Roma to overhaul youth academy with Margiotta appointment; Conti declines interim role

José Mourinho encountered three of his former Roma players after the 3–4 draw between Roma and Real Madrid on Thursday, 15 October 2026. Gianluca Mancini, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala spoke with Mourinho in the plaza outside Stadio Olimpico near the team coaches at the end of a particularly significant evening for the Special One, who returned to the capital as an opponent. The meeting underscored the enduring connection between Mourinho and the club he managed during his time in Rome. The encounter took place in the immediate aftermath of a dramatic fixture that delivered plenty for both sides to reflect on. In the ratings published by five daily newspapers covering the match, Donyell Malen emerged as Roma's highest-rated performer with an average of 7.60. Matías Soulé followed with 7.10 and Wesley with 7.00, while Marten de Roon closed at 6.80. Leonardo Balerdi received the lowest average rating at 5.10. Among the starting players, Nahuel Molina posted the lowest average mark at 5.20, followed by Mario Hermoso at 5.30 and Pierluigi Gollini at 5.50.

Roma suffered a painful late collapse against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, conceding three goals to lose 3–4 after leading 3–1 for most of the match. The disappointment was visible among supporters in the stands, including Francesco Totti, who remains away from the club but may have found new encouragement for a return. According to journalist Alessandro Alciato on Prime Video, the former Roma captain held a private meeting with Corbin Friedkin, Dan Friedkin's younger son, and chief executive John Galantic in a room at the stadium. The nature of the discussion almost certainly concerned Totti's possible role in the club ahead of the 2027 centenary celebrations.

Francesco Totti met with AS Roma ownership at the Olimpico this evening before the Real Madrid match. The gathering took place in a stadium room and included Corbin Friedkin, son of Roma president Dan Friedkin, and chief executive Galantic. This was the first such meeting between Totti and the Friedkin family. The encounter represents a step forward toward Roma's centenary, which is expected to feature Totti prominently, though not in a management capacity. Totti has continued to rule out a return to Trigoria in any official role. When asked directly about coming back, he said: "No". He is currently serving as an advisor for Maxima Roma basketball.