Francesco Totti believes Roma can compete near the top of Serie A following their impressive start under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Speaking during the EA7 World Legends Padel Tour, the former captain discussed Roma’s Champions League draw with Fenerbahçe, the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, Rodrigo Mora and his relationship with Gasperini.
Totti also addressed whether he will return to the Stadio Olimpico and clarified that there have been no discussions with Roma’s ownership regarding a formal role in the club’s centenary celebrations.
Totti reflects on September 11 and first Champions League goal
Totti scored his first Champions League goal against Real Madrid on September 11, 2001, but explained that his memories of the date remain dominated by the terrorist attacks in the United States.
“More than the match against Real Madrid, I remember what happened to the Twin Towers on September 11,” Totti said.
“It was a surreal and different match. I would not have played out of respect for all the people who died. I am deeply sorry, and we still remember that terrible event today.”
Totti reacts to Fenerbahçe draw
Roma returned to the Champions League after seven years away with a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul.
Totti hopes the point will prove valuable when the league-phase standings are completed.
“It is one point, and hopefully it will be useful for the final standings,” he said. “One is better than zero. It was the first Champions League match, and everything is still to be determined.”
The Roma legend admitted that even he did not anticipate the team beginning its domestic campaign so impressively.
“I did not expect it, and nobody expected it,” Totti explained. “We started on the right foot with the accelerator pressed down.”
“I hope it can continue this way. The league is still long, and the Champions League is a separate competition. We will draw conclusions in February or March.”
Dybala and Malen among Serie A’s strongest partnerships
Totti considers Dybala and Malen one of the best attacking partnerships in Italian football.
“One of the strongest,” he responded when asked whether they are Serie A’s leading duo. “They are two great players who currently understand each other with their eyes closed. I hope they can continue along this path.”
Totti also praised Dybala’s condition after the Argentine completed an encouraging preseason and started each of Roma’s opening matches.
“Paulo is making a great start, following the extremely high level he showed during the final matches of last season,” he said.
“This is the Paulo we all know. If he maintains this consistency and desire to play for Roma, then he is something truly special.”
Malen has also made an immediate impact, with the Dutch forward previously expressing his desire to lead Roma after his prolific start to the season.
Can Roma win the Scudetto?
Totti refused to compare the present team directly with Roma’s 2000/01 title-winning side.
“Making comparisons would be reductive,” he said. “They are two very different teams, from different periods and with different players. We were a great team; this is a good team.”
Asked what Roma still need to become genuine title contenders, Totti identified consistency as the decisive factor.
“Continuity,” he answered. “To win the Scudetto, you must have continuity. They have expanded last season’s squad, and the coach and sporting director made their decisions together.”
Totti currently places Roma ahead of Napoli, Milan and Juventus based on the opening weeks, but still considers Inter the benchmark.
“Based on how they have started, yes,” he said. “I think Inter are the team to beat, and it will be difficult. But with this Roma, anything can happen.”
Roma and Inter will meet at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico on September 19, with supporters purchasing every available ticket ten days before the match.
Totti discusses Gasperini and Rodrigo Mora
Totti confirmed that he has spoken with Gasperini and joked that the two could soon meet away from football.
When asked whether they had arranged dinner, Totti replied: “It could also be lunch.”
The former captain also urged patience with Mora, despite the substantial expectations surrounding the Portuguese teenager.
“We are talking about a player born in 2007 who has changed city and culture,” Totti said. “He is young, and we must wait for him.”
“If the figures being reported are correct, he is a player who must make an immediate difference.”
No centenary talks with Roma ownership
Totti confirmed that he plans to return to the Olimpico for both Serie A and Champions League matches.
However, he denied having held discussions with the Friedkin family about an official centenary position.
“There have never been any approaches,” he said. “But we will do many beautiful things with the supporters.”
Roma reportedly remain confident that Totti will have a role in the club’s centenary celebrations, although the nature of that involvement remains unresolved.
Reflecting on his life ahead of his birthday, Totti expressed satisfaction at having fulfilled his childhood ambition.
“I am happy because I achieved my dream,” he concluded. “I did what I had always dreamed of doing—wearing only one shirt. It is a dream that nobody can take away from me.”
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