Real Madrid face a difficult Champions League challenge against Roma on their visit to the Stadio Olimpico.
Piero Gasperini’s side have developed into one of Europe’s most organised teams and are unbeaten in their opening seven matches of the season.
Roma’s impressive start reflects the progress made under their manager, whose demanding approach has blended very well with the squad.
Roma’s impressive numbers underline the threat
The Italian side have scored 14 goals and conceded just three this season, giving them the best goal difference in Serie A.
Their defensive success has been built around Gasperini’s preferred three-man back line, supported by aggressive pressing and coordinated movement across the pitch.
Rather than abandoning the tactical principles that made him famous at Atalanta, the manager has assembled a squad suited to his methods.
Gasperini’s Roma are one of the most in-form teams in Europe. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Donyell Malen, in particular, has emerged as a dangerous attacking star, scoring six goals in six Serie A appearances.
Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala provides the technical quality and creativity needed to unlock opposition defences.
Why Roma could trouble Mourinho’s Madrid
Roma’s tactical structure presents an interesting challenge for Jose Mourinho, particularly given Madrid’s recent difficulties progressing the ball through midfield.
Gasperini’s aggressive man-oriented pressing could disrupt Madrid’s build-up, forcing defenders into hurried passes and isolating their attacking players.
The midfield pairing of Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni will need to offer better passing options than they managed against Villarreal.
Mourinho could choose to play Bernardo Silva instead of one of the duo to help aid in the creativity against the Italian club.
Madrid could start Bernardo Silva to help with the midfield creativity. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
However, Roma’s commitment to the press could also present opportunities. The wing-backs are often caught high up the pitch.
This could potentially leave space for the wingers and Kylian Mbappe to exploit on the counter-attack.
Madrid must exploit Roma’s biggest tactical risk
The key for Madrid could be resisting the temptation to attack too quickly whenever possession is recovered.
Against a well-drilled three-man defence, predictable long balls may simply surrender possession and allow Roma to regain control.
Instead, Mourinho’s side should look to draw Roma’s press forward before switching play into the spaces behind their wing-backs.
Arda Guler’s ability to receive between the lines could be particularly useful in creating those opportunities.
Roma’s unbeaten record shows that they deserve respect and will not be easy to get past, and Madrid will have to play a perfect game.
However, Mourinho has the quality on paper to do just that, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against the Italians.