Marten de Roon arrives in Rome for Roma medical

Roma have begun planning reinforcements for the January transfer window and have set their sights on Daniel Banjaqui, a 2008-born right-back at Benfica considered one of Europe's most promising young talents in his position. The interest comes as the club looks ahead to both immediate needs and longer-term recruitment options. Banjaqui has already attracted attention from several clubs, including Juventus, according to German transfer outlet Transfersfeed. The move would form part of Roma's broader strategy to strengthen the squad in the coming window, with ambitious signings under consideration beyond their existing targets.

Roma have identified Daniel Banjaqui, a 18-year-old right-back at Benfica, as a potential transfer target, according to German outlet Transfersfeed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini stated ahead of Roma's match against Real Madrid: "Now the January market does not interest me", with reference to forward Endrick, who is expected to remain at the Spanish club. Roma's move for Banjaqui comes as the club considers alternative objectives across different positions. Juventus are also monitoring the teenager among several European sides tracking him. Banjaqui remains contracted to Benfica until 2031 with a release clause set at €45 million, though a transfer could potentially be negotiated for around €35 million. Roma have undertaken only preliminary information-gathering through intermediaries at this stage, with no concrete negotiations underway. The club are also watching developments in Portugal across two fronts: alongside Banjaqui at Benfica, Roma are tracking Porto right-winger William Gomes, a 20-year-old left-footed player. Gomes carries a substantial release clause of €80 million in his current Porto contract, which expires in 2031. The clause is expected to rise to €100 million following an imminent contract renewal with the Portuguese club. Neither pursuit represents an active negotiation at present.

José Mourinho has issued a clear warning to clubs pursuing Endrick ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League fixture against Roma on Tuesday. The Real Madrid manager said: "Whoever wants to take him in January will have to go over me and fight me." Mourinho doubled down on his determination to keep the Brazilian forward, stating: "Endrick is not going anywhere, I adore him. He is very strong and will help us. Loans are not needed, Endrick will explode here at Madrid." The comments represent a significant setback for Roma, who have continued to monitor the 2006-born forward ahead of the January transfer window. The Giallorossi had come close to signing Endrick on loan during the summer before Mourinho intervened to retain him at the Bernabéu. Interest has resurfaced because of the limited playing time Endrick has received at the start of this season, prompting Roma and other European clubs to renew their pursuit. Mourinho's latest stance suggests he plans to block any departure attempt again, convinced he can revive Endrick's form directly at Madrid. When asked in a press conference today whether he might use his encounter with Mourinho to discuss Endrick, Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini smiled but deflected the question. Gasperini said: "Right now the January market is something that doesn't interest me." For Roma to realistically pursue Endrick in January, they will first need to persuade Real Madrid and overcome Mourinho's clear resistance to letting the player leave.

Roma host Real Madrid at the Olimpico in the second matchday of the Champions League League Phase, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having settled on his starting XI. Pierluigi Gollini will start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the defence. Nahuel Molina and Wesley are set to operate on the flanks, while Marten De Roon will partner Manu Koné in midfield as Bryan Cristante remains unavailable. Matías Soulé will play behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack. The midfield pairing of De Roon and Koné faces the task of withstanding Real Madrid's central dominance and providing intensity and cover during transitions. Gasperini is placing his faith in the attacking unit that offers the greatest technical guarantees and threat. The only meaningful defensive debate involves Leonardo Balerdi pressing Mario Hermoso for a place, while Devyne Rensch represents an alternative on the right flank—though Molina appears favoured to start from the opening whistle. Donyell Malen will make his first start despite the red card he received on Sunday against Como. Roma's probable formation (3-4-1-2): Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Koné, Wesley; Soulé; Dybala, Malen. The club will field itself without particular calculation, ready to challenge Real Madrid with its own identity and with the Olimpico expected to drive the team through one of the most prestigious evenings in recent years.

Roma face Real Madrid with the confidence built from their Como victory, and Gian Piero Gasperini is determined to impose his tactical identity on a side capable of competing with anyone. The coach plans to stick to his philosophy rather than adapt to José Mourinho's presence on the bench opposite, relying on the clarity of purpose his side has developed over the season. The team's shape is largely settled. Malen, Dybala and Soulé will lead the attack, with Manu Koné and Marten de Roon anchoring midfield. The uncertainty lies in defence, where Leonardo Balerdi is pushing for a starting place and may displace Evan N'Dicka from the back three. Italian newspapers have outlined their predicted lineups. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Leggo all favour a 3-4-1-2 with Soulé in the creative role. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport predict a 3-4-2-1 with both Soulé and Dybala in advanced positions ahead of Malen. The main divergence concerns the central defence: Balerdi features in three predictions (Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere della Sera and Leggo), while the others retain N'Dicka. Pierluigi Gollini is expected to start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini, Devyne Rensch, Nahuel Molina and Wesley forming the defensive structure across the various formations.

Roma will host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in a Champions League fixture that marks the return of José Mourinho to his former club for the first time since his departure. The Olimpico is expecting more than 400 accredited media representatives from 16 countries and five continents for what will be the stadium's first major European night in seven years, restoring its international atmosphere after years away from continental elite competition. Gasperini has opted to maintain Roma's recent form and tactical identity rather than alter his approach against one of Europe's strongest teams. The club arrives on a run of 14 consecutive results without defeat and has no intention of changing course at this juncture. The manager has acknowledged the respect Roma's supporters hold for Mourinho while emphasising that once the match begins, the Olimpico will focus entirely on supporting the home side. Real Madrid, despite their individual talent, are still seeking the right cohesion as a unit. Gasperini will field his established lineup: Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen across the front three, Wesley and Nahuel Molina on the flanks, Manu Koné and Marten de Roon in midfield, and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso protecting Pierluigi Gollini in goal. For Roma, the fixture represents a fundamental test—a chance to measure their ambitions, enjoy their return to European football's elite level, and deliver a performance worthy of a night that has been absent from the stadium for far too long.