Mourinho mural vandalized near Stadio Olimpico

Rosario Abisso will referee Roma's Serie A match against Genoa on Saturday 17 October at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico. The fixture carries extra significance with Daniele De Rossi returning to the capital as Genoa's manager. Abisso will be supported by assistants Tegoni and Miniutti, with Collu as fourth official. Pierpaolo Pairetto will oversee proceedings in the VAR room, with Massimi serving as AVAR. The match is part of a full weekend of Serie A fixtures running from Friday 16 October through Monday 19 October, with refereeing appointments assigned across all ten matches in the round.

Francesco Totti attended the Olimpico this evening for Roma's match against Real Madrid, where he confirmed his presence at the launch of the 2026/27 Panini football sticker album collection. The Roma legend offered his assessment of the title race, saying: "Roma is a team that can compete for the Scudetto. We know that Inter has an extra gear, but it is a team that can give them a run for their money." Totti reflected on his childhood memories of collecting Panini stickers, recalling that packets cost 200 lire when he was growing up. He described the hobby as unforgettable, explaining: "It was difficult to finish in a short time, it was fun because you would spend half the afternoon sticking the stickers in. But there was one team that I would turn upside down — I cannot say which one." The comment was a veiled reference to Lazio, Roma's fierce local rivals.

Francesco Totti attended the presentation of the 2026–27 Panini football sticker album and used the occasion to assess Roma's prospects this season. The former Roma captain said the club can compete for the Scudetto, acknowledging Inter as a strong rival: "It's a Roma that can compete for the Scudetto. We know Inter has an extra gear, but it's a team that can give them a tough match." Totti also praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's impact on the squad. When asked to name Roma's standout player, he responded: "The top player at Roma? There isn't one in particular. Right now I think the whole squad is doing well, but if I have to name someone, I'll mention manager Gasperini because he is creating a great compact group, united, that shows the will to win." The event, held in Lissone in the province of Monza and Brianza, gave Totti the chance to reflect on his childhood collecting Panini stickers. He recalled: "I grew up with Panini. Back then a packet cost 200 lire and they were unforgettable moments. It was hard to finish it quickly. It was fun because you'd spend half the afternoon sticking the stickers in. There was one team though that I used to put upside down. I can't say which one." Totti also announced he will attend Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Olimpico this evening, his first return to the stadium in two years. On the fixture, he said: "Roma will give Real Madrid a game, though you're always facing a team like Real Madrid. It's not the Real Madrid of our era, but it's a team with character and you have to show respect. It will be a difficult match for both sides, and when you come to play at the Olimpico with 70,000 people it's not easy." He added that José Mourinho deserves a warm welcome on his return as an opponent: "I think they will give him a great reception today, because the manager, as I've always said, gave a lot to this city and this squad. He reached two consecutive European finals, so it's only right that the whole city pays him tribute."