Fabio Capello expects an ‘aggressive’ Roma against Real Madrid tonight and feels Paulo Dybala ‘can seriously trouble’ José Mourinho’s defence.
Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in their first home Champions League game since 2019.
The Giallorossi drew 1-1 in their first Champions League game this season, away at Fenerbahce, and drew 0-0 with Como in Serie A before tonight’s European fixture.
Capello: How Roma can hurt Real Madrid
ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, reacts during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
The performance against Como leaves Capello confident Roma will be in good shape for tonight’s meeting with Real Madrid.
“In the first half against Como, I saw the best football played in our league so far. The team took the field confident, determined, and united,” Capello told Gazzetta.
“There were concerns that they might struggle in goal without Svilar, but Gollini proved more than capable. So, against Real Madrid, I expect an aggressive Roma, even though the opposition is at a higher level. Tactically, Gasperini will play man-to-man. That can cause problems, but it will require maximum concentration because Madrid have the quality, pace, and players to capitalize on the slightest mistake, especially when the midfield pushes higher up the pitch. I believe that will be the key to the match.
ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma is challenged by Trevoh Chalobah of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“However, Mourinho’s team also leaves defensive gaps, while Roma produce high-quality, consistently dangerous moves in attack,” the ex-Roma and Real Madrid coach added.
Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1 in their opening Champions League game this season, but have already suffered two defeats in six La Liga games, leaving them six points behind leaders Barcelona.
Capello, however, knows the La Liga giants remain a very dangerous side.
“Real have players who shoot extremely well from outside the box, such as Valverde, Arda Güler, and, of course, Mbappé,” he said.
LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SL Benfica and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at on November 05, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
“They are all top-level players, so Roma will have to be very careful. They must also remember that the Spaniards move the ball much faster than what we see in Serie A. Another interesting aspect will be seeing how determined Vinicius is to make amends after his foolish mistake against Villarreal on Saturday.”
So, who could be the key players at the Olimpico tonight?
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello attends the Sporting Mixed Zone ahead of Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
“Malen and Mbappé are the players most likely to put the ball in the net,” the ex-coach replied.
“But watch out for Dybala too: in his position, he can seriously trouble their defense. The key is that he stays wary of a fast full-back like Cucurella.”