Roma v Real Madrid: Stadio Olimpico gates open at 18:30

Francesco Totti attended the Olimpico this evening for Roma's match against Real Madrid, where he confirmed his presence at the launch of the 2026/27 Panini football sticker album collection. The Roma legend offered his assessment of the title race, saying: "Roma is a team that can compete for the Scudetto. We know that Inter has an extra gear, but it is a team that can give them a run for their money." Totti reflected on his childhood memories of collecting Panini stickers, recalling that packets cost 200 lire when he was growing up. He described the hobby as unforgettable, explaining: "It was difficult to finish in a short time, it was fun because you would spend half the afternoon sticking the stickers in. But there was one team that I would turn upside down — I cannot say which one." The comment was a veiled reference to Lazio, Roma's fierce local rivals.

José Mourinho has made clear he has no intention of letting Endrick leave Real Madrid, directly warning rival clubs including Roma that they will have to contend with him to sign the Brazilian forward. Endrick was a long-standing Roma target last summer under Gasperini, and came close to joining the club in August before Mourinho intervened and persuaded him to stay at Madrid, where he has since received minimal playing time. At a press conference on 13 October ahead of Roma's match against Real Madrid, Mourinho was asked directly about Endrick's future and responded bluntly: "I club interessati dovranno lottare con me per ingaggiarlo. Lo adoro, ha un potenziale di altissimo livello ed è molto importante per noi. Non ha bisogno di essere ceduto in prestito, farà grandi cose e avrà un grande successo qui. Giocherà presto." Roma continue to monitor the 21-year-old, who impressed during a six-month spell at Lyon in France, where he scored 8 goals in limited appearances. Milan and Aston Villa are also credited with interest. Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico is meanwhile evaluating other concrete options to strengthen the club's attack in January.

José Mourinho has reiterated his enduring affection for AS Roma, describing the club as his home in an interview excerpt released on Amazon. The Real Madrid manager said: "I would give an individual embrace to all of you" — a message directed at Roma supporters who have never forgotten him. Mourinho acknowledged the emotional weight of his return to the Stadio Olimpico tonight, adding: "During the match I must forget and so must you." He emphasised that his love for Roma only deepens with time, even as he manages another club. Tonight's encounter will pit Mourinho against his former side for 90 minutes, though the affection between him and the Roma faithful remains unchanged.