Capello Identifies Roma’s Main Threats for Real Madrid: Dybala Key, Warns of Madrid’s Long-Range Shooting

FolioPitch.com – 14 October 2026 | As Roma prepare to host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in their first home Champions League game since 2019, former Roma and Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has offered his expert analysis, and in doing so, Capello identifies Roma’s main threats for Real Madrid. The Italian tactician believes that an aggressive Roma side, buoyed by their recent performances, can cause problems for the Spanish giants, but he also warns of the significant danger posed by Madrid’s star-studded attack.

Capello, who has managed both clubs, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the highly anticipated clash. He was particularly impressed by Roma’s first-half display against Como in Serie A, which ended in a 0-0 draw. “In the first half against Como, I saw the best football played in our league so far,” Capello said. “The team took the field confident, determined, and united.” He also noted that despite the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar, backup Pierluigi Gollini proved more than capable, which bodes well for the team’s defensive solidity.

When Capello identifies Roma’s main threats for Real Madrid, he points to the tactical approach of coach Gian Piero Gasperini. “Tactically, Gasperini will play man-to-man,” Capello explained. “That can cause problems, but it will require maximum concentration because Madrid have the quality, pace, and players to capitalize on the slightest mistake, especially when the midfield pushes higher up the pitch. I believe that will be the key to the match.” This high-risk, high-reward strategy could unsettle Madrid, but it also leaves Roma vulnerable to quick counterattacks.

One player Capello singled out as a major threat for Roma is Paulo Dybala. “Watch out for Dybala too: in his position, he can seriously trouble their defense,” Capello warned. “The key is that he stays wary of a fast full-back like Cucurella.” Dybala’s creativity and finishing ability make him Roma’s most potent weapon, and his duel with Madrid’s defensive line could decide the outcome.

However, Capello also identifies Roma’s main threats for Real Madrid from the opposition’s perspective. He highlighted Madrid’s ability to shoot from distance, naming Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, and Kylian Mbappé as particularly dangerous. “Real have players who shoot extremely well from outside the box,” he said. “They are all top-level players, so Roma will have to be very careful. They must also remember that the Spaniards move the ball much faster than what we see in Serie A.” This warning underscores the need for Roma’s midfield to press effectively without leaving gaps.

Another intriguing subplot is the form of Vinícius Júnior, who Capello believes will be eager to make amends after a “foolish mistake” against Villarreal on Saturday. “Another interesting aspect will be seeing how determined Vinicius is to make amends,” Capello noted. The Brazilian’s motivation could add an extra edge to Madrid’s attack.

When asked about the key players likely to score, Capello pointed to Donyell Malen and Kylian Mbappé for Madrid, but reiterated Dybala’s importance for Roma. “Malen and Mbappé are the players most likely to put the ball in the net,” he said. “But watch out for Dybala too: in his position, he can seriously trouble their defense.”

Roma come into this match after a 1-1 draw away at Fenerbahçe in their Champions League opener, while Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1. However, Madrid have already suffered two defeats in six La Liga games, leaving them six points behind leaders Barcelona. Despite this, Capello knows they remain a formidable opponent, especially with their array of attacking talent.

As the teams prepare to do battle under the lights in the Italian capital, Capello identifies Roma’s main threats for Real Madrid as a combination of Dybala’s brilliance and Gasperini’s aggressive tactics. Yet he also acknowledges the immense threat posed by Madrid’s quick passing, long-range shooting, and the individual quality of players like Mbappé and Vinícius. The stage is set for a captivating encounter that could have significant implications for both sides’ Champions League campaigns.

In conclusion, Capello’s insights provide a fascinating preview of what promises to be a thrilling contest. Roma will need to be at their best to contain Madrid’s firepower while exploiting the gaps that Mourinho’s side often leave at the back. If they can do that, and if Dybala delivers, they might just pull off a famous victory. But as Capello warns, any lapse in concentration could be punished by a Madrid team capable of scoring from anywhere.