Roma Takes On Real Madrid: Bold Predictions, Key Matchups, and Expected Lineups Revealed

Real Madrid make their first trip to the Italian capital since 2018, taking on a Roma side marking their Champions League comeback at the Stadio Olimpico.

Former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini led Roma to a third-place Serie A finish last season, and they appear well-positioned to challenge Inter Milan for the Scudetto this campaign.

Gasperini's men remain undefeated through six league matches, and they impressively battled to a draw against fellow Champions League side Como last weekend despite top scorer Donyell Malen receiving a red card.

In European competition, their league phase began with a creditable 1–1 draw away at Fenerbahçe last month, while Madrid narrowly defeated Inter 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

José Mourinho, of course, shares a deep connection with the Nerazzurri, and the Olimpico crowd will surely give the 'Special One' an enthusiastic reception on Wednesday night. Mourinho returned to Italy in 2021 after more than ten years away, steering Roma to Conference League triumph at the end of his debut season in the Eternal City. He left the club in early 2024 after two and a half years in charge.

Roma vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

Mourinho Defies Another Former Flame

This fixture will undoubtedly carry great significance for Mourinho, given what his Roma side accomplished in Tirana back in May 2022. Rome has embraced Gasperini just as it once did José, and the current manager will be hoping to improve a rather underwhelming head-to-head record against the returning Real Madrid boss.

Mourinho's Madrid have struggled to impress on both sides of the extended international break, with Los Blancos scraping a labored win over Villarreal at the weekend to sit six points adrift of Barcelona in La Liga.

Yan Diomande's maiden goal for the club was overshadowed by Vinícius Júnior's dismissal and Mourinho's decision to avoid the post-match press conference. It already appears he's falling back on a well-worn approach — his team against everyone else.

Prediction: Roma 1–2 Real Madrid

Roma Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Donyell Malen's red card at the weekend does not carry over to Wednesday's match. The Dutch forward will serve his suspension in Serie A. Malen will spearhead Roma's attack alongside Paulo Dybala, who has managed to stay fit at the start of the new campaign.

First-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar is expected to remain sidelined until November with a broken finger, and Bryan Cristante is also unavailable. Manu Koné and Marten De Roon are set to feature in Gasperini's midfield.

Former Atlético Madrid defender Mario Hermoso will face a familiar opponent, having featured in 13 Madrid derbies during his spell in the Spanish capital.

Roma predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Rensch, De Roon, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Roma

Madrid are in a more favorable position regarding squad availability for this game, with both Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler free to play after completing their suspensions.

That said, the pair may still find themselves among the substitutes in Rome. Aurélien Tchouaméni looks likely to partner Federico Valverde in the middle of the park, and Vinícius Júnior's domestic ban could prompt Mourinho to deploy the Brazilian from the start in Europe.

Yan Diomande is also expected to retain his starting berth following his first goal for the club at the weekend.

On the injury front, the away side are missing Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Raúl Asencio.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Roma (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Diomande, Bellingham, Viní Jr; Mbappé.

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