Roma returns to Champions League after seven-year absence

Vincent Candela, the former Roma defender, has predicted that Roma will defeat Real Madrid in their upcoming Champions League fixture at the Olimpico in ten days' time. Speaking at the FIP Gold Mediolanum Padel Cup in Perugia, Candela based his forecast not on sentiment but on tactical analysis, saying: "I think Roma will win. I'm not saying that as a fan, but because I look at the characteristics of Gasperini's squad and the comparison with Mourinho's." Candela believes the encounter will be tactically engaging. "It will certainly be a beautiful match from a tactical point of view; Gasperini and Fabregas are two different coaches, but both have a very precise personality," he said. The clash comes after Roma drew 2–2 with Inter at home, a result Candela felt had boosted morale. He noted that Inter had not managed to win and claimed the draw gave Roma "even more drive, confidence and awareness." Candela also voiced strong confidence in forward Donyell Malen, whom Gasperini has deployed differently from his usual role. "I believe a lot in Malen: he is strong, dynamic, sees the goal and is concrete. I think he will reach beyond 20 goals and will have a great season," Candela said. On the league title race, he assessed Inter as favourites, with Roma positioned as their closest challenger ahead of Como.

Former Roma defender Candela has backed the Giallorossi to win their upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid. Speaking at the FIP Gold Mediolanum Padel Cup in Perugia, Candela expressed confidence in Gasperini's squad, saying: "I think Roma will win." He qualified the prediction as more than just fan sentiment: "I don't say it as a fan, but because I look at the characteristics of Gasperini's team and the comparison with Mourinho's." Roma arrive at the league break in first place with four wins and a draw — the 2–2 result against Inter at the Olimpico. Candela believes that match demonstrated Roma's potential and gave the team "even more drive, confidence and self-awareness." He rates Inter as still the favourites for the Serie A title, with Roma as their closest challengers and Como further back. The next league fixture is against Como, which Candela described as "certainly a beautiful match from a tactical point of view; Gasperini and Fabregas are two different managers, but both have very clear personalities." Candela also made a bold prediction about forward Donyell Malen, whose form has impressed this season. "I believe very much in Malen: he is strong, dynamic, he sees the goal and is clinical," Candela said. "I think he will reach more than 20 goals and will have a great season." The Real Madrid match at the Olimpico is scheduled for ten days' time and Candela called it "a celebration": a Champions League night at home.

Roma have initiated contact with the representatives of Endrick, the Brazilian forward at Real Madrid, as they monitor him for potential recruitment in forthcoming transfer windows. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club are watching the player closely, particularly if his playing time at the Spanish club remains limited. A significant opportunity may arise on 14 October when Real Madrid visit the Olimpico to face Roma in the Champions League, a fixture that could allow the club's executives to meet directly and explore the forward's availability. Roma are believed to be interested in a temporary arrangement that would give Endrick greater consistency. The 22-year-old has been on Roma's radar as a player capable of adding depth to their attacking options. Club scouts are attempting to gauge whether concrete margins for a deal might open in the coming months, contingent on his situation at Madrid. The presence of Real Madrid's board members in the capital during the Champions League encounter presents a unique chance for direct negotiations between the two organisations, potentially accelerating discussions. However, Roma face competition for the Brazilian. AC Milan have also been tracking Endrick for several weeks, with club owner Gerry Cardinale reportedly monitoring the player. Milan had attempted to move for him during the most recent summer window before ultimately opting for the loan of Omari Hutchinson. Should Hutchinson fail to impress and Endrick continue to see limited minutes at Real Madrid, the Rossoneri may reignite their interest.