← All stories
Roma vs Slovan Bratislava: Key Refereeing Moments at the Olimpico
·20 October 2026·6h ago

Roma vs Slovan Bratislava: Key Refereeing Moments at the Olimpico

Source: Forza Roma

Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in the third matchday of the Champions League league phase, returning to European action after a bitter defeat to Real Madrid last week. Swiss referee Sandro Schärer is in charge, assisted by compatriots De Almeida and Erni, with Kanagasingam as fourth official and Kwiatkowski as assistant VAR.

The first booking came in the 20th minute, when Barseghyan was shown a yellow card for simulation after an alleged foul by Mario Hermoso. Wesley protested in the 49th minute, claiming a handball on his cross from the left, but the referee waved away the appeal and awarded only a corner. Roma were then given a penalty in the 56th minute after Blackman fouled Wesley inside the box. The referee was close to the incident and pointed to the spot immediately.

Slovan Bratislava's discipline then deteriorated. Camara was booked in the 65th minute for holding Rensch, the second caution for the visitors. In the 75th minute Martinez was shown a yellow card for dissent directed at the linesman, a third booking for the Slovan side. In the 86th minute, Ghilardi's spectacular volley from a corner was ruled out. The referee judged several Roma players in front of the Slovan goalkeeper to be active and in an offside position, so the goal was disallowed.

The match carries significant weight in Roma's Champions League campaign, with the club looking to bounce back from the Real Madrid defeat in front of their own supporters. The penalty decision and the disallowed goal were the two moments most likely to shape the final outcome, and both drew attention from the officials on the pitch.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage29 sources on this story

Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in their third Champions League league-phase match, their first win in the competition this season, which lifts them to four points. The outlets agree on the scorers: Mario Hermoso headed the opener on 21 minutes, Nahuel Molina doubled the lead before half-time, Niccolò Pisilli made it three early in the second half, and Donyell Malen converted a penalty to complete the rout. Molina's goal was his first in a Roma shirt. Ghilardi also scored late, but the goal was ruled out for offside, and Slovan barely threatened Pierluigi Gollini.

Outlets differ on some details. Roma News describes Hermoso's header as coming from a free kick, Forza Roma says Ghilardi laid the ball off for it, and GialloRossi.net credits Ghilardi with the aerial assist. Il Messaggero rates Molina 6.5, while Roma News gives him a 6 and GialloRossi.net a 7. Roma News says Pisilli scored wearing the captain's armband, but Forza Roma says Pellegrini wore it. Pellegrini was replaced after a knock, and Gasperini later said he did not think the problem was serious.

The ratings were broadly positive, with Malen and Wesley among the standouts. Il Messaggero described Wesley as unplayable, and Forza Roma said Malen returned to his trademark form as "Super Bobby". Gasperini rotated heavily, and he said the team had morale but must not become complacent. Roma News also claims the two first-half goals came from two different defenders, a first for the club in the Champions League, though this was not confirmed by other outlets.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“La Roma torna a giocare la Champions all'Olimpico dopo l'amaro ko della scorsa settimana contro il Real Madrid. I giallorossi questa sera ospitano lo Slovan Bratislava nella terza giornata della League Phase. A dirigere la sfida è lo svizzero Sandro Schärer. Il direttore di gara è coadiuvato dai…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma →

More Match Report

Ghilardi says Champions League debut was emotional and Roma want to beat Napoli too
EuropeMatch Report● AI
3h ago

Ghilardi says Champions League debut was emotional and Roma want to beat Napoli too

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi said his Champions League debut was a huge emotional moment and that the squad also wants to win against Napoli. Ghilardi said: "Tanta emozione per l'esordio in Champions. Vogliamo vincere anche col Napoli", which translates as: "A lot of emotion for the Champions League debut. We want to win against Napoli too." The comments follow Roma's 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava, which the Italian coverage rated in player ratings that picked out Ghilardi and Hermoso, with Malen also singled out. Roma's Champions League campaign has begun with that result, and the club now turns its attention to Napoli. Elsewhere in the club's news, Gian Piero Gasperini said of team selection: "Chi gioca deve essere all'altezza della Roma. Spero di riavere presto Dybala, davanti siamo pochi", meaning those who play must be up to the standard of Roma, and he hopes to have Dybala back soon as the attack is thin. Lorenzo Pellegrini has a muscle injury, and Gasperini said: "Nulla di grave, ma rischia di stare out 20 giorni", meaning it is nothing serious but he could be out for 20 days. Niccolò Pisilli said wearing the Roma captain's armband is an honour and that he has grown a lot under Gasperini.

Aldair praises Hermoso for giving Roma solidity
Match ReportClub News● AI
3h ago

Aldair praises Hermoso for giving Roma solidity

Mario Hermoso produced another top-level display in Roma's win over Slovan Bratislava, neutralising the Slovak side's attacking threat while also posing danger in the opposition box, and he scored in the match. Aldair, the Roma legend, lavished praise on the Spaniard on Instagram. Aldair said Hermoso's performances often go almost unnoticed because he has accustomed everyone to a very high standard. As a defender himself, Aldair said he especially values the solidity Hermoso brings to Roma, describing the self-assurance that only great players can pass on to the whole team. Aldair said: "Le sue prestazioni passano quasi inosservate perché ci ha abituati a un livello altissimo. Da difensore, apprezzo tanto la solidità che ha dato alla Roma. Quella sicurezza che solo i grandi giocatori sanno trasmettere a tutta la squadra. E poi la grinta, la cattiveria agonistica con cui lotta su ogni pallone. Bravo Mario, continua così." English translation: "His performances almost go unnoticed because he has accustomed us to a very high level. As a defender, I really appreciate the solidity he has given Roma. That confidence that only great players know how to transmit to the whole team. And then the grit, the competitive aggression with which he fights for every ball. Well done Mario, keep it up."

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League League Phase
Match ReportEurope● AI
3h ago

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League League Phase

Roma secured their first win of the Champions League league phase, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 with a dominant display under Gian Piero Gasperini. The result follows a draw with Fenerbahce and a late defeat to Real Madrid. Hermoso opened the scoring with a header, and Molina doubled the lead just before half-time. After the break, Pisilli added a goal and Malen converted a penalty to seal the win. Roma never looked at risk of conceding in the match. Ghilardi also scored late on, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The victory lifts Gasperini's side to 4 points in the league phase standings. Roma's next big match is against Napoli at the weekend. Molina's goal was his first in a Roma shirt. Wesley was described as unplayable in the player ratings, which award Hermoso a 7, Molina a 6.5 and Wesley a 7.5.

Il Messaggero – RomaRead original →

More on Mario Hermoso

Player profile →
Ghilardi says Champions League debut was emotional and Roma want to beat Napoli too
EuropeMatch Report● AI
3h ago

Ghilardi says Champions League debut was emotional and Roma want to beat Napoli too

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi said his Champions League debut was a huge emotional moment and that the squad also wants to win against Napoli. Ghilardi said: "Tanta emozione per l'esordio in Champions. Vogliamo vincere anche col Napoli", which translates as: "A lot of emotion for the Champions League debut. We want to win against Napoli too." The comments follow Roma's 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava, which the Italian coverage rated in player ratings that picked out Ghilardi and Hermoso, with Malen also singled out. Roma's Champions League campaign has begun with that result, and the club now turns its attention to Napoli. Elsewhere in the club's news, Gian Piero Gasperini said of team selection: "Chi gioca deve essere all'altezza della Roma. Spero di riavere presto Dybala, davanti siamo pochi", meaning those who play must be up to the standard of Roma, and he hopes to have Dybala back soon as the attack is thin. Lorenzo Pellegrini has a muscle injury, and Gasperini said: "Nulla di grave, ma rischia di stare out 20 giorni", meaning it is nothing serious but he could be out for 20 days. Niccolò Pisilli said wearing the Roma captain's armband is an honour and that he has grown a lot under Gasperini.

Aldair praises Hermoso for giving Roma solidity
Match ReportClub News● AI
3h ago

Aldair praises Hermoso for giving Roma solidity

Mario Hermoso produced another top-level display in Roma's win over Slovan Bratislava, neutralising the Slovak side's attacking threat while also posing danger in the opposition box, and he scored in the match. Aldair, the Roma legend, lavished praise on the Spaniard on Instagram. Aldair said Hermoso's performances often go almost unnoticed because he has accustomed everyone to a very high standard. As a defender himself, Aldair said he especially values the solidity Hermoso brings to Roma, describing the self-assurance that only great players can pass on to the whole team. Aldair said: "Le sue prestazioni passano quasi inosservate perché ci ha abituati a un livello altissimo. Da difensore, apprezzo tanto la solidità che ha dato alla Roma. Quella sicurezza che solo i grandi giocatori sanno trasmettere a tutta la squadra. E poi la grinta, la cattiveria agonistica con cui lotta su ogni pallone. Bravo Mario, continua così." English translation: "His performances almost go unnoticed because he has accustomed us to a very high level. As a defender, I really appreciate the solidity he has given Roma. That confidence that only great players know how to transmit to the whole team. And then the grit, the competitive aggression with which he fights for every ball. Well done Mario, keep it up."

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League League Phase
Match ReportEurope● AI
3h ago

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League League Phase

Roma secured their first win of the Champions League league phase, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 with a dominant display under Gian Piero Gasperini. The result follows a draw with Fenerbahce and a late defeat to Real Madrid. Hermoso opened the scoring with a header, and Molina doubled the lead just before half-time. After the break, Pisilli added a goal and Malen converted a penalty to seal the win. Roma never looked at risk of conceding in the match. Ghilardi also scored late on, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The victory lifts Gasperini's side to 4 points in the league phase standings. Roma's next big match is against Napoli at the weekend. Molina's goal was his first in a Roma shirt. Wesley was described as unplayable in the player ratings, which award Hermoso a 7, Molina a 6.5 and Wesley a 7.5.

Il Messaggero – RomaRead original →

More on Wesley

Player profile →
Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League League Phase
Match ReportEurope● AI
3h ago

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League League Phase

Roma secured their first win of the Champions League league phase, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 with a dominant display under Gian Piero Gasperini. The result follows a draw with Fenerbahce and a late defeat to Real Madrid. Hermoso opened the scoring with a header, and Molina doubled the lead just before half-time. After the break, Pisilli added a goal and Malen converted a penalty to seal the win. Roma never looked at risk of conceding in the match. Ghilardi also scored late on, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The victory lifts Gasperini's side to 4 points in the league phase standings. Roma's next big match is against Napoli at the weekend. Molina's goal was his first in a Roma shirt. Wesley was described as unplayable in the player ratings, which award Hermoso a 7, Molina a 6.5 and Wesley a 7.5.

Il Messaggero – RomaRead original →
Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League; Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso impress, Malen shines
Match ReportEurope● AI
4h ago

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League; Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso impress, Malen shines

Roma recorded their first four-goal haul of the Champions League season, routing Slovan Bratislava, who never got into the game. Hermoso opened the scoring, before Molina, Pisilli and Malen, from the penalty spot, completed the rout. The player ratings praised the whole side for being in good form and entering the match with the right mindset. The defence was the standout area. Ghilardi started strongly and got forward often, leaving the Gollini's penalty area regularly, and he won a fortunate deflection to set up Hermoso. Ghilardi also had a goal disallowed for an active offside by Castro, which the ratings described as a pity given how well he had played. Balerdi was rated calm, elegant and attentive, covering large areas of the pitch. Hermoso, rated 7.5, was described as the most accurate passer in the first half with a 90% pass accuracy, and he went on to score the opener with a header from a free kick. Wesley was rated 7, with the ratings saying he left a trail of scorched grass down his flank and that Slovan players barely saw him. Pellegrini was rated 6.5 but had to ask to be substituted, and the ratings expressed hope the problem was nothing serious. Mora, rated 6, struck the advertising boards near the net and was unlucky when his effort was ruled out for offside, while the ratings noted he had been running hard from both flanks. Gollini, rated 6, had little to do beyond a couple of catches. The ratings for Gasperini's side included several verdicts on the individual performances. Pisilli, who scored wearing the captain's armband, said: "Un sogno" ("A dream"). Molina, rated 6.5, pounced on a poor rebound from Takac to make it 2-0 and was applauded for sprinting to win a late corner. Malen, rated 7.5, was involved in the build-up to Molina's goal and Pisilli's, and finished the rout from the spot. Soulé, who came on for Pellegrini in the 51st minute, was rated 6.5 for an immediate steal in the box that set up Malen. Castro, who replaced Malen in the 58th minute, was rated 6. Gasperini was quoted in the ratings on Mora, saying he "deve strutturarsi" ("needs to find his structure"). The ratings noted Gasperini had a short squad again and rotated it, asking his players to focus on every detail, and that the side needed to score as many goals as possible, which he addressed with his usual rotations. Koulierakis replaced Hermoso in the 77th minute, and Mancini came on for De Roon at the same time.

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League: player ratings
Match ReportEurope● AI
4h ago

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League: player ratings

Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in the third matchday of the Champions League League Phase, scoring twice in each half. Giallorossi.net's player ratings single out Ghilardi, Wesley and Malen as the standout performers, with Gasperini receiving a 7 for his rotation of the squad. Slovan Bratislava barely troubled Gollini, who was rated sv (without a rating) after the Slovak side failed to register a shot on target all match. Hermoso opened the scoring with a header, positioned sharply on the far post. Ghilardi, rated 7.5 and among the best players on the pitch, was calm in defence and timely in his attacking runs. He provided the aerial assist for Hermoso's opener and later scored a fine goal in the closing stages, which was ruled out for offside. Balerdi (6.5) controlled the defence with class and had a quiet evening. Molina (7) provided constant width on the right, going close twice and scoring once. Pisilli (7) produced a performance of substance and quality, enhanced by a good goal. De Roon (6) did the unglamorous work that the team valued. Wesley (7.5) was described as an arrow that wounded the Slovak rearguard, running tirelessly, delivering several good crosses and winning a penalty. Rensch (6.5) came on for him in the 57th minute and was judged to have made a positive impact, limiting the loss of the Brazilian. Mora (6) was described as raw. Gasperini deployed him on the right for the entire match, even after Soulé came on, and he kept searching for a goal without finding it. He missed an open-goal chance, although it was fortunately offside. Pellegrini (6.5) enjoyed a good first half, always involved in the attacking play and providing valuable assists, but had to be replaced early in the second half after picking up a knock. Soulé (6), who came on at 51 minutes, could not make an impact. Malen (7.5) was rated among the best, with some good touches, a goal won, a penalty converted and an assist. Castro (6), on for Malen in the 57th minute, set up a chance for Mora with unselfish play but did not find the net. Gasperini was rated 7. The match was not especially demanding, but he deserved credit for continuing to rotate the squad without fear. The 4-0 scoreline flattered a Roma side that has regained winning form in the Champions League.

GialloRossi.netRead original →

More on Devyne Rensch

Player profile →
Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League: player ratings
Match ReportEurope● AI
4h ago

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League: player ratings

Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in the third matchday of the Champions League League Phase, scoring twice in each half. Giallorossi.net's player ratings single out Ghilardi, Wesley and Malen as the standout performers, with Gasperini receiving a 7 for his rotation of the squad. Slovan Bratislava barely troubled Gollini, who was rated sv (without a rating) after the Slovak side failed to register a shot on target all match. Hermoso opened the scoring with a header, positioned sharply on the far post. Ghilardi, rated 7.5 and among the best players on the pitch, was calm in defence and timely in his attacking runs. He provided the aerial assist for Hermoso's opener and later scored a fine goal in the closing stages, which was ruled out for offside. Balerdi (6.5) controlled the defence with class and had a quiet evening. Molina (7) provided constant width on the right, going close twice and scoring once. Pisilli (7) produced a performance of substance and quality, enhanced by a good goal. De Roon (6) did the unglamorous work that the team valued. Wesley (7.5) was described as an arrow that wounded the Slovak rearguard, running tirelessly, delivering several good crosses and winning a penalty. Rensch (6.5) came on for him in the 57th minute and was judged to have made a positive impact, limiting the loss of the Brazilian. Mora (6) was described as raw. Gasperini deployed him on the right for the entire match, even after Soulé came on, and he kept searching for a goal without finding it. He missed an open-goal chance, although it was fortunately offside. Pellegrini (6.5) enjoyed a good first half, always involved in the attacking play and providing valuable assists, but had to be replaced early in the second half after picking up a knock. Soulé (6), who came on at 51 minutes, could not make an impact. Malen (7.5) was rated among the best, with some good touches, a goal won, a penalty converted and an assist. Castro (6), on for Malen in the 57th minute, set up a chance for Mora with unselfish play but did not find the net. Gasperini was rated 7. The match was not especially demanding, but he deserved credit for continuing to rotate the squad without fear. The 4-0 scoreline flattered a Roma side that has regained winning form in the Champions League.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Olimpico to climb the Champions League table
Match ReportEurope● AI
4h ago

Roma thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Olimpico to climb the Champions League table

Roma secured a convincing 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico in their third League Phase match of the UEFA Champions League, dominating the contest for 90 minutes. Having taken just one point from their opening two games, Gian Piero Gasperini's side needed a response, and they delivered. Hermoso opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Molina doubled the lead in the 39th, Pisilli made it three in the 51st and Malen completed the rout in the 58th. Barseghyan was booked for Slovan in the 18th minute. The result lifts Roma to four points after three matches. Slovan Bratislava arrived in Rome reeling from defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Stuttgart, and their coach Yaya Touré could not find a way past a Roma side that controlled possession and territory throughout. Gasperini made several changes with the trip to Napoli in mind. Hermoso lined up alongside Balerdi and Ghilardi in a back three, Molina returned at right wing-back, and Mora and Pellegrini were paired behind Malen in attack. Roma's starting line-up was: Gollini; Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso (78' Koulierakis); Molina, de Roon (78' Mancini), Pisilli, Wesley (59' Rensch); Mora, Pellegrini (51' Soulé); Malen (59' Castro). Substitutes on the bench included De Marzi, Koulierakis, Mancini, N'Dicka, Rensch, Lulli, Di Nunzio, Cristante, Soulé and Castro. Slovan Bratislava lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Takac in goal and Marcelli leading the line, with Yaya Touré in charge of the side.

Gasperini names his Roma XI for Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava
EuropeMatch Report● AI
7h ago

Gasperini names his Roma XI for Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava

Roma head to Bratislava for their third Champions League match looking for a first win of the campaign, after a draw with Fenerbahce and a defeat to Real Madrid. Gian Piero Gasperini has left Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini out of the starting line-up, with Daniele Ghilardi and Leonardo Balerdi starting in defence. Donyell Malen leads the attack, with Rodrigo Mora and Lorenzo Pellegrini behind him. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Pierluigi Gollini in goal; Ghilardi, Balerdi and Mario Hermoso in the back three; Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley in midfield; Mora and Pellegrini in the attacking pair; and Malen up front. On the bench are Giorgio De Marzi, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Mancini, N'Dicka, Devyne Rensch, Emanuele Lulli, Di Nunzio, Bryan Cristante, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro. Slovan Bratislava, coached by Yaya Touré, set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Takac starts in goal, protected by Blackman, Bajric, Markovic and Sandro Cruz. Pokorny and Gajdos form the double pivot, with Barseghyan, Ibrahim and Suleman Camara behind Marcelli.

Feedback