Gasperini: Roma fans have waited seven years for Real Madrid night at Olimpico

Gasperini hails long-awaited Champions League return

Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico for the Giallorossi’s first Champions League home fixture in over seven years, kicking off at 20:00 UK time, 21:00 CEST.

Gasperini acknowledged the occasion ahead of facing a Real Madrid side featuring former Roma coach Jose Mourinho.

“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.”

Respect for Real’s quality

Real Madrid arrive with Vinicius Junior handed a four-match LaLiga ban for a hair-pulling incident against Villarreal, a ban the club will appeal. Gasperini still expects the visitors’ pace to be the main threat.

“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,” Gasperini noted.

He pointed to Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande and Kylian Mbappé as extra motivation for the Spanish champions after the ban news.

“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.”

Roma team news

Donyell Malen was sent off in the 0-0 draw with Como and will be suspended for the upcoming Serie A match against Genoa, allowing him to focus on the Champions League clash.

Goalkeeper Mile Svilar and midfielder Bryan Cristante remain injured. Pierluigi Gollini and Marten de Roon are set to step in.