Gasperini: Roma fans will back team despite Mourinho return
Roma coach says supporters will cheer for Giallorossi once match against Real Madrid begins, while praising Mourinho's transfer influence.
KEY POINTS
- Roma face Real Madrid in Champions League Matchday 2 at Stadio Olimpico
- Match marks Mourinho's first return to Rome since January 2024 sacking
- Gasperini says Roma fans will support team once match begins
- Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1 in opener; Roma drew 1-1 at Fenerbahçe
- Real lead head-to-head record with seven wins in 12 meetings
Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday in the second round of the Champions League league phase. The match marks José Mourinho's first return to Rome since his January 2024 dismissal.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini said the club's fans will support the team once the game starts, despite the warm reception expected for Mourinho. He added that he admires the Portuguese manager's ability to persuade clubs to sign extraordinary players.
“Once the match begins, all feelings will be set aside and the people of Rome will cheer exclusively for their own team.”
Gasperini insisted Roma will not change their playing philosophy against the European giants. He noted Real Madrid may need more matches to reach full speed after changing formation and manager.
Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 2-1 in their Champions League opener, while Roma drew 1-1 away at Fenerbahçe. The Spanish side also won 1-0 against Villarreal in LaLiga, though Vinícius Júnior was sent off after a VAR review.
Roma drew 0-0 with Como in their last Serie A match and are seeking their first Champions League victory. Real Madrid lead the head-to-head record with seven wins in 12 previous meetings.
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