AS Roma will be without Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar for their Champions League League Phase clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed the absences ahead of the match at the Stadio Olimpico, which marks the return of former Roma coach José Mourinho as an opponent.

"Cristante and Svilar are not fit, Gollini and De Roon will play again," said Gasperini, outlining his selection plans. The Italian side, third in Serie A with 14 points from six games, drew 0-0 with Como last time out and are seeking a first European win this season after a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahçe. Their next league fixture is at home to 17th-placed Genoa, but focus is firmly on the continental test.

Mourinho's Return

Real Madrid arrive in Rome having beaten Inter 2-1 in their opening League Phase match. Mourinho, who has lost just one of his last 19 Champions League group-stage games, leads a side that has dominated recent meetings, winning the last four against Roma without conceding. Former Roma defender Dean Huijsen is expected to start for the visitors, with Antonio Rüdiger on the bench. Gasperini is likely to set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Gollini in goal; Mancini, N’Dicka, Hermoso in defence; Molina, De Roon, Koné, Wesley in midfield; and an attacking trio of Dybala, Soulé behind top scorer Donyell Malen, who has six goals this term.

Context and History

The match will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Historical precedent favours the visitors, with Roma having won just one of the 12 all-time meetings between the sides. To change that pattern, the hosts will rely on their solid domestic home form and a defence that has conceded only three league goals so far. The European encounter comes just three days before Roma host Genoa in Serie A.

This story first appeared at ilmessaggero.it

Following the 3-4 defeat to Real Madrid on 14 October, manager Gian Piero Gasperini expressed his bitterness. "They were outclassed in everything," the coach declared in response to José Mourinho. Gasperini also confirmed physical problems for Koné and Dybala but assured: "We will react strongly." The team, third in Serie A, now has a record of 14 goals scored and 3 conceded.

AS Roma has officially announced the list of 22 players called up for the Champions League match against Real Madrid. The club confirmed the return of defender Koulierakis and the presence of Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as that of Donyell Malen, who is not suspended for European competition. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini will still be without Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante. The team, third in Serie A with 14 points, looks to react after yesterday's 3-4 defeat.