Gian Piero Gasperini realises Roma fans ‘have been waiting years for this moment’ hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League. ‘We are up against some of the best players in the world.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
The Giallorossi have their first Champions League home fixture in over seven years, and it is against one of their former coaches, as Jose Mourinho won the Conference League here and reached the Europa League Final.
Gasperini focus on Roma strengths
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Fenerbahce SK and AS Roma at Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on September 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“There were no doubts about the atmosphere, this type of match has been missing for too long from this stadium, and the fans have been waiting years for this moment,” Gasperini told Amazon Prime Video Italia.
“It’ll feel like we have a 12th man on our side in the stands, but on the pitch, it is just 11 against 11. We have to count on our own strengths, so while the motivation and atmosphere is going to be incredible, we’ve got to make it count on the pitch.”
Real Madrid just learned that Vinicius Junior has been given a four-match LaLiga ban for a hair-pulling incident against Villarreal, but they will appeal.
He therefore is extra motivated along with Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande and Kylian Mbappé.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We are up against some of the best players in the world, and their pace is above all going to be a concern. We know all that, so we need to work well not just individually, but as a unit,” noted Gasperini.
Donyell Malen was sent off in the 0-0 draw with Como, so will be suspended for the upcoming Serie A match against Genoa, and can focus all his attention on tonight’s clash.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Goalkeeper Mile Svilar and midfielder Bryan Cristante are still out injured, so Pierluigi Gollini and Marten de Roon step in.
“We’ve got to try to take the game to Real Madrid, cause them problems, highlight some of their weaknesses and limit some of their many strengths.”