AS Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, with Yaya Toure facing another major test in the Champions League as the Slovak club’s manager.

The former Cote d’Ivoire international, a four-time African Ballon d’Or winner, has taken charge of Slovan Bratislava and will now lead the team into the third round of the league phase. The match is expected to attract particular interest among African football supporters, with Toure continuing his development on the European stage from the dugout.

Roma are also searching for their first victory of the campaign. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side began with a draw against Fenerbahce before losing a seven-goal contest 4-3 to Real Madrid, despite scoring three times. Their domestic form has offered some encouragement, however, with a 2-0 win against Genoa restoring confidence ahead of their home fixture.

The Italian team will be hoping that victory can provide the breakthrough in Europe. Playing at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma have home advantage and will look to use their greater experience in the competition to put pressure on Slovan from the opening stages.

Slovan arrive in Rome after a more difficult start to their league-phase campaign. They suffered a 6-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain and then lost 3-0 to Stuttgart, leaving Toure with the task of improving the side’s defensive organisation.

The Ivorian manager will need to find a way for his players to withstand a Roma team accustomed to competing at this level. A stronger defensive performance would give Slovan a better chance of staying in the contest and securing a result capable of reviving their European campaign.

Toure’s own background includes spells as a midfielder with Manchester City and FC Barcelona, as well as extensive experience of elite European football. The challenge now is to apply that knowledge from the touchline and turn it into results for his new club.

A positive result in Rome would not only give Slovan Bratislava renewed hope in the Champions League but also raise Toure’s profile as he continues his coaching career. Roma, meanwhile, will aim to make their home advantage count and collect their first European win of the season.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.