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Roma return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in seven years when they face Fenerbahce in the opening fixture of the league phase tomorrow at 18:45 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul. The match marks an official return to Europe's premier club competition after a seven-year absence — an achievement secured last season through determination and effort. The club's social media channels have released an emotional video to mark the occasion, beginning with an empty Olimpico and concluding with roaring supporters and the motto "Ad Astra". The footage presents a countdown in space-travel style, with on-screen text stating: "It is now time to aim for the stars". The video captures Roma's readiness to compete at the highest level after years away from the Champions League stage.

Actor and Roma fan Lino Banfi has spoken about Gasperini's side ahead of their Champions League debut this season, praising the atmosphere at the club and backing the team to compete at the highest level. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Banfi described the mood at Roma: "It's wonderful, this city deserves this euphoria. It seems to me that the environment is truly unified behind this manager and this fantastic group of players that I had the chance to meet at Trigoria a few months ago. In the Champions League we will need the best Roma, we play in a hot stadium but if Roma play as they did against Atalanta they can do it. I also suggest to Gasp a bi-zone system—he knows what I mean." Roma sit top of the table after the opening three Serie A matches. Banfi, Pugliese-born but a lifelong Roman, was impressed by how Gasperini has settled into the role despite coming from the north. "Even though he's from the north he has adapted well and understood the city," Banfi explained. He recounted a visit to Trigoria where Gasperini involved him in a prank on the players: "When he saw me come out, Pellegrini was moved and Dybala hugged me saying that one day he would like to celebrate a goal shouting my catchphrase 'Porca Puttena'." Gasperini was also celebrated by the Verona squad, who threw him in the air and quoted Banfi's film line "You took me for a fool."

Roma will take the pitch against Fenerbahce tomorrow with the logo of the World Food Programme (WFP) displayed on their shirts as part of a humanitarian appeal. The collaboration between the club and the global aid organisation aims to draw attention to the emergency in Nepal caused by flooding and landslides that have devastated communities. The initiative will be visible from the moment Gian Piero Gasperini's squad enters the stadium for matchday 1 of the Champions League, with the WFP logo appearing on the front of Roma's jersey. According to the club, the natural disasters have left entire communities isolated, with approximately 43,000 people requiring immediate humanitarian assistance. The World Food Programme is providing food aid and logistical support to reach the most difficult-to-access areas. Roma is linking one of the most significant nights of the season to a solidarity initiative, using Champions League visibility to raise awareness internationally about the situation in Nepal. The match-worn shirts will be auctioned after the final whistle, with all proceeds going to WFP operations supporting the Nepalese population. Roma supporters can also contribute through ShareTheMeal, the World Food Programme's platform. The initiative extends beyond the pitch result, transforming the jerseys worn during the Champions League encounter into a concrete tool of support for communities affected by the flooding and landslides.