid's attacking talent. Roma boasted the joint-best defence in Serie A 2025–26 alongside Cagliari, conceding just three goals across their continental matches and achieving clean sheets in six official fixtures — a record that places them among European football's elite. However, Gasperini faces a defensive injury crisis: Mile Svilar is unavailable between the posts, handing the gloves to Pierluigi Gollini, who last played a Champions League match on 24 February 2021 in the same competition while with Atalanta against Real Madrid. Bryan Cristante is also sidelined, with Marten de Roon set to control the midfield. Paulo Dybala will lead Roma's attacking thrust, bringing experience and quality to European nights. Roma's task is formidable. Real Madrid possess pace and firepower through players including Mbappé, Vinicius and Rodrygo. Roma, however, enter with momentum after claiming a point in their Champions League opener against Fenerbahçe. The Stadio Olimpico is expected to be packed, with supporters determined to provide backing for their side and extend a respectful welcome to Mourinho. Roma aim to secure a positive result that consolidates their path towards the playoff stage and sustains confidence in their European campaign.

Roma face Real Madrid in the Champions League second matchday tomorrow at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, seeking their first victory after drawing with Fenerbahce. The Giallorossi will be at full capacity for the clash against the Blancos. Gasperini will deploy Soulé, Dybala and Malen in attack, while Gollini continues in goal in place of the injured Svilar. The match will be broadcast exclusively on Prime Video. To watch on television, viewers will need an Amazon Prime Video subscription and can access it via smart TV app, gaming consoles including Xbox or PlayStation, or compatible devices such as Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and TIM VISION Box. Live coverage will also be available through Forzaroma.info's live blog and social media updates on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Paulo Dybala has promised Roma can match one of world football's most decorated teams when Real Madrid visit the Olimpico in the Champions League on 14 October. Speaking to UEFA's official channels, the Argentine forward—set to start in Gian Piero Gasperini's attack—said: "We play against one of the most titled teams in the world, but with the push of our fans we will have something more." The match marks Roma's return to European football's elite competition at home after a long absence; the club's last Champions League fixture at the Olimpico came on 12 February 2019, when Nicolò Zaniolo scored twice against Porto. The tie also carries personal resonance for Dybala, who will face José Mourinho—the manager who led Roma to the Europa League final in Budapest. Dybala has previously reflected on that run with emotion: "A genius who always protected us. We deserved to win that Europa League final in Budapest." Off the pitch, Dybala has reinforced his commitment to Roma's long-term future, telling the club: "I would never have imagined having a career like this in this country. I hope there can be an Italian ending." Gasperini will be without Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar through injury. Konstantinos Koulierakis is fit and available after encouraging signs in his recovery; all other squad members are at the manager's disposal. The club's board is expected to attend, underlining their support for the team on the night.

Roma's 0-0 draw at Como revealed a significant shift in Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical identity, demonstrating both defensive resilience and a willingness to accept a hard-fought point when circumstances demand it. The result, secured while playing more than a third of the match with ten men, drew praise from the coach for his team's refusal to surrender. Gasperini said: "I celebrated for the spirit we showed on the pitch until the ninety-fourth minute. Playing more than a third of a match in numerical inferiority against this Como without ever stepping back is a big deal." The performance marked a departure from Gasperini's traditional approach, which has always prioritised sustained attacking, pursuing a second or third goal regardless of defensive risk. This season, Roma have absorbed the principle that if a match cannot be won, it must be prevented from being lost—a pragmatic shift essential to competing for the season's highest targets. The club's overall balance across all departments now reflects this maturity: Roma have conceded just three goals so far, sharing the league's best defensive record with Cagliari, while maintaining the second-most prolific attack with 14 goals, trailing only Inter. Como's dominance of possession in the final stages—reaching 83.8%—was neutralised by Roma's midfield and defensive foundation. Gianluca Mancini handled 51 passes, Marten de Roon 55, Wesley 65 and Nahuel Molina 63. The defensive line, led by Evan N'Dicka and rotating through Mario Hermoso, Leonardo Balerdi and Daniele Ghilardi, proved impenetrable. Paulo Dybala, despite minor errors born of fatigue, managed 47 passes away from Roma's box, functioning as a leader among opponents' attackers and maintaining continuity through all 90 minutes with ten men. This combination of technical quality and competitive intensity forms the foundation Roma will need for the season's major fixtures.

Amantino Mancini, who Roma discovered at Atlético Mineiro and brought to Italy, will watch tomorrow evening's Roma–Real Madrid match with particular interest. Roma beat Real Madrid in the 2007–08 Champions League round of 16, with Mancini himself scoring the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory at the Olimpico on 19 February 2008. "That was a Roma team that played beautiful football," Mancini said. "The atmosphere at the Olimpico that day was wonderful, the kind you only experience in the Champions League. An unforgettable match. And scoring under the Curva Sud in that way, against Real Madrid, was a dream. A beautiful moment, on a unique stage." Mancini also played under José Mourinho at Inter Milan, winning the Serie A title in the first season before a difficult second campaign. He holds Mourinho in high regard: "I have an excellent memory of Mourinho—he is a great coach." Looking ahead to tomorrow's fixture, Mancini expressed hope that Roma can deliver a strong performance. "It will be a fine match, with the Olimpico packed to the rafters pushing us on," he said. "I hope Roma can put in a brilliant display, perhaps winning. That would be a key victory for the Champions League." Mancini also addressed Roma's broader prospects this season. "Roma can certainly give Inter trouble in the title race," he said. "They have started well, begun the campaign with consistency in results and performances, which is important for anyone wanting to win. Inter should be warned."

Gianluca Mancini has offered his perspective on Roma's Champions League clash against Real Madrid, drawing on his unique experience as both a former Roma player who scored against the Spanish club in 2008 and a subsequent Inter player under José Mourinho. The double connection gives him insight into the tactical battle ahead between Gian Piero Gasperini and Mourinho, who now manages Real Madrid. Mancini recalled Roma's historic 2–0 victory over Real Madrid on 19 February 2008, when he scored under the Curva Sud. "That was a Roma playing the most beautiful football. The atmosphere at the Olimpico that day was wonderful, one of those you only experience in the Champions League," he said. He defended Mourinho against suggestions he is outdated: "He's a coach who has won a huge number of trophies in his career. Maybe those who say these things are a bit envious." Mancini is confident Roma can succeed if they bring the right intensity. "It will be a beautiful match, with the Olimpico packed and pushing. I hope Roma can play a tremendous game, maybe winning: that would be a key victory for the Champions League," he said. On how Gasperini can destabilize Real Madrid, Mancini explained: "Roma will need to be intense, with a lot of physicality: if they manage that they can also win, Gasp's style of play can put the Spanish in crisis. The Roma coach, moreover, has already done well against many big European teams when he was at Atalanta." On Wesley, who has struggled this season after a promising debut last year, Mancini was measured: "Wesley arrived at Roma unknown to anyone and did very well. This year he's been affected a bit by injury and a bit by the fact that now everyone knows him. It will be harder for him now, but he's still young and can grow. He has interesting characteristics, but Maicon and Cafu were another level. Those were two monsters, with lots of strength and quality." Mancini also noted the novelty of Roma fielding no Brazilian players this season after the club had long relied on them, and backed Roma's title credentials. "Rome has started well, begun the season with continuity of results and performances, which is an important aspect for those who want to win. Inter is warned," he said.