The Allianz Arena hosts one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the UEFA Champions League league phase as Bayern Munich welcome Arsenal at 19:00 GMT.

Bayern are determined to respond in front of their home supporters after a frustrating run in recent weeks, but face an Arsenal side arriving with strong confidence. The evenly balanced contest has been made more difficult to predict by significant absences for both teams.

Michael Olise is unavailable for Bayern, while Arsenal will be without William Saliba in their defence. The two players’ absences are expected to force both managers to make major adjustments to their tactical plans for the high-profile meeting.

With every dropped point carrying greater consequences in the battle to finish in the top eight of the European competition’s new league phase, neither side can afford a costly mistake.

The match is expected to become a closely fought tactical contest, with a single technical error potentially decisive at the Allianz Arena.

LOSC Lille and Galatasaray SK meet at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Wednesday 21 October, with both clubs searching for their first points of the UEFA Champions League phase league.

The match, which kicks off at 16:45, is already a pivotal fixture for two sides whose European campaigns have begun with consecutive defeats.

Lille are 34th in the standings after losing to Real Betis and Arsenal in their opening two matches. Galatasaray are one place below them in 35th, having been beaten by Sporting Portugal and FC Barcelona.

Neither team has registered a point so far, leaving little room for another setback as the competition reaches its third matchday.

The game will also mark an emotional return to Lille for Victor Osimhen. Back from injury, the Galatasaray forward is expected to lead the visitors’ attack at a ground where he remains a familiar figure to the home supporters.

Osimhen will be aiming to make an impact on a stadium he knows well, while Lille will look to use home advantage to recover from their difficult start. Galatasaray, despite their own poor results, arrive with the same objective and will be under pressure to respond.

The outcome could prove significant for both clubs’ prospects in Europe. Victory would give the winner an opportunity to revive their campaign, while another defeat would leave the losing side in an increasingly difficult position.

Paris Saint-Germain defeated FC Barcelona 4-2 at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, securing three points in the third round of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.

The hosts led at half-time after Desire Doue gave them the advantage, but Barcelona responded strongly after the interval and twice levelled the score before Paris Saint-Germain settled the match in the closing stages.

Xavi Espart brought FC Barcelona level in the 54th minute. Paris Saint-Germain restored their lead when Lucas Hernandez headed home in the 72nd minute, only for Lamine Yamal to make it 2-2 six minutes later.

With both sides pushing to take control, the decisive moment came in the 81st minute. Vitinha put Paris Saint-Germain back in front before Fabian Ruiz added a fourth goal for the home side in the 86th minute.

The victory gives Paris Saint-Germain a valuable three points in the league phase and means they could move temporarily to the top of the standings, depending on the other results.

Full-time: Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 FC Barcelona.

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Napoli survived a chaotic late fightback from Bodø/Glimt to secure a 4-3 win in a dramatic Champions League third-round meeting.

The Diego Armando Maradona Stadium witnessed an extraordinary contest, with the momentum shifting repeatedly before the final whistle. Both sides produced an attacking spectacle that remained in doubt until the closing seconds of added time.

Napoli led 2-1 at the interval after a lively opening period, but the contest became even more open after the restart. The scoring continued at both ends as the Norwegian visitors refused to allow the Italian side to settle.

Bodø/Glimt showed considerable resilience and repeatedly threatened to turn the match around. Their determination put Antonio Conte’s side under sustained pressure during the closing stages, as the visitors continued to search for an equaliser.

Napoli were eventually handed a decisive moment in the 88th minute, when Bodø/Glimt defender Odin Bjørtuft scored an own goal to restore the hosts’ advantage and appear to settle the outcome.

However, the Norwegian side continued to fight and reduced the deficit again through Sondre Fet in the 94th minute. Napoli were forced to defend their narrow lead through the remaining moments of added time.

Conte’s players ultimately held on to claim three crucial points from a match that featured constant twists and attacking football from both teams.

The Paris Saint-Germain defeated FC Barcelona 4-2 on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, as the third matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase produced a night of high-scoring matches. Liverpool came from two goals down to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield, while Manchester City defeated AEK Athens 5-1 and AS Roma swept aside Slovan Bratislava 4-0.

Paris Saint-Germain strengthened their European campaign with a lively victory over Barcelona. Desire Doue put the home side ahead, but Xavi Espart quickly brought the visitors level. Lucas Hernandez restored PSG’s lead before Lamine Yamal equalised again.

Vitinha then made it 3-2 to the French champions, with Fabian Ruiz adding a fourth goal to secure victory for the European champions. The result underlined Paris Saint-Germain’s ambitions in the competition.

Liverpool faced a difficult evening after Villarreal established a two-goal advantage and appeared capable of claiming a notable win at Anfield. The Reds responded forcefully after the interval, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring twice during the recovery.

Florian Wirtz also contributed to Liverpool’s turnaround, while Rio Ngumoha offered an attacking threat as the hosts took control. Tani Oluwaseyi scored a late goal for Villarreal, but Liverpool held on to claim a 4-3 victory.

Manchester City also impressed, beating AEK Athens 5-1. Elliot Anderson opened the scoring before Phil Foden completed a hat-trick. Rayan Cherki was also on the scoresheet for the English side, despite AEK Athens reducing the deficit in the second half.

There was another seven-goal contest in Naples, where the Italian side defeated Bodø/Glimt 4-3 following several changes in momentum. Scott McTominay scored twice as Naples secured the points.

AS Roma recorded one of the evening’s most convincing victories, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0. Mario Hermoso, Nahuel Molina, Niccolo Pisilli and Donyell Malen scored for the Italian club. The defeat added to the European difficulties facing Yaya Toure and his Slovan Bratislava team against more experienced opponents.

PSV Eindhoven claimed a narrow 1-0 win away to FC Porto, while Borussia Dortmund defeated Sabah 2-1. Fenerbahce and Slavia Prague shared four goals in a 2-2 draw, and Stuttgart drew 1-1 with Atletico de Madrid.

Tuesday’s results

Fenerbahce 2-2 Slavia Prague

Sabah 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

AS Roma 4-0 Slovan Bratislava

FC Porto 0-1 PSV Eindhoven

Liverpool 4-3 Villarreal

Manchester City 5-1 AEK Athens

Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 FC Barcelona

Naples 4-3 Bodø/Glimt

Stuttgart 1-1 Atletico de Madrid

Liverpool overturned an early two-goal deficit to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield and claim their third victory in three UEFA Champions League matches this season.

The Reds were made to pay for a difficult start as G. Mikautadze put Villarreal ahead in the fourth minute before Sergi Cardona doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 29th minute.

Liverpool responded before half-time, with A. Mac Allister reducing the deficit in the 36th minute. Ronald Araujo then brought the teams level with a goal in first-half stoppage time at 45+2 minutes.

The hosts completed their comeback after the interval. A. Mac Allister scored again in the 65th minute to put Liverpool in front, before Florian Wirtz added a fourth three minutes later.

Villarreal refused to concede defeat and Tani Oluwaseyi scored in the 87th minute to set up a tense finish at Anfield.

Liverpool held on to secure a seven-goal victory in a match featuring a series of reversals, attacking intensity and a late threat from the Spanish side. The result extends their perfect start to this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign, with three wins from three games.

AS Roma recorded their first victory of this Champions League campaign with a commanding 4-0 win against Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side controlled the third-round league phase fixture from the outset, leaving Yaya Toure’s Slovan Bratislava unable to cope with the pace of the home team’s passing and attacking movement.

Roma took the lead in the 21st minute. Lorenzo Pellegrini delivered a cross into the area, and Daniele Ghilardi redirected the ball into the path of Mario Hermoso, who headed past goalkeeper Dominik Takac.

The hosts doubled their advantage before half-time. Donyell Malen’s effort was saved by Takac, but Nahuel Molina reacted quickest to the rebound and finished to make it 2-0 in the 39th minute.

Roma maintained complete control through the opening period and went into the interval with a two-goal lead, having limited Slovan Bratislava’s opportunities to threaten.

The Italian side extended their advantage six minutes after the restart following a defensive misunderstanding between Tigran Barseghyan and Takac. Malen collected the loose ball and set up Niccolo Pisilli, who found the net with his left foot in the 51st minute.

Malen then added Roma’s fourth goal seven minutes later. The Netherlands forward took advantage of another opening to complete the scoring in the 58th minute and cap an impressive attacking display.

Slovan Bratislava attempted to respond during the closing stages, but their substitutions failed to change the course of the match. Toure’s players could not match Roma’s movement or speed of circulation, and the visitors never looked capable of mounting a comeback.

Roma appeared to have scored a fifth when Ghilardi found the net in the 86th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The result gives Roma their first win in this season’s European campaign after they drew with Fenerbahce and lost to Real Madrid in their opening two matches.

For Slovan Bratislava, the heavy defeat represents a significant setback in the league phase. Toure’s team will need to respond quickly if they are to recover from a night in which Roma dominated from start to finish.

Napoli hold a 2-1 lead over Bodø/Glimt after an action-packed first half in which Matteo Politano opened the scoring inside the first minute.

The hosts made the perfect start when Politano struck almost immediately, but Napoli were subsequently forced back as the Norwegian visitors grew into the game.

Bodø/Glimt’s pressure paid off in the 27th minute when their leading winger, Jens Petter Hauge, found the net to bring the score level. The goal shifted the momentum towards the visitors and boosted their confidence.

Napoli responded before half-time, with Scott McTominay finishing off a well-worked team move in the 41st minute to put Massimiliano Allegri’s side back in front.

The result leaves Napoli with a narrow but valuable advantage as the teams head into the interval.

AS Roma lead Slovan Bratislava 2-0 at half-time in their third-day UEFA Champions League league-phase match at the Stadio Olimpico.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have controlled the opening period in front of their home supporters, with Mario Hermoso and Nahuel Molina converting Roma’s pressure into goals. Slovan, managed by Ivorian former midfielder Yaya Toure, have struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking play.

Roma made their dominance count in the 21st minute from a set-piece. Lorenzo Pellegrini delivered an excellent ball into the area, where Daniele Ghilardi rose at the far post and headed it back across goal.

Hermoso reacted quickest from close range to finish the move and give the Italian side a deserved lead. Roma had already threatened Dominik Takac’s goal several times during the early stages, and the opening goal reflected their stronger start.

The hosts continued to find space out wide, with Wesley Franca and Molina providing an outlet from the flanks. Their movement repeatedly stretched the Slovan defence and allowed Roma to maintain pressure in the final third.

Roma doubled their advantage in the 39th minute after Donyell Malen created another opening. Cutting inside from the flank, Malen found room for a shot which Takac managed to repel, but Molina had followed the play and was in position to turn the rebound into the net.

The second goal rewarded Roma’s sustained pressure before the interval and left Slovan facing a difficult second half.

Toure’s side have found it hard to play the ball out from defence or provide regular service to their attacking players. Tigran Barseghyan has had little influence during the first half and was booked for simulation in the 20th minute.

Slovan will need greater control in possession and more effective use of space on the counter-attack if they are to get back into the match.

Roma go into the break two goals ahead and within reach of their first victory of this European campaign. Gasperini’s players will nevertheless need to remain focused after half-time to prevent Slovan from mounting a comeback.

Liverpool recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Villarreal at half-time in a lively UEFA Champions League third-round match at Anfield.

Villarreal stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the fourth minute. G. Mikautadze finished early to put the Spanish side in front and give Liverpool an unexpected setback.

The visitors continued to control the tempo and maintained their tactical discipline as the first half progressed. Their pressure produced a second goal in the 29th minute, when Sergi Cardona converted after being set up by N. Saliba.

Liverpool were forced to respond and began to find a way back into the contest before the interval. A. Mac Allister reduced the deficit in the 36th minute, with K. Tsimikas providing the assist.

The Reds then completed their comeback in added time at the end of the first half. Ronald Aurajo scored to bring Liverpool level and ensure the teams went into the dressing rooms with the score at 2-2.

The second half is set up for another intense battle, with Liverpool pushing for a complete turnaround and Villarreal determined to protect their strong performance at Anfield.

Paris Saint-Germain lead FC Barcelona 1-0 at half-time in their Ligue des champions UEFA meeting at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

Desire Doue scored the only goal of the opening period in the 37th minute, finishing from Joao Neves’ assist to put the home side in front during the third matchday of the league phase.

Paris Saint-Germain had made the quicker start. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck the post in the sixth minute, giving the hosts an early opportunity to take the lead.

FC Barcelona responded through Dani Olmo and Raphinha, but Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvei Safonov dealt with their efforts. The visitors were also handed a setback when Joao Cancelo was shown a yellow card in the 16th minute for a foul on Desire Doue.

Both teams were forced into early substitutions before the interval. Ousmane Dembele left the pitch in the 19th minute with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Ferran Torres.

FC Barcelona made their own change seven minutes later. Dani Olmo was withdrawn in the 26th minute because of a physical problem, with Fermin Lopez taking his place.

Paris Saint-Germain therefore went into the break with a narrow advantage, although FC Barcelona remain within one goal of drawing level in the second half.

Serhou Guirassy scored twice for Borussia Dortmund against Sabah to take his Champions League total to 23 goals in 31 appearances, putting the Guinea striker among the most prolific active forwards in European football.

The 30-year-old needed only 10 minutes to open the scoring in Azerbaijan during Dortmund’s third match of the competition. He added a second goal after half-time to complete his double and move his career record in the tournament from 21 goals in 30 games to 23 in 31.

That gives Guirassy an average of about 0.74 goals per Champions League appearance, improving on his previous rate of exactly 0.70.

Only a small number of active forwards have a better career scoring rate in the competition. Erling Haaland remains above a goal per game, while Harry Kane has a ratio of about 0.79.

Guirassy’s current average places him alongside some of the Champions League’s leading attacking figures and, on this measure, ahead of Kylian Mbappe.

His latest goals also strengthen his position in the top five African scorers in UEFA Champions League history, with 23 goals to his name.

The scale of his progress is particularly notable given that he made only four Champions League appearances for Rennes during the 2020-21 season, scoring twice. His European career accelerated significantly after his move to Dortmund.

Guirassy scored 13 goals in 14 Champions League matches during the 2024-25 campaign, finishing as joint top scorer alongside Raphinha. His scoring rate that season was 0.93 goals per appearance.

He had a quieter European campaign in 2025-26, scoring four times, but has made an impressive start this season. His four goals in three matchdays have come from doubles against Villarreal and Sabah.

His domestic form has also been encouraging. In six Bundesliga appearances, Guirassy has scored twice and provided two assists, while his effectiveness in Europe has remained unchanged.

Dortmund now face a series of higher-profile fixtures in the coming months. They will host Betis Seville on 4 November before travelling to Arsenal on 24 November. Inter Milan will then visit Dortmund on 9 December.

Aston Villa and AEK Athens are scheduled to follow in January, giving Guirassy further opportunities to add to a European record that is becoming increasingly significant for an African striker.

Abde Ezzalzouli’s impressive form for Real Betis has attracted the attention of FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, reviving speculation about a possible return to Catalonia for the Morocco international.

The 24-year-old winger has continued to make an impact in Spain and scored against Barcelona when the two sides met. His displays for Real Betis have also prompted public praise from Flick, who is understood to be particularly impressed by the player’s pace, ability to beat opponents and effectiveness in attacking areas.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Flick is usually careful when discussing players from other clubs. His decision to highlight Ezzalzouli’s qualities therefore underlines the regard in which the winger is held, although there has been no confirmation that Barcelona are preparing a formal bid.

Ezzalzouli’s performances have increased his appeal in the transfer market, with his current value estimated at 40 million euros. Any move would represent a significant investment for Barcelona as the club balances its sporting priorities with its financial constraints.

The Catalan club already knows the player well. Ezzalzouli came through Barcelona’s academy before continuing his career elsewhere, and his name has featured among the attacking options considered by the club during recent summer transfer windows.

There were reportedly discussions and enquiries about his situation, but none resulted in a completed deal. His ability to take on defenders one-on-one and create openings in the final third would suit a Barcelona side seeking greater penetration from wide areas.

Flick’s comments alone, however, do not confirm that Barcelona want to bring the winger back. No return has been agreed, and any decision would depend on the club’s recruitment plans as well as Real Betis’ demands.

Barcelona would nevertheless have a financial advantage if negotiations were to take place. The club retained 20% of the rights to a future resale of Ezzalzouli, meaning it could receive a share of any transfer fee if he moved on. The precise amount would depend on the contractual terms governing the clause.

For now, Ezzalzouli’s progress in Andalusia remains the main factor driving the speculation. His performances, rising market value and Flick’s appreciation of his qualities have kept him on Barcelona’s radar, while a move back to the club remains only a possibility.

Real Betis are due to play Feyenoord in the third matchday of the Champions League league phase, giving Ezzalzouli another opportunity to strengthen his reputation on the European stage.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen and Algeria international Ibrahim Maza, although no formal offer has yet been made.

According to information reported by Brahim Hanifi, the Paris club are particularly interested in the international midfielder’s profile and would like to explore the possibility of bringing him to France. The reported interest could become a significant feature of the transfer market, but there has been no confirmation of an official approach at this stage.

Maza viewed as a potential fit for PSG

Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be monitoring Maza as they look for attacking players capable of adding creativity and energy to their squad.

The Bayer Leverkusen player has attracted attention for his potential and his ability to operate in advanced areas of the pitch. His technical profile is believed to fit the type of recruitment Paris Saint-Germain are pursuing, with the club seeking players who can contribute immediately while also offering scope for long-term development.

Maza’s current position at Bayer Leverkusen makes the German club central to any possible deal. Paris Saint-Germain would need to convince them to part with the Algeria international if their interest develops into a formal transfer proposal.

No offer or negotiations confirmed

Hanifi reports that Paris Saint-Germain’s interest is particularly strong and that the club are determined to test Bayer Leverkusen’s resolve over Maza.

However, the situation remains at an early stage. No transfer fee has been disclosed, and there has been no confirmation of negotiations reaching an advanced stage. It is therefore uncertain whether the reported interest will lead to an official bid.

The situation could change over the coming days or months, depending on Paris Saint-Germain’s intentions and Bayer Leverkusen’s position. For now, the French club’s interest has been reported, but no concrete agreement is in place between the parties.

Should Paris Saint-Germain decide to make a formal approach, signing Maza would represent a notable move in the transfer market. The gap between a club identifying a player as a target and completing a deal remains considerable, however.

For Maza, a move to Paris Saint-Germain would represent another important step in his career. Any transfer would depend on further developments between the two clubs, with the next stage likely to be determined by whether Paris Saint-Germain decide to turn their interest into an official offer.

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Chelsea are closely monitoring Strasbourg winger Gessime Yassine and are considering whether to make a move for the 20-year-old Morocco international, whose impressive start to the season has attracted several Premier League clubs.

Yassine has scored two goals in seven Ligue 1 appearances for the Alsace club this term, strengthening his reputation as one of the division’s emerging attacking talents. His performances have also increased interest in a potential move to England.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are seriously considering signing the left-footed winger, although the London club have not yet decided when they would seek to complete a deal. A transfer could be pursued as early as summer 2027 or delayed until 2028.

Chelsea’s existing relationship with Strasbourg could play a role in any negotiations. Both clubs are part of the BlueCo group, creating close links between the organisations. However, no agreement has been reached and there has been no formal announcement regarding a transfer.

Mohamed Chaouch has described Yassine as a player with “everything it takes to become a leading figure in Ligue 1”.

Yassine interested in London move

The player is reportedly receptive to the possibility of joining Chelsea. TEAMtalk says Yassine is particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of moving to Stamford Bridge, which would represent a significant step in his early career and offer him the chance to continue developing in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

Yassine has attracted attention for his technical ability, pace and quality on his left foot. Those characteristics are viewed as suited to the demands of English football, while his current development at Strasbourg means he still has considerable room to improve.

Chelsea are not alone in following the winger. Brighton, Newcastle, Sunderland, Brentford, Everton and Nottingham Forest have also been monitoring him for several months.

The level of interest reflects the growing appeal of Yassine’s profile. At 20, he is already producing decisive moments in Ligue 1 while retaining the potential to improve further. The next step will be to see whether any of his suitors move from scouting the player to opening negotiations.

Strasbourg hold strong negotiating position

Strasbourg are under no immediate pressure to sell. Yassine’s contract runs until June 2030, leaving the club with a long-term commitment and a strong position should a concrete offer arrive.

His current market value is estimated at 20m euros, providing Strasbourg with a substantial starting point in any discussions. The club can therefore choose to retain him, continue overseeing his development and potentially increase his value before considering a departure.

Chelsea must convince Strasbourg to agree to a deal while also deciding when the right time is to recruit the Morocco international. The club’s BlueCo connection may help, but it does not guarantee that Chelsea will win the race.

Strasbourg will soon play their eighth Ligue 1 match of the season against Rennes.

Napoli have named Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in their starting XI for the Champions League meeting with Bodø/Glimt at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The official teams for the third matchday of the European league phase were confirmed before kick-off, with both managers selecting ambitious tactical approaches.

Napoli will operate in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Rasmus Højlund leading the attack. Kevin De Bruyne is also included, with the experienced midfielder expected to provide the creativity and supply for the attacking players.

Scott McTominay joins Anguissa and De Bruyne in midfield, while Matteo Politano and Noa Lang are positioned behind Højlund.

Bodø/Glimt have opted for a compact, hard-working set-up designed to allow them to threaten on the counter-attack. Jens Petter Hauge and Andreas Helmersen are the main attacking outlets for the Norwegian side.

Napoli XI: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Rafa Marin, Spinazzola, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay, Politano, Højlund, Lang.

Bodø/Glimt XI: Khaykin, Sjøvold, Gundersen, Bjørtuft, Bjørkan, Auklend, Berg, Fet, Blomberg, Helmersen, Hauge.

Borussia Dortmund secured a narrow 2-1 victory away to Sabah on Tuesday to maintain their European ambitions in the third round of the UEFA Champions League league phase.

The visitors made the ideal start when S. Guirassy opened the scoring in the 10th minute, putting Dortmund in front early in the contest.

Sabah responded before half-time, with Aden Mccar levelling in the 39th minute and giving the hosts renewed hope of claiming a result against one of the competition’s leading sides.

Dortmund restored their advantage eight minutes after the interval. Guirassy struck again in the 53rd minute after being set up by Joey Veerman, completing his double and putting the German club back in control.

Sabah pushed to find another equaliser but could not prevent their opponents from leaving with all three points. Dortmund’s hard-fought win strengthens their position in the league phase, while Sabah will regret failing to turn a determined performance into a positive result.

AS Roma have made six changes to their starting XI for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League league-phase match against Slovan Bratislava, with Donyell Malen returning to lead the attack and Daniele Ghilardi brought into the defence.

Gian Piero Gasperini has altered his side from the team that faced Genoa in Serie A. Ghilardi is the most notable change at the back, joining Leonardo Balerdi and Mario Hermoso in a three-man defensive line in front of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.

Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Niccolo Pisilli and Wesley Franca make up the midfield. Rodrigo Mora and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini will operate behind Malen as Roma look to build their attacking play around the former Borussia Dortmund forward.

Matias Soule, who has impressed in his recent appearances, starts on the bench. Gasperini has opted to rest the Argentine for this European fixture.

Slovan Bratislava have also confirmed their line-up for a difficult assignment in Rome. Yaya Toure’s side will rely on Gambia international Suleiman Camara, Marcelli and Tigran Barseghyan in attack.

Pokorny, Ibrahim and Gajdos are selected in midfield, while Sandro Cruz, Markovic, Bajric and Blackman form the defensive line. Dominik Takac starts in goal.

The Slovakian club have lost both of their opening European matches and will now attempt to frustrate Roma and claim a positive result at the Stadio Olimpico. For Toure, the encounter represents another major test against an Italian side determined to begin its European campaign strongly.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT in Rome.

Roma: Gollini – Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso – Molina, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley Franca – Rodrigo Mora, Pellegrini – Malen.

Slovan Bratislava: Takac – Sandro Cruz, Markovic, Bajric, Blackman – Pokorny, Ibrahim, Gajdos – Suleiman Camara, Marcelli, Barseghyan.