Roma face Slovan Bratislava at the Olimpico in Champions League: probable line-ups and how to watch

Roma's probable starting line-up for their meeting with Slovan has been published, with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly bringing back the No. 23 and Mario Hermoso returning to the defence. Gianluca Mancini is expected to start, while Soulé and Pellegrini are set to operate behind Malen. The central defensive berth is a contest between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka. Molina is pushing Lulli for a place at right-back, and in midfield Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli are expected to start. Beyond the selection, the wider build-up has also produced news on the injury front. Paulo Dybala has a small tear and is expected to be out for a period, while Gasperini has said Roma need 10 points to qualify for the playoffs and that Dybala's recovery will take longer.

Roma return to Champions League action tomorrow, 20 October, when they host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico in matchday three of the league phase. Roma come into the game after a draw at Fenerbahce and a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid, and they are looking for their first European win of the season. Slovan are still on zero points and sit momentarily at the bottom of the table, with one goal scored and nine conceded. Their coach Yaya Touré arrives in Rome with his side's spirits lifted by a 3-0 win over Spartak Trnava in the Slovak derby, a result the Italian report describes as important above all psychologically, coming just days after a heavy European defeat to Stuttgart. Slovan's return to the league phase has not started as they hoped. On debut they were thrashed 6-1 by Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, with Suleiman Camara scoring their only goal. In the second matchday they lost 3-0 at home to Stuttgart. After two games the record reads zero points, one goal scored and nine conceded, a goal difference of -8. For Roma, the Olimpico trip is therefore an important chance to get their own European campaign back on track. Gasperini has warned his players not to underestimate the opponent. He said: "È una squadra sicuramente dinamica, è una squadra che, per l'aspetto atletico, è sicuramente preparata. Ha anche qualche ottimo giocatore." In English: "It is certainly a dynamic team, a team that is certainly well prepared from an athletic point of view. They also have some excellent players." The coach stressed the need to take three points to keep Roma's qualification hopes alive. Domestically, Slovan have been more competitive, though not always consistent. Their strongest signal came in the last round, when Touré's side won 3-0 away at Spartak Trnava, one of the most intense fixtures in Slovak football. Rahim Ibrahim scored a brace and Adam Griger added the other goal. Across their last five league matches Slovan have won two, drawn two and lost one, results that include a 2-0 defeat at DAC, a 3-3 draw with Zilina, a 2-1 win at Komárno, a 1-1 draw at Skalica and the 3-0 win at Spartak Trnava. The Italian report suggests a side capable of finding space, especially when they can play in transition. Touré is one of the most interesting figures in the match. The former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder is in his first experience as head coach and took over at Slovan last summer, after also working as an assistant with the Saudi Arabia national team. The Olimpico holds special meaning for him: as a player he won the 2008/09 Champions League with Barcelona, in the final played in Rome against Manchester United. He made 70 appearances in the competition before moving into coaching. Tactically, Slovan tend to adapt closely to their opponent. Against technically superior sides they can drop deep, compact themselves in front of their box and then try to attack quickly through the wings, a approach that could lead Touré to again pick a 4-2-3-1. Slovan's main offensive reference point is Andraz Sporar, the captain and the club's top scorer last season with 12 goals. UEFA names him as one of the symbolic figures of the Slovak side. His availability against Roma is, however, in serious doubt. Touré said on the eve of the match that the striker needs a few more days and that the staff does not intend to take risks. In his absence, an alternative could be given a chance up front. The player Roma must watch most closely is Suleiman Camara, who arrived from Racing Santander in the summer. The Gambian scored twice during the qualifiers and also netted Slovan's only goal in their first two league-phase matches, against PSG. Other players to watch include Tigran Barseghyan, an experienced figure able to move between the lines, while Nino Marcelli, 21, is one of the club's most promising prospects after a season in 2025/26 with seven goals and six assists. Roma's last meeting with Slovan came in the 2011/12 Europa League play-off round, the only official double-header between the clubs. Slovan won 1-0 away through Martin Dobrotka. At the Olimpico Simone Perrotta gave Roma the lead, but Peter Stepanovský equalised late on, a 1-1 draw that eliminated Roma, then coached by Luis Enrique, on a 2-1 aggregate. Roma have never beaten Slovan in UEFA competition, with one draw and one defeat in the two previous meetings. The most likely set-up remains a 4-2-3-1. Takáč is expected in goal, with Blackman, Bajrić, Marković and Sandro Cruz forming the back line. In midfield Pokorný should be joined by either Ibrahim or Mustafić, while Barseghyan, Cristian Martínez and Suleiman Camara are the main options behind the striker. The key issue is the centre-forward: after Touré's words, Sporar's involvement looks increasingly unlikely. If he is unavailable, Griger, Maros and Yirajang are the offensive options on the Champions League list.

Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow evening in the third matchday of the Champions League league phase, with kick-off at 21:00. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are looking for their first win in the competition as they push to move closer to the qualification target. Roma come into the match after a draw with Fenerbahce and a bitter defeat to Real Madrid last week. Several players are absent for the hosts. Lulli is in fine form after scoring his first goal on Saturday evening, and Pellegrini is set to return to the starting line-up in the attacking midfield area. The match will be broadcast exclusively live on Sky. Viewers will need a Sky subscription, or the Sky app on a smart TV or a games console such as Xbox or PlayStation. The game will be shown on channels 201, 214 and 251, which are Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport 4K for viewers with a 4K-capable television, and Sky Sport. Streaming is available through Sky's SkyGo and Now TV platforms. Alternatively, the match can be watched on devices including Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and the TIM VISION Box. Fans can also follow a live commentary on Forzaroma.info and updates on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini says Santiago Castro and Donyell Malen can play together, but he does not want to change the way the team plays to make it happen. Speaking to the media, he said: "Per caratteristiche potrebbe essere la partita per vederli insieme ma non so se dall'inizio o a partita in corso", which translates as: "Given their characteristics, it could be the match to see them together, but I don't know whether from the start or during the game." The comments point to a possible tactical option for Roma, with the pair able to share the pitch in attack. Gasperini's stance, however, is that the team's identity comes first, and he is not prepared to reshape the side around the two forwards. The headline quote is taken from Gasperini's remarks on Castro and Malen, published on 19 October 2026. Forzaroma.info, the source, is the outlet carrying the coach's comments.

Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed Paulo Dybala will be out for another two weeks, with the Argentine forward suffering a small tear ahead of Roma's match against Slovan. Gasperini said: "Ci vorranno altre due settimane. Ha una piccola lesione", which translates as "It will take another two weeks. He has a small tear." The coach admitted the club had hoped for a quicker recovery: "Speravamo fosse più veloce il recupero", meaning "We hoped the recovery would be faster." The news is a blow for Roma as Gasperini looks to rebuild momentum. The update came as the coach assessed Dybala's condition before the Slovan fixture, with the injury forcing a longer spell on the sidelines than initially expected. Related Roma coverage in the same news cycle has focused on Gasperini's view that Roma need 10 points to qualify for the playoffs, and his comments that Dybala's recovery will take longer. Sources also reported on the club's squad, with Santiago Castro drawing praise after a standout goal against Genoa, which Di Canio described as proof he is a superior player.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Paulo Dybala will be sidelined for at least two weeks after a scan revealed a minor tear, ahead of Roma's Champions League home match against Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow at 21:00. Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Trigoria, Gasperini said: "We hoped it would be a bit quicker, but the latest scan he had yesterday showed a minor tear too, which will mean a stop of at least two weeks." Roma are in the Champions League, third matchday, and need three points to climb the table. Gasperini said of their opponents: "It is a dynamic team, prepared athletically, and they have some excellent players. In the Champions League they are not among the top seeds, but we will certainly not underestimate them, because tomorrow we need to win to keep our chances of going through alive." Asked about the Champions League points target, he said: "Over these three years of the new format, the line has always been around 10 points. We need to win our home games starting with tomorrow's, and there is also the chance to pick up points away, although all those grounds are difficult. The aim is certainly to get back into that bracket." On Dybala, Gasperini was also asked about Cristante, who he said should be recoverable for the Napoli match, with a return to group training possible from Wednesday or Thursday. Gasperini added that the Dybala timeline had been longer than hoped. Asked about the rotation for tomorrow night, he said: "It is normal, because we still have some absences. We recover Malen, who was suspended. On Saturday we are at Napoli and another tough run begins, with Napoli, Cagliari, Udine and Manchester, so we must also think about some rotation, although what you prepare on paper rarely happens, because something else always happens on the pitch." On the midfield, Gasperini said Pisilli and De Roon had played three matches in a week, and that Pellegrini could play as a more advanced player or in midfield while Cristante is out. He said: "I hope Hermoso stays where he is and that this need doesn't arise." Asked about Castro and Malen playing together, Gasperini praised Castro's recent goal and said: "I don't want to distort the geometry and patterns of a team that is scoring and creating many chances just for the desire to show two players together. There is an attack that works, with different characteristics, and for now that's fine." On Lulli, Gasperini said he had noticed him last year and often included him in training. He said: "He has excellent physical qualities: his speed and endurance are truly top level, above the Serie A average. He is humble and wants to improve; he has a lot to grow, but a couple of characteristics above the average. When these situations arise, they must be pursued." On Mora and Gollini, Gasperini said Mora is in the rotation and has always played when available, adding: "He has a particular physique, he is small but very young. He has a talent that shows immediately, and we need to help him grow." On Gollini, he said: "He has always been an excellent goalkeeper, and we played the Champions League together. Over his career he lacked a bit of maturity, which he has reached now at an older age." Gasperini also addressed squad rotation after making seven changes against Genoa, saying: "We have some absences still, we recover Malen who was suspended, and then on Saturday we are at Napoli." He added that the squad had been managed carefully because the Genoa game had required physical preparation after the Real Madrid match. He said Slovan Bratislava, who have lost their first two Champions League matches, could not be underestimated: "We must win because the table demands it, but we will certainly face a prepared team."

Roma face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, just two days after beating Genoa on Saturday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the fixture at his press conference, stressing that his side will not underestimate their opponents because they need to win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Gasperini said: "We will not underestimate the opponent because we need to win to fuel our chances of going through. To reach the playoffs we need 10 points, starting from this match." Roma go into the match with a fresh fitness concern, as Paulo Dybala is set to be out for at least two weeks. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who sat alongside Gasperini at the press conference, is likely to start tomorrow. Pellegrini said: "I'm well. The annual contract was the club's choice, my priority was Roma." Two places in the starting line-up remain open heading into the match. One is the central defensive berth, a choice between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka, with the former ahead in the race. The other is the right-back spot, where Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina are in contention, with Lulli currently ahead. Slovan Bratislava head coach Yaya Touré also spoke at his press conference: "Great respect for Roma and for Gasp, here the details count."

Roma's probable starting line-up for their meeting with Slovan has been published, with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly bringing back the No. 23 and Mario Hermoso returning to the defence. Gianluca Mancini is expected to start, while Soulé and Pellegrini are set to operate behind Malen. The central defensive berth is a contest between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka. Molina is pushing Lulli for a place at right-back, and in midfield Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli are expected to start. Beyond the selection, the wider build-up has also produced news on the injury front. Paulo Dybala has a small tear and is expected to be out for a period, while Gasperini has said Roma need 10 points to qualify for the playoffs and that Dybala's recovery will take longer.

Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow evening in the third matchday of the Champions League league phase, with kick-off at 21:00. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are looking for their first win in the competition as they push to move closer to the qualification target. Roma come into the match after a draw with Fenerbahce and a bitter defeat to Real Madrid last week. Several players are absent for the hosts. Lulli is in fine form after scoring his first goal on Saturday evening, and Pellegrini is set to return to the starting line-up in the attacking midfield area. The match will be broadcast exclusively live on Sky. Viewers will need a Sky subscription, or the Sky app on a smart TV or a games console such as Xbox or PlayStation. The game will be shown on channels 201, 214 and 251, which are Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport 4K for viewers with a 4K-capable television, and Sky Sport. Streaming is available through Sky's SkyGo and Now TV platforms. Alternatively, the match can be watched on devices including Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and the TIM VISION Box. Fans can also follow a live commentary on Forzaroma.info and updates on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Roma's injury list has grown again: Mile Svilar, Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante all missed training at Trigoria on the eve of tomorrow evening's Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico. Cristante is the bright spot. He worked on a personalised programme on a separate pitch and had a brief conversation with Gian Piero Gasperini during the session, turning up with a visible bandage on his knee. Asked about his condition by reporters at the start of the session, he was optimistic: "Sto bene, ci siamo" ("I'm fine, I'm ready"). He will not be available against Slovan, but the staff aim to speed up his recovery for the upcoming fixtures, with the Napoli-Roma match in their sights. There is no such luck for Dybala. He underwent a scan yesterday that revealed a small muscle injury, and Gasperini hopes to have him back for the visit of Manchester United in early November. The absences have pushed Gasperini to call up several players from the Primavera, the club's youth side. Gioele Giammattei, Giacomo Arduini and Alessandro Di Nunzio took part in training with the first team. Di Nunzio is fresh from his Serie A debut, which came on Saturday against Genoa. Once again, the Giallorossi boss is turning to the youth sector to fill out the squad at a stage of the season when rotation options are limited. The sheer number of unavailable players underlines the pressure on Gasperini's squad selection as Roma prepare to host Slovan Bratislava. Cristante's progress offers encouragement, while Dybala's muscle injury, set against a Manchester United date in early November, means the coach will have to manage without a key attacking option for some time. Di Nunzio's debut and the call-ups of Giammattei and Arduini show how much the coach is relying on the academy to keep the squad numbers up.

Roma have called up three Primavera midfielders to the first-team squad for their Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava, as Gian Piero Gasperini deals with an injury crisis affecting almost every department. Gioele Giammattei, born 2009, Giacomo Arduini, born 2007, and Alessandro Di Nunzio, also born 2007, have been added to the senior group. Di Nunzio made his Serie A debut in the most recent match against Genoa. Paulo Dybala, Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante did not take part in the session at Trigoria. Cristante is the closest to a return. While his team-mates worked on the final tune-up, he carried out a personalised training programme on a separate pitch. Cristante spoke to reporters at Trigoria, who asked for updates on his recovery timeline. "Ci siamo," the midfielder assured them, meaning he is nearly ready. The aim is to have him available to Gasperini for the trip to Napoli. The squad completed an initial warm-up phase followed by the classic torelli drills.

Roma held their final training session at Trigoria on the eve of their Champions League fixture against Slovan Bratislava, which is scheduled for tomorrow at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. Mile Svilar, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala remain unavailable through injury. The young players Arduini, Giammattei and Di Nunzio joined the first-team work. Di Nunzio is returning from his Serie A debut against Genoa. The session opened with warm-up and agility exercises before moving on to the classic rondo. Romanews EU published live updates and photos and video from the session, which was reported as the squad took to the pitch at Trigoria.