Pellegrini breaks silence on Roma return to Champions League and media criticism

Street artist Drugi has created another mural dedicated to AS Roma, following an earlier work featuring José Mourinho alongside a child holding the Conference League trophy. The new artwork carries an Instagram message from the artist explaining its meaning: "There are loves that do not need to be explained. They are learned young, in the stories of those who came before us. They are carried with you, kept in memories, passed down like the most precious things. They pass from hand to hand, from heart to heart. And they never age. Because AS Roma is also this: an invisible thread that holds generations together. And as long as there is someone ready to pass on this love, there will always be a new story to tell. Because the Roma fan, of fans there is always more. ❤️💛" The scarf in the mural bears the inscription "Magica+", the same text that has appeared on AS Roma's official website. A countdown has begun pointing to 17 October, with further details of the initiative to be revealed in the coming days.

Street artist Drugi has created another mural dedicated to AS Roma, following his earlier work honouring José Mourinho alongside a child holding the Conference trophy. The new work carries the inscription 'Magica+', which has also appeared on the official AS Roma website. Drugi explained the mural's meaning on Instagram: "There are loves that do not need to be explained. They are learned from childhood, through the stories of those who came before us. They are carried within, kept safe in memories, and passed down like the most precious things. They pass from hand to hand, from heart to heart. And they never age. Because AS Roma is also this: an invisible thread that holds generations together. And as long as there is someone ready to pass on this love, there will always be a new story to tell. Because the Romanista fan, of fans there is always one more. ❤️💛" The countdown on the 'Magica+' branding points to 17 October, with full details of the initiative to be revealed in the coming days.

Street artist Drugi, a Roma supporter, has unveiled a new mural in the Garbatella district dedicated to Roma fans. The work references the club's famous anthem and features the phrase "Magica +" on a scarf woven by an elderly fan's grandmother. The logo appeared simultaneously on AS Roma's official website alongside a countdown set to end at 10:00 on Saturday 17 October, though the nature of the announcement remains undisclosed. Neither Drugi nor Roma have revealed details on their social media channels. The mural celebrates the generational bond between Roma supporters and the club's heritage. Drugi accompanied the artwork with a statement on social media: "There are loves that do not need to be explained. You learn them as a child, in the stories of those who came before us. You carry them with you, you keep them in your memories, you pass them on like the most precious things. They pass from hand to hand, from heart to heart. And they never age. Because AS Roma is also this: an invisible thread that holds generations together. And as long as there is someone ready to pass on this love, there will always be a new story to tell. Because the Roma supporter, of supporters there is always the +." The countdown's purpose will be revealed at 10:00 on 17 October. The mural connects multiple generations of the club's fanbase through their shared passion and cultural memory.

Rodrigo Mora made a striking impression against Real Madrid on 14 October, coming on at half-time in place of Paulo Dybala and delivering a performance that caught the attention of both Roma supporters and Blancos fans alike. The Portuguese midfielder, born in 2007, picked apart Real Madrid's midfield repeatedly and provided an assist for Donyell Malen's goal that brought Roma level at 2–1. His display was sufficiently compelling to prompt Spanish fans to praise him on social media. Mora had appeared only from the bench in earlier fixtures against Inter and Como before manager Gian Piero Gasperini handed him a starting opportunity of sorts against the Spanish giants. The 19-year-old has seen limited first-team action so far this season, rotating with Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the left of Roma's attacking three. His performance against Madrid, however, gave notice of his potential and may prompt Gasperini to deploy him from the start in the forthcoming league match against Genoa. Real Madrid supporters responded enthusiastically on social media. One commented: "That Rodrigo Mora is incredible, what a player!", while another wrote: "Mora made Real dance, he has more football in him than our entire midfield." A third noted: "He cost only 25 million this summer..." Gasperini's decision to introduce Mora at the interval, replacing a player of Dybala's calibre, underscored the manager's confidence in the young Portuguese talent's ability to handle elite opposition.

Roma came away with regret from their return to Champions League football at the Stadio Olimpico after seven years, with a dominant performance undone in the final ten minutes. Lorenzo Pellegrini, introduced in the second half as captain in place of Matías Soulé, posted a message to Roma supporters on social media: "Today more than ever... PROUD TO BE ROMANISTI!" Marten de Roon, in his second consecutive start and the author of Roma's opening goal, also reflected on the result: "What to say after last night. My first Champions League goal on my debut at the Olimpico. It's a difficult result to digest but thanks to all the fans for the unforgettable atmosphere. We continue, Sine-Metu!" The performance marked a significant return to European football's premier competition for the club after a seven-year absence, despite the disappointment of the outcome.

Roma face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 17 October at 20:45 in Serie A matchday seven, aiming to return to winning ways after a 4–3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. The Giallorossi drew 0–0 against Como and 0–0 against Inter before the Real Madrid loss; they have not won since facing Torino. Genoa, managed by Daniele De Rossi, won their first match of the season last time out, beating Fiorentina 2–1. Gasperini will make changes to his squad following injuries sustained against Real Madrid. Manu Koné left the pitch in the first half with a muscle problem, while Paulo Dybala was substituted at half-time with a muscular strain; both remain under assessment as of 15 October, with recovery timings unclear. Mile Svilar is out with a fractured toe, Bryan Cristante with a knee problem, and Donyell Malen suspended following his red card against Como. Roma last won on matchday six against Torino. In Gasperini's 3–4–2–1 formation, Pierluigi Gollini will start in goal with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in the three-man defence. Emanuele Lulli and Wesley are set for the full-back positions, with Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli in midfield. Santiago Castro will lead the attack in place of the suspended Malen, Matías Soulé will play behind him, and Rodrigo Mora is favoured to complete the attacking line if Dybala cannot recover; Lorenzo Pellegrini is an alternative. De Rossi's Genoa are likely to line up in a 4–4–1–1 with goalkeeper Bijlow, but a 3–5–2 with Vitinha alongside the striker remains possible. Roma hold a dominant record at the Olimpico against Genoa: across 65 official matches played in the capital, the Giallorossi have won 48, Genoa 9, with 8 draws. Most recently Roma won 3–1 on 29 December 2025; before that, on 17 January 1990, Genoa last won at the Olimpico, prevailing 1–0. The official lineups will be confirmed before kickoff. The match will be broadcast on DAZN and Sky Sport, with streaming available through NOW and Sky Go according to subscription level.