Yaya Toure takes Slovan Bratislava to the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, as they face AS Roma in the third matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase.
The match will attract particular attention from African football supporters, with the former Cote d’Ivoire international preparing for one of his biggest challenges since moving into management. Toure, a four-time African Ballon d’Or winner, is now in charge of the Slovakian club and will lead them into a difficult European assignment in Rome.
The two teams arrive at the fixture with contrasting but disappointing records in the competition. AS Roma are still searching for their first victory of the campaign after drawing with Fenerbahce and then losing 4-3 to Real Madrid in a high-scoring contest in which they still managed to score three goals.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side did, however, return to winning ways in domestic football at the weekend, beating Genoa 2-0. They will now attempt to carry that momentum into Europe and secure their first three points in front of their home supporters.
Slovan Bratislava have endured an even tougher start to the league phase. They were heavily beaten 6-1 by Paris Saint-Germain before suffering a 3-0 defeat by Stuttgart. Toure will therefore be tasked with improving his side’s defensive organisation and finding a way to contain a Roma team with greater experience of this level of European football.
Toure’s next coaching challenge
The fixture also represents another important step in Toure’s development as a manager. During his playing career, the Ivorian midfielder represented Manchester City and FC Barcelona and experienced the demands of elite European football first-hand.
His challenge now is to convert that knowledge into performances and results from the dugout. A positive result in Rome would give Slovan Bratislava a chance to revive their continental campaign, while also raising the profile of the African coach on a major European stage.
AS Roma will have the advantage of playing at home, but Toure and his players will attempt to upset expectations and leave the Stadio Olimpico with a result.
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
