AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has warned of the threat posed by Real Madrid ahead of their UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma host the European giants after a 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahce in their opening league phase fixture, but will be without first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who is expected to spend a month on the sidelines with a stress fracture.
Gasperini acknowledged the quality of Madrid’s squad, describing them as one of the strongest teams in Europe.
He said: “When I look at Real Madrid, I see a team of incredible champions, both on the pitch and on the bench.”
The Roma manager added: “We are up against one of the strongest sides in Europe, who have also had an extraordinary transfer window.”
Gasperini also recognised the lasting impact of former Roma coach Jose Mourinho, noting the affection he continues to command among the club’s supporters.
He said: “Jose left people with amazing memories and a deep affection for him as a coach.”
However, Gasperini insisted that his current Roma side has developed a different identity from the team Mourinho managed.
He said: “However, now ours is a different sort of team, very different from the one that played under Mourinho, even though it has not been that many years.”
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The Roma coach expressed satisfaction with his squad’s commitment and resilience, pointing to the determination required in their recent performance against Como.
Gasperini said: “It is a team that is giving me great satisfaction, because even today we really needed great morale, great fitness and a huge amount of heart to play like this in Como.”
Roma will look to Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante for creativity as they prepare to face the challenge posed by the Spanish side.
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