Totti calls for return to youth investment as he addresses 2002 World Cup regret

Vincent Candela previewed Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid on Prime Video, expressing confidence that the giallorossi will test the Spanish giants despite the strength of their opposition. Candela highlighted the significance of Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after seven years, praising Gasperini and the club for engineering that turnaround. "For us it's a day of celebration, for the players it's a wonderful match against Real Madrid, who are at the top of football," Candela said. "We're back in the Champions League after 7 years with great Gasperini and the club. The stadium is always full, tonight even more so. We support Roma, it will be a beautiful match. I'm convinced we will put them in difficulty." Candela analysed the tactical duel between Gasperini and José Mourinho, who now manages Real Madrid. "They are two great, winning managers, different in their approach to the match," he explained. "Mourinho is coaching great Real Madrid again, but Gasperini has the squad with him in a moment of confidence in attack and in defence. Gasperini won't change his tactics, he'll play high and press. Even though with Mbappé and Vinicius it will be difficult." Candela expressed a preference for Gasperini's style of football while acknowledging Mourinho's winning pedigree. "I like how Gasperini plays more, Mourinho is a winner and he has won with Roma," he said. "It will be a very different match, but special."

Miralem Pjanic, appearing as a guest on Prime Video for Roma's Champions League encounter with Real Madrid, praised the Giallorossi as the standout team of the Serie A season and spoke warmly of the club's unique atmosphere. Pjanic expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Olimpico, saying he was eager to witness the European showdown. On Roma's form under Gasperini, he noted: "It impresses me. In Gasperini's second year the squad is even better and more cohesive. It's going very strong at the start of the campaign—it's the team that impresses me most in this Serie A. I think it's the best moment to face Real Madrid, in a burning Olimpico." Pjanic drew particular attention to the Olimpico crowd, declaring: "Roma's fans are unique. Roma's players will be desperate to take to the pitch against Real Madrid." He also reflected on the emotional significance of his return to the stadium. On the prospect of the match itself, he said: "It's exciting, I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to see this great evening of football. Let's hope we experience a great spectacle." Speaking of Paulo Dybala, with whom Pjanic played for four years, he praised the Argentine's qualities: "It's lovely to see him like this. He's the player with the best touch and best technique in Serie A. It's always a pleasure to see a player like that on the pitch—Roma and the fans must rightly make the most of him." On José Mourinho's time at Roma, Pjanic reflected: "Winning is winning. He's a master at it. Hearing him speak and seeing the images, I feel it on me too—you can leave Roma but Roma doesn't leave you. The love Roma gives you is hard to find elsewhere."

Francesco Totti has closed the door on a playing comeback to AS Roma, stating firmly: 'I am not returning.' The Roma legend, in remarks published on 14 October, offered a clear answer to speculation about a potential comeback at the club where he spent his entire playing career. Totti backed Roma's current prospects under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying the side can compete for the Serie A title. 'Roma can compete for the Scudetto. We know Inter have an extra gear, but it is a team that can give them trouble,' he said. He also praised Gasperini directly, describing him as 'a top player'—a reference to the coach's stature and tactical prowess.