Yaya Touré, the Slovan Bratislava coach, is chasing his first Champions League points on Roma’s turf this Tuesday, 20 October 2026. He will come up against the Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka, who is expected to start for the Romans.
Slovan Bratislava, managed by Yaya Touré, travel to the Stadio Olimpico this Tuesday, 20 October 2026, for matchday three of the Champions League league phase. Kick-off is set for 21:00. It is a special fixture for the Ivorian coach, who is overseeing his very first campaign in the dugout in Europe’s elite competition and will come up against a fellow countryman: Evan Ndicka, expected to feature in central defence for the Italian club.
After two defeats in the first two matchdays, the Slovak champions can no longer afford any slip-ups if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching the play-offs. The task looks tricky against a Roma side that will have to cope with several absences. Yaya Touré will be able to call on the forward Suleiman Camara, who is expected to start this match.
An already difficult opening round
Slovan Bratislava have suffered two defeats in the first two matchdays of the league phase. The Slovak club were beaten 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain on 9 September in their opening fixture.
Yaya Touré, an Ivorian football legend, is therefore enduring a difficult start in the dugout in the competition. He is looking to pick up his first historic points as a coach in Europe’s elite competition.
A Roma side weakened by absences
According to the probable line-ups published by UEFA.com, Roma will field Evan Ndicka in central defence alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. The Ivorian international defender will therefore come face to face with his compatriot on the pitch.
The Italian club are, however, without Bryan Cristante, who has a knee problem, Paulo Dybala, who has a calf injury, and Manu Koné, who has suffered a muscle tear. For the Slovak side, the forward David Šporar is ruled out through illness and Čerepkai has a back injury.
Camara and Pokorný expected to start
According to UEFA.com’s probable line-ups, Yaya Touré is expected to start the forward Suleiman Camara as well as the midfielder Pokorný. Camara’s presence will be closely watched.
A third defeat would seriously complicate any hope of qualifying for the play-offs, according to UEFA.com. Slovan must therefore avoid that scenario in Rome.