Gian Piero Gasperini says Roma are eager to test themselves against Real Madrid and will not abandon their identity for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Giallorossi coach welcomed the challenge, backed supporters to recognise José Mourinho’s achievements and provided updates on Bryan Cristante and Konstantinos Koulierakis.
“We Want to Understand How Competitive We Are”
Asked whether Madrid’s ongoing adjustment to a new coach made this a favourable moment to face them, Gasperini said the answer would come on the pitch.
“I don’t know; we’ll find out tomorrow. It’s a good moment for us. We want to measure ourselves against one of the best teams in Europe. They need time to settle, they have changed coach, but they beat Inter, and it will be a prestigious match with important points at stake.”
However, he cautioned against using Madrid as the benchmark for Roma’s wider development.
“It’s a little difficult to use Real as a comparison: they are the most decorated team and have the most supporters on the planet. That isn’t our benchmark.
“On the pitch, yes: we have to measure ourselves against them. We have played Inter and Como, two of the best teams in Italy; now we face one of the best in Europe. We want to understand how competitive we are.”
Mourinho Deserves the Olimpico’s Recognition
Mourinho’s return will add an emotional dimension to the evening, and Gasperini believes a warm reception would be deserved.
“It’s right that it should be that way. There was a great love for Mourinho, and he deserves recognition from the supporters. These are things people feel individually; you cannot stop them.
“Then the match begins and all those feelings are put aside: the people of Rome will support only their team.”
Asked to compare his Roma with Mourinho’s, Gasperini stressed that the two sides belong to different stages of the club’s development.
“They are two different teams, each with their own characteristics. That was a Roma with new ownership, enormous involvement and considerable spending.
“Ours is growing and is very tough. There is a fantastic atmosphere here, and the team managed to reach the Champions League, which gives the club resources that are important for improving.”
Roma Will Not Abandon Their Approach
Gasperini pointed to the draw at Como as evidence that Roma can adapt when required, but suggested Madrid’s quality would not prompt a wholesale change of approach.
“At Como, with a numerical disadvantage, it became a different match. This approach has taken us to third place. We have our own characteristics.
“Real have quality, but we have faced other strong teams. We know that when you think you are causing them problems, they can score. That is part of facing great teams. But I don’t think we will have to change our identity.”
The coach also discussed his ambition to build on what he achieved at Atalanta.
“That is my objective and my hope. Many elements are needed. Atalanta started from a lower position than Roma, won the Europa League and played in five Champions League campaigns.
“But Italian teams have been playing in Europe for many years. Right now, we cannot make grand declarations about our football: we cannot win the Champions League. We need to nurture our own foundations properly. Then there will still be a long road ahead.”
Gasperini Jokes About Mourinho’s Transfer Pull
Asked what he would borrow from Mourinho’s teams, Gasperini praised his counterpart’s career before delivering a light-hearted answer.
“Mourinho’s Inter were very strong; it was difficult to beat that team. With Atalanta, I played against Roma.
“José’s career results speak for themselves. If I could take something, it would be his empathy, his ability to get extraordinary players bought for considerable sums! That would be fantastic.”
On whether he would ask Mourinho about Endrick, Gasperini laughed: “I don’t think so. We have started a journey, and tomorrow will be a great occasion. We will experience it with that sense of enjoyment.”
Koulierakis Returns, Cristante Needs More Time
Gasperini confirmed that Koulierakis had resumed group training, while Cristante remains unavailable as he continues his recovery.
“Koulierakis returned to the group yesterday and trained with those who didn’t play. Cristante needs a little more time.
“We trained well yesterday. Those who played against Como will train after the press conference. I have to say there are no particular knocks; we just need to assess recovery because Como was a demanding match. We are in good spirits to face this kind of game.”
Real Madrid’s Talent Remains a Major Threat
Despite Madrid still adapting to their new setup, Gasperini warned that their individual quality makes them dangerous in any circumstances.
“As I said earlier, they need a few matches to settle because they have changed their system and coach. But they are a team with enormous resources, and I believe they can grow over time.
“They remain an extremely dangerous team, capable of winning any match. They have room to improve.”
He also suggested Europe’s top competition would test the balance between Madrid’s attacking talent and collective organisation.
“We need to see how this Champions League unfolds; it will tell us something about Real Madrid too.
“If you have Mbappé, Vinícius, Diomandé and then Bellingham up front, you have extraordinary players who can decide any match, but perhaps you lose something in terms of compactness.
“The Champions League will help Real measure themselves against sides that appear more cohesive but do not have all the talent Madrid possess.”
Gasperini Backs Malen Ahead of European Test
In a separate interview with Sky Sport, Gasperini was asked whether he had expected Donyell Malen to score more goals than Mbappé during the calendar year.
“No, but those goals are all deserved. He can continue like this; even against Como, he showed how important he is.”
The coach reiterated that earning the supporters’ trust matters deeply to him.
“The most important achievement is having credibility with the fans. Recognition for José’s years here will be right, but once Roma–Real Madrid begins, there will only be the match.”
And when another question about Endrick followed, Gasperini turned the attention back to his own squad.
“I hope to embrace my players! In fact, we will embrace anyway, because matches like this have been missing for a long time, and we hope we can embrace happily.”
Sources: Gian Piero Gasperini’s pre-match press conference and Sky Sport.
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