Roma name squad for Lecce trip; Balerdi included, Rensch and Pellegrini absent

Paulo Dybala was forced off at half-time during Roma's match against Real Madrid on 14 October after sustaining a muscle strain, compounding Gian Piero Gasperini's injury problems. The Argentine forward had featured prominently in the first half before the injury brought an early end to his involvement. Rodrigo Mora replaced him on the pitch, returning to action after exactly one month out; his last appearance had come on 14 September in Roma's fixture against Torino. Dybala's condition will be assessed ahead of Roma's forthcoming fixtures. The setback follows the earlier loss of Manu Koné to injury in the same competition.

Paulo Dybala sustained a muscular injury during Roma's match against Real Madrid at the Olimpico and was substituted at half-time by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Argentine forward did not return for the second half, and his condition will be assessed in the coming hours. The extent of the problem and recovery timeline remain unclear pending medical examination. Roma's injury crisis deepened on the evening of 14 October as Dybala joined an expanding list of sidelined players. Manu Koné suffered an injury in the first half of the same match, while Svilar and Cristante were already unavailable. Gasperini must now wait for assessments to determine whether Dybala's issue is minor or a more significant injury that will keep him out for an extended period. The club faces a particularly demanding fixture schedule in the coming weeks.

Manu Koné was forced off after just 15 minutes of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid on 14 October with a muscular problem. The French midfielder realised immediately he could not continue and covered his face with his shirt to hide tears as he left the pitch, an image that sparked immediate concern about the severity of the injury. Gian Piero Gasperini brought Niccolò Pisilli on as his replacement. The timing of the injury compounds Roma's midfield troubles. Bryan Cristante is also unavailable, leaving Gasperini with severely limited options in the middle of the park at a moment when the squad faces a packed schedule combining Serie A and Champions League fixtures. The early loss of Koné represents a particularly heavy blow given the already stretched rotation options available to the head coach. The extent of the damage remains to be clarified by medical tests in the coming hours, though Koné's emotional reaction suggests the possibility of a lengthy absence. Only examination will determine the nature of the problem and establish potential recovery timescales.

Roma squandered a dominant display to lose 4–3 to Real Madrid in the second round of the UEFA Champions League League Phase at Stadio Olimpico on 14 October. The Giallorossi led 3–1 and controlled large stretches of the match but capitulated in the final stages, conceding three goals from corner kicks. Donyell Malen scored twice and created constant danger, earning an 8 rating, but his performance could not prevent Real's turnaround. Gian Piero Gasperini's side began brightly and took the lead through Marten de Roon before Malen and Matías Soulé extended the advantage. Real mounted a second-half comeback that proved fatal to Roma's hopes. The defensive substitutions—Leonardo Balerdi replacing Gianluca Mancini at 63 minutes and Konstantinos Koulierakis entering for Mario Hermoso at 80 minutes—failed to shore up the backline; both changes coincided with the collapse that allowed Real to turn the match around. Koné's early injury at 15 minutes proved costly to Roma's midfield stability, forcing Niccolò Pisilli into action. Wesley earned a 7 rating for tireless full-back play, while De Roon was judged indispensable given the midfield injuries and warranted 7 for both his goal and leadership. Rodrigo Mora came on for Paulo Dybala in the 46th minute after Dybala suffered a muscular problem, contributing 6.5 with an assist for Malen's second goal. Soulé, deployed wide on the right by Gasperini, scored 7 for his performance and the assist that made it 3–1. Lorenzo Pellegrini replaced Soulé at 63 minutes but could not affect the outcome, firing high from a good position. On the defending side, N'Dicka earned 6.5 despite conceding Rudiger's goal, while Hermoso was marked 5.5 for responsibility in Mbappé's opener. Pierluigi Gollini was rated 6, largely unburdened until the final collapse. Gasperini himself received 6, with the assessment noting that Roma's lack of experience and composure under pressure—particularly from set pieces—cost them dearly in the final twenty minutes.

Roma squandered a commanding performance to lose 3–2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League League Phase second matchday at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini said the club dominated the Spanish side for long stretches but capitulated in a seven-minute spell, conceding three goals from set-pieces. "We completely outclassed them, then we collapsed at the finish line," Gasperini told reporters after the match. "We had conducted the match in a remarkable way. It is regrettable we did not score more goals. They have scored theirs deservedly, from corner kicks, kicking them well and striking them well. For the rest they were certainly not at our level." Gasperini rejected suggestions that Real Madrid had worn Roma down, saying instead that it was the visitors who ran out of steam. "It seems to me that it was they who could not keep going. We could have scored even other goals. We outclassed them in everything," he said. The coach acknowledged that Roma became passive and lacked personality at the decisive moment, allowing Real Madrid to deploy fresh, quick attackers. The seven-minute collapse proved costly despite Roma's superiority across most of the 90 minutes. Gasperini insisted that the final scoreline masked the true nature of the contest and that Roma must learn to see out matches even when ahead, a trait typically shown by elite European sides under pressure. On his tactical decisions, Gasperini said: "Absolutely yes, I would make the same choices. Some substitutions were necessary, like Mancini and Hermoso. But Balerdi and Koulierakis came in. When you have absences in defence you cannot make other types of changes." Regarding injuries, he reported that Manu Koné suffered a muscle elongation and Paulo Dybala had a physical complaint, with other players carrying minor knocks. Gasperini also analysed Roma's weakness on set-pieces, noting that certain teams employ physical strength in such situations. "There is a risk of looking only at those seven minutes, but it is also true that matches must be taken all the way to the end," he said, emphasising that defensive errors at set-piece delivery were systemic rather than purely individual lapses. Gasperini concluded that Roma must digest the disappointment quickly and refocus on the wider picture of their Champions League campaign and domestic commitments ahead.

Roma lost 3–4 to Real Madrid at the Olimpico in a Champions League encounter that saw individual performances prove decisive in a tight contest. Pierluigi Gollini kept Roma competitive for 80 minutes before conceding four goals in a chaotic final stretch, while Donyell Malen emerged as the standout performer for the home side, delivering the kind of display that silences doubters about his form. Marten de Roon scored to level briefly at 3–3, and Rodrigo Mora provided an assist for Malen after replacing Paulo Dybala, who sustained an injury and did not return after half-time. Gianluca Mancini anchored Roma's defence with composure, playing close to Mourinho's influence and demonstrating the calibre expected of a Champions League defender, though he was unfortunate on Mbappé's opening goal. Evan N'Dicka faced a formidable test against Mbappé but stood firm with anticipation and personality, reading play high up the pitch as well as defending. Mario Hermoso made an early save-forcing contribution but read a rebound poorly to allow Mbappé's equaliser—a costly mistake at this level. The backline deteriorated in the closing stages; Konstantinos Koulierakis replaced Hermoso after 81 minutes but Roma conceded three goals after his arrival, with Endrick making a decisive impact once the Spanish defender departed. Manu Koné began as a driving force in midfield, probing Tchouameni's area and threatening Real's defence, but suffered a concerning fall after 15 minutes before being withdrawn. Niccolò Pisilli came on and proved unexpectedly assured, performing with the composure of a veteran despite the elevated intensity. Nahuel Molina showed aggression and attacking intent but committed too many errors, particularly in the final stages, and struggled to maintain defensive discipline. Dybala showcased his full range—combining finesse with grit and initiating Roma's opening-goal sequence with a crucial tackle—before a setback forced his withdrawal at half-time.

Roma squandered a dominant display to lose 4–3 to Real Madrid in the second round of the UEFA Champions League League Phase at Stadio Olimpico on 14 October. The Giallorossi led 3–1 and controlled large stretches of the match but capitulated in the final stages, conceding three goals from corner kicks. Donyell Malen scored twice and created constant danger, earning an 8 rating, but his performance could not prevent Real's turnaround. Gian Piero Gasperini's side began brightly and took the lead through Marten de Roon before Malen and Matías Soulé extended the advantage. Real mounted a second-half comeback that proved fatal to Roma's hopes. The defensive substitutions—Leonardo Balerdi replacing Gianluca Mancini at 63 minutes and Konstantinos Koulierakis entering for Mario Hermoso at 80 minutes—failed to shore up the backline; both changes coincided with the collapse that allowed Real to turn the match around. Koné's early injury at 15 minutes proved costly to Roma's midfield stability, forcing Niccolò Pisilli into action. Wesley earned a 7 rating for tireless full-back play, while De Roon was judged indispensable given the midfield injuries and warranted 7 for both his goal and leadership. Rodrigo Mora came on for Paulo Dybala in the 46th minute after Dybala suffered a muscular problem, contributing 6.5 with an assist for Malen's second goal. Soulé, deployed wide on the right by Gasperini, scored 7 for his performance and the assist that made it 3–1. Lorenzo Pellegrini replaced Soulé at 63 minutes but could not affect the outcome, firing high from a good position. On the defending side, N'Dicka earned 6.5 despite conceding Rudiger's goal, while Hermoso was marked 5.5 for responsibility in Mbappé's opener. Pierluigi Gollini was rated 6, largely unburdened until the final collapse. Gasperini himself received 6, with the assessment noting that Roma's lack of experience and composure under pressure—particularly from set pieces—cost them dearly in the final twenty minutes.

Roma led 3–1 against Real Madrid at the Olimpico but conceded three goals in the final minutes to lose 4–3 in a spectacular Champions League encounter that saw Gasperini's side dominate for over an hour before a complete reversal in the closing stages. The home side started brilliantly, putting immediate pressure on Madrid. Soulé went close, then at the 20th minute De Roon fired Roma ahead with a powerful right-foot strike following Dybala's recovery and Soulé's assist. Malen came close to doubling the lead but saw his effort stopped on the line. Mbappé equalized with Madrid's first real chance, punishing Roma's defence. Gasperini introduced Rodrigo Mora at half-time in place of Dybala, and the substitute made an immediate impact. Mora set up Malen for 2–1 at the 51st minute, then Malen scored again to make it 3–1—a goal initially ruled out by the assistant referee before VAR overturned the decision. The Olimpico sensed an upset against one of Europe's strongest teams, but Madrid refused to surrender. Mourinho brought on Endrick and Espí; Espí reduced the deficit to 3–2 after a VAR check, then one minute later Endrick leveled at 3–3. Roma, exhausted from their attacking exertion, could not respond. In injury time, defender Rüdiger, a former Roma player, struck the decisive blow to complete an extraordinary 4–3 comeback. Roma left pointless but received applause from the home crowd for a performance that troubled one of Europe's elite sides.

Roma lost 3–4 to Real Madrid at the Olimpico in a Champions League encounter that saw individual performances prove decisive in a tight contest. Pierluigi Gollini kept Roma competitive for 80 minutes before conceding four goals in a chaotic final stretch, while Donyell Malen emerged as the standout performer for the home side, delivering the kind of display that silences doubters about his form. Marten de Roon scored to level briefly at 3–3, and Rodrigo Mora provided an assist for Malen after replacing Paulo Dybala, who sustained an injury and did not return after half-time. Gianluca Mancini anchored Roma's defence with composure, playing close to Mourinho's influence and demonstrating the calibre expected of a Champions League defender, though he was unfortunate on Mbappé's opening goal. Evan N'Dicka faced a formidable test against Mbappé but stood firm with anticipation and personality, reading play high up the pitch as well as defending. Mario Hermoso made an early save-forcing contribution but read a rebound poorly to allow Mbappé's equaliser—a costly mistake at this level. The backline deteriorated in the closing stages; Konstantinos Koulierakis replaced Hermoso after 81 minutes but Roma conceded three goals after his arrival, with Endrick making a decisive impact once the Spanish defender departed. Manu Koné began as a driving force in midfield, probing Tchouameni's area and threatening Real's defence, but suffered a concerning fall after 15 minutes before being withdrawn. Niccolò Pisilli came on and proved unexpectedly assured, performing with the composure of a veteran despite the elevated intensity. Nahuel Molina showed aggression and attacking intent but committed too many errors, particularly in the final stages, and struggled to maintain defensive discipline. Dybala showcased his full range—combining finesse with grit and initiating Roma's opening-goal sequence with a crucial tackle—before a setback forced his withdrawal at half-time.

Roma return to Champions League football at the Olimpico for the first time in seven years, facing Real Madrid, the competition's most successful winner. Gasperini opts for a three-at-the-back formation with Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence. Wesley and Molina patrol the flanks, with Koné and De Roon in midfield. Soulé plays behind Dybala and Malen in attack. Roma (3-4-1-2): Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, Koné, De Roon, Molina; Soulé; Dybala, Malen. Substitutes: De Marzi, Vásquez, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Koulierakis, Rensch, Lulli, Pisilli, Mora, Castro, Pellegrini. Manager: Gasperini. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé. Substitutes: Lunin, Mestre, Dumfries, Huijsen, Carreras, Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, Brahim Díaz, Diomandé, Endrick, Espí, Pitarch. Manager: Mourinho.

Roma defeated Real Madrid 3–1 in the Champions League League Phase second matchday at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October 2026, with goals from Marten de Roon, Donyell Malen (twice) and a response from Kylian Mbappé. The hosts made an aggressive start, forcing Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into saves before de Roon's powerful effort from the edge of the box broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Mbappé equalised five minutes later after capitalising on an error from Mario Hermoso, but Roma regained control in the second half. Rodrigo Mora entered at half-time to replace Paulo Dybala, and the tactical shift paid immediate dividends when Mora fed Malen to restore Roma's lead at 51 minutes. A Malen goal was initially ruled out for offside before the VAR overturned the decision, and the replayed sequence confirmed Matías Soulé's assist had left him in a legal position—the score became 3–1 in the 57th minute. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, returning to face his former club, made changes to try to reduce the deficit: Arda Güler and Endrick replaced Matthijs Dumfries and Vinícius Junior at 58 minutes, and Bernardo Silva came on for Aurélien Tchouaméni at 70 minutes. Roma lost Manu Koné to injury after 15 minutes, with Niccolò Pisilli entering to replace him. Gianluca Mancini received a caution for a foul on Mbappé at the hour mark, and Wesley was booked at 69 minutes. The Giallorossi had opened their European campaign with a 1–1 draw away at Fenerbahçe; Real Madrid won their opener 2–1 at home against Inter. The match was refereed by François Letexier of France, with Dennis Higler operating as VAR. Roma's line-up saw Pierluigi Gollini in goal, with Devyne Rensch competing for a place against Nahuel Molina in the full-back role. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini fielded a 3-4-2-1 formation with Malen as the focal point up front, Dybala and Soulé operating as attacking midfielders, and the midfield two of de Roon and Koné (before his injury).

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's Champions League league-phase match against Real Madrid, kick-off 21:00 this evening. Konstantinos Koulierakis returns to the travelling party, while Devis Vásquez is included among the goalkeepers. The squad list features 24 players across all four positions. In defence, Gasperini has selected Devyne Rensch, Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfield options comprise Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. The forward line includes Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.