Francesco Totti’s return to the Stadio Olimpico, two years after his previous appearance there, came with the former Roma captain looking both towards the present side’s ambitions and the club’s wider sense of identity. Speaking at a Panini sticker event, Totti ruled out a possible return to Roma while offering his view on the Scudetto contest, the European evening ahead and the reception awaiting José Mourinho.
Roma have the right to challenge
Totti believes Roma can remain involved in the title race, even if Inter retain a clear advantage in his assessment.
- He said Roma have the quality to compete for the Scudetto.
- Inter, in his view, are operating with an extra gear.
- Even so, he expects the Giallorossi to make life difficult for the Nerazzurri over the course of the campaign.
The former number 10 reserved particular praise for Gian Piero Gasperini, describing the coach as the decisive added value within a Roma squad that is performing well collectively. Totti said Gasperini is building a strong group with the desire to win.
Roma were also preparing for a Champions League meeting with Real Madrid. Totti felt the match was there to be played, while stressing the need for respect towards the Spanish side. He suggested this Real Madrid may not carry the same Galactico aura of earlier eras, but maintained that it would still be a demanding European tie for both teams.
He also pointed to the weight of the Olimpico on major nights: “Coming here in front of 70,000 people is never easy.”
Malen earns Totti’s approval
Asked about the prospect of sharing a forward line with Donyell Malen, Totti made clear that he would have welcomed the opportunity.
“I would have liked to play with him because he is an outstanding player,” he said. “Since arriving, he has performed at the highest level. He is a top player, and I hope he keeps going that way.”
The endorsement reflected Totti’s broader reading of a Roma side whose forward options and collective confidence have become part of the season’s developing story.
Mourinho’s return and respect for Lazio
Totti also addressed the anticipated return of Mourinho to the Olimpico as an opponent. He expects the Portuguese coach to receive a warm welcome from the Roma public, given what he delivered during his time in the capital.
- Totti said Mourinho gave a great deal to both the city and the club.
- He highlighted Roma reaching two successive European finals under the coach.
- For that reason, he considered a tribute from the supporters appropriate.
There was praise, too, for Lazio. Totti admitted that he had not expected their current level, but said the Biancocelesti deserve recognition for the work they have done.
Panini memories and a familiar derby joke
The occasion also brought Totti back to childhood memories of collecting Panini stickers. He recalled packs costing 200 lire and afternoons spent completing albums, describing it as a slower, enjoyable ritual rather than something finished quickly.
He added one final joke that appeared aimed at Roma’s city rivals, recalling that there had been one team whose stickers he used to place upside down. Totti declined to name the club, leaving the Olimpico’s old derby language to fill in the rest.
