Gasperini puts Roma’s identity ahead of January talk before Real Madrid test

Roma will not let Endrick transfer talk distract them from the more immediate question: how competitive are they against Real Madrid? Gian Piero Gasperini says the January market is not on his mind before the Champions League meeting, which he sees as a chance to measure his growing side against one of Europe’s strongest teams.

“We will live the game as an event that has been missing for a long time,” Gasperini said when asked about Endrick. Roma are third in Serie A with 14 points from six games and remain unbeaten, but Gasperini wants the match judged by what happens on the pitch—not by Real’s status or reputation.

The coach expects Roma to show extra care without changing the approach that has brought them success. Real can score when opponents think they have gained the upper hand, he warned, but Roma will not abandon their characteristics. That is the balance the match demands: respect Real’s threat without letting it dictate Roma’s identity.

Gasperini described Madrid as a side that may still need time to find its rhythm, while stressing its depth and ability to win any match. A squad full of top players can take time to cohere, but Roma’s test is not to make assumptions about Real. It is to discover how well they can compete on the field.

The build-up also brings José Mourinho back into focus. Gasperini said Roma supporters’ affection for their former coach deserves recognition, while expecting them to back their own team once the match begins. Asked what he would take from Mourinho, Gasperini joked about his ability to persuade clubs to spend heavily on outstanding players.

Gasperini has also framed Roma’s progress as a longer project. The club’s Champions League qualification brought important resources, and he described the current team as growing and tough. He has cautioned against making grand claims while that development continues.

Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar are listed out, while Donyell Malen is set to feature in attack, according to the pre-match report. After the Real test, Roma return to Serie A at home against Genoa on Saturday, 17 October. For Gasperini, the immediate value of the Madrid meeting is clear: it offers a demanding measure of how far Roma have come, without requiring them to become a different team.