Lille coach Davide Ancelotti has discussed his family’s connection with Roma ahead of his team’s Champions League visit to the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma will host Lille on January 27, 2027, in the final match of the league phase. The fixture will carry personal significance for Ancelotti, whose family has strong ties to the Italian capital.
Speaking to Radio Anch’io Sport on Rai Radio 1, the Lille coach reflected on those connections and his ambition to guide the French club into the knockout rounds.
Ancelotti explains family connection with Roma
“Rome is a city that is very dear to me,” Ancelotti said. “My mother lived there for many years, and my father was Roma’s captain.”
Carlo Ancelotti played for the Giallorossi between 1979 and 1987, winning the 1982/83 Scudetto and four Coppa Italia trophies.
Davide has also previously managed from the touchline at the Stadio Olimpico. He took charge of Napoli there on one of the rare occasions when his father was suspended.
“I was also the head coach at the Olimpico with Napoli,” he explained. “It is a special stadium, and the match will be very important for us.”
Lille targeting Champions League qualification
Ancelotti described the trip to Roma as the final match in a demanding series of European away fixtures for Lille.
“Roma are the last of our difficult away trips, but we have a young team and we want to qualify,” he said.
The meeting could have significant consequences for both teams because it takes place on the final matchday of the league phase.
Roma’s home schedule also includes Real Madrid, Slovan Bratislava and Sporting CP. Gasperini’s side will travel to face Fenerbahçe, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and AEK Athens.
Roma begin their European campaign against Fenerbahçe on September 10. Our complete match preview includes the latest team news and predicted lineups.
The club has also announced its Champions League squad for the 2026/27 season.
Lille’s visit will conclude Roma’s eight-match schedule and bring Ancelotti back to a stadium with deep importance to his family.
Source: Radio Anch’io Sport via Rai Radio 1
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