Torino match rescheduled to accommodate Champions League fixture

Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League League Phase. The fixture marks the return to Rome of José Mourinho, now managing Real Madrid. Roma drew 1–1 away at Fenerbahçe in their opening European match and arrive on the back of a goalless draw against Como in Serie A, played for much of it with 10 men after Donyell Malen's red card. Real Madrid beat Inter 2–1 at home in their Champions League debut and won 1–0 at Villarreal in La Liga. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad is without Mile Svilar, sidelined by a foot problem that will keep him out for several weeks. Pierluigi Gollini will continue in goal after a solid performance against Como, with Devis Vásquez added to the Champions League squad list. Bryan Cristante is also unavailable; Gasperini explained in his press conference that "the midfielder will need more time because of the knee problem". Konstantinos Koulierakis has returned to full training with the squad after his injury and trained with the players who did not start against Como, though it remains uncertain whether he will be used. In defence, competition is open among Balerdi, Mancini and Hermoso, with Evan N'Dicka the most secure of his place. Balerdi is pushing for a starting role following recent strong displays. Gasperini may select the trio Mancini–N'Dicka–Hermoso or field Balerdi from the start. Wesley is certain on one flank, while on the opposite side Nahuel Molina has a slight edge over Devyne Rensch and Emanuele Lulli. Marten de Roon is expected to partner Manu Koné in midfield in Cristante's absence. Paulo Dybala and Malen are both expected to start, with Malen eligible to play in the competition despite his Serie A suspension. Matías Soulé is slightly favoured over Rodrigo Mora to complete the front line. Roma are expected to deploy a 3–4–2–1 with Dybala and Soulé behind Malen. Real Madrid travel with a rich squad but several absences: Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio have not been called up due to injury. Those who departed for Rome include Rüdiger, Huijsen, Konaté, Alexander-Arnold, Dumfries, Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé. Andriy Lunin will start in goal. Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries are competing for the right-back role, with Konaté and Huijsen slight favourites at centre-back alongside Rüdiger as an alternative. Cucurella is expected to start at left-back. Valverde and Tchouaméni form the midfield base with Jude Bellingham higher up; Arda Güler is favoured on the right wing, Vinicius starts on the left and Kylian Mbappé leads the line after scoring in the Inter match. Referee François Letexier of France will oversee the match, with Dennis Higler of the Netherlands as VAR. The match will be broadcast exclusively in Italy on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage beginning at 21:00 on Wednesday 14 October. The commentary is provided by Sandro Piccinini with analysis by Massimo Ambrosini. Betting odds favour Real Madrid, with Roma victory quoted at 3.60–3.80, a draw between 3.75–4.10, and a Real Madrid win at 1.83–1.85. Over 1.5 goals is priced around 1.40–1.50, reflecting both teams' attacking potential. An away win of 1–2 for Real Madrid is quoted at 8.50–9.00 and is regarded as the most likely scoreline by several pre-match analyses.

Gian Piero Gasperini and José Mourinho will face each other tomorrow evening in a Roma-Real Madrid Champions League match at the Stadio Olimpico, and artist Harry Greb has created a mural at Roma Club Testaccio honouring both managers. The work, titled "I Mister (Roma chiamò)", depicts Mourinho's iconic Vespa on the left and the Special One in a Real Madrid tracksuit sitting on the Roma bench before being playfully ejected by Gasperini. The mural pays tribute to the recent history of Roma under two managers who each, in their own way, conquered the Roman supporters and restored hope to the giallorossi faithful. Gasperini has been Roma's head coach since 2025, while Mourinho managed the club during the 2024–25 season. Both left their mark on the Stadio Olimpico and the club's identity during their respective spells in charge.

Roma face Real Madrid in the second round of the Champions League League Phase, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini using the pre-match press conference to frame the fixture as a barometer of his team's level. Gasperini said: "With Real we will understand our level, we must not lose our identity. We have the desire to measure ourselves against one of Europe's best teams." On José Mourinho, who managed Roma in 2024–25, Gasperini added: "He deserves the affection of the people. What would I steal from him? The ability to get his players taken from him." Donyell Malen addressed the media alongside Gasperini, saying: "From the moment I arrived the Champions League was the objective, now we've managed it and we have the opportunity to enjoy a special evening." The Real Madrid contingent received a warm reception at the stadium, with Mourinho—a club legend from his time in Rome—telling the assembled press: "Roma, opponents but only for 90 minutes. I love the giallorosso people, they are special. It won't be normal." He joked with a Spanish journalist: "Watch out for the taxi drivers, some are Lazio fans." Tchouameni, speaking for Real Madrid, praised Roma's style: "I like very much how Roma play." Malen will miss the fixture through suspension.