De Roon seeks advice from former Roma midfielder Strootman in social media moment

Roma return to the Champions League after seven years with a trip to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce on Thursday. The last time the club competed in Europe's premier competition was in 2019, when they lost to Porto in the round-of-16 second leg after extra time—2,742 days before this comeback. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has set the target of finishing in the top 24 of the league phase to secure a guaranteed spot in the playoff round and a path to the last 16. According to Gasperini's roadmap, Roma will need at least twelve points to guarantee their place in the playoffs.

Marten de Roon has reached out to Kevin Strootman for advice on settling into life at Roma and exploring the city. Strootman, the former Atalanta midfielder, shared a video call between the pair on Instagram, revealing that de Roon is leaning on his compatriot's experience of the capital. De Roon arrived at Roma amid controversy but is determined to understand the club's dynamics and discover the best the city has to offer. Strootman posted on social media to highlight the connection, with Strootman saying: "I am very happy to be here: there is only one Dutch boy to call when you want some advice about Rome." The message underscores de Roon's integration efforts at the club, with the experienced midfielder drawing on Strootman's established knowledge of both Roma as a club and the city itself.

Rodrigo Mora is among the young players set to make their Champions League debuts on matchday one this season. The Roma midfielder has been highlighted by the New York Times in a list of ten young players to watch in this year's competition, earning a striking comparison to Lionel Messi. The New York Times article described Mora as "a small playmaker of 168 cm who shines with his long hair, and comparisons with a young Lionel Messi are inevitable." While acknowledging that "Mora does not possess Messi's supernatural ability, the stylistic similarities are there." Like the Argentine, Mora operates freely between the lines, seeking the ball from teammates before driving toward goal, and his dribbling style is characterised by feints and changes of direction. The piece noted his typical pattern: "Mora collects the ball on the left flank and runs toward the defender to mark and beat him, as he did against Fiorentina."

Marten de Roon has reached out to Kevin Strootman for advice on settling into life at Roma and exploring the city. Strootman, the former Atalanta midfielder, shared a video call between the pair on Instagram, revealing that de Roon is leaning on his compatriot's experience of the capital. De Roon arrived at Roma amid controversy but is determined to understand the club's dynamics and discover the best the city has to offer. Strootman posted on social media to highlight the connection, with Strootman saying: "I am very happy to be here: there is only one Dutch boy to call when you want some advice about Rome." The message underscores de Roon's integration efforts at the club, with the experienced midfielder drawing on Strootman's established knowledge of both Roma as a club and the city itself.

Roma return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years when they travel to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce on Thursday evening. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will deploy a squad combining several players making their maiden appearance in the competition's main draw alongside seasoned European campaigners. Gianluca Mancini and Manu Koné will make their Champions League debuts, as will younger squad members including Pisilli, Lulli, Mora and Ghilardi. Gasperini can call on considerable experience to balance the newcomers. Paulo Dybala and Marten de Roon have accumulated nearly one hundred appearances between them at the highest level. Nahuel Molina and Mario Hermoso both bring over sixty European appearances from their time at Atlético Madrid, while Donyell Malen, Leonardo Balerdi and Artem Dovbyk add further continental pedigree. Dybala will lead the attack and is targeting a European goal; his last came in the Europa League final in Budapest against Seville. Roma will be supported by approximately 2,300 fans in the away section at the Turkish stadium. The domestic competition faces a ticketing restriction for the upcoming Serie A fixture against Torino: the CASMS has banned ticket sales to residents of Rome province due to potential clashes with Parma supporters travelling to Como, permitting purchases only to AS Roma Card holders from other Italian regions.

Roma enter the Champions League for the first time in seven years on Thursday evening against Fenerbahce in Istanbul, arriving on the back of three consecutive Serie A victories and with a squad that has absorbed Gian Piero Gasperini's identity. The club intends to bring the same aggression and forward-thinking approach that has impressed domestically to the continent's elite competition, though the standard will inevitably be higher. Paulo Dybala will be central to Roma's European night. Gasperini appears intent on leaning on his most experienced players to guide a return to the highest stage after a long absence. The squad blends proven European hands with Champions League debutants: Mancini, Koné, Wesley, Pisilli, Mora, Ghilardi and Lulli will compete in the competition for the first time, while De Roon, Molina, Balerdi, Hermoso, Malen and Dybala bring substantial European pedigree. Gasperini himself knows these nights well from his time at Atalanta and will attempt to transfer that experience to Roma without changing the team's character—one built on constant attacking intent and refusal to surrender. Matías Soulé is among the most anticipated performers. After physical problems last season and a summer marked by transfer speculation, the Argentine has rediscovered form with two consecutive goals against Lecce and Atalanta, plus a 93rd-minute strike that set the Olimpico alight. He now faces Fenerbahce, featuring Mason Greenwood, one of Roma's major targets during the summer transfer window. Roma arrive in Istanbul with confidence and a squad mixing veterans and debutants. While not obliged to compete as equals with Europe's strongest sides, they have the tools to become an awkward obstacle. Gasperini knows it well: seven years on, Roma return among the stars—and they intend to do so without fear.

Roma's loanees across Italy and Europe made an impact on the weekend. Artem Dovbyk was the standout performer, coming off the bench in the 66th minute for Bologna against Sassuolo and scoring the equaliser in the 91st minute to secure a 2–2 draw and the Rossoblu's first point of the season. The Ukrainian striker's decisive finish came in an Emilia derby on loan with a right of redemption clause. Elsewhere, young goalkeeper Radoslaw Zelezny put in a strong performance for Perugia in their 2–1 victory over Pineto, playing all 90 minutes as the side's first-choice keeper. The 2006-born Zelezny was blameless for the goal conceded and made several crucial saves, including a high-quality intervention in the first half and a decisive stop in the second. He is on loan at the Umbrian club with an option and counter-option attached. Midfield prospect Alessandro Romano again started for Cagliari in Serie A, remaining on the pitch for the full 90 minutes as the Sardinians won 1–0 away at Lecce thanks to a Daniel Maldini goal in the 29th minute. Romano's loan includes an obligation to buy if certain sporting conditions are met. Neil El Aynaoui made an immediate first-team debut for RB Leipzig, starting in the away fixture against Werder Brema and playing until the 75th minute. However, Leipzig suffered a 3–1 defeat. The Moroccan midfielder's move is on loan with a right of redemption. Filippo Reale, a 2006-born defender, played the full 90 minutes for Carrarese on the flank in their 1–0 home loss to Empoli, conceding in the 74th minute; he is on loan with an option and counter-option in Roma's favour. Luigi Cherubini started in attack for Benevento in the first half at Ascoli before being substituted at the interval; Benevento were reduced to ten men in the 41st minute by Prisco's red card and lost 1–0 to a Brunori penalty in the closing stages. Cherubini's loan includes a right of option and obligation to buy. Mattia Mannini received his first call-up after joining Benevento on loan but remained unused from the bench in the same Ascoli defeat. Angeliño was an unused substitute as Deportivo La Coruña won 3–2 away at Villarreal in La Liga. Robinio Vaz was included in a Premier League squad for the first time after a late-market transfer to Hull City but did not feature in a 0–0 draw with Aston Villa. Jan Ziółkowski was unavailable for Monza's away trip to Parma—which ended 1–1—due to a plantar fascia problem requiring monitoring. Marash Kumbulla likewise missed Rayo Vallecano's 3–2 victory over Racing Santander as he continues to deal with a knee issue.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's Serie A fixture against Atalanta on matchday three, addressing injury updates and his feelings about the club. Paulo Dybala's tests have shown nothing concerning, though he will train on the day of the press conference to build confidence before three matches this week. On free-agent recruitment, Gasperini expressed doubt: "I believe it is difficult, I do not know what the possibilities might be, but I would not count on it much." He closed the door firmly on reintegrating Salah-Eddine, stating the player "has had several opportunities that he has refused. As far as Roma goes, I have already made choices and he is not in Roma's plans." Evan N'Dicka's injury status has improved substantially, with Gasperini saying "N'Dicka much better, I believe he is in the match. Today we will try him out." Lorenzo Pellegrini is progressing gradually and may return "perhaps with Inter or after the break," indicating a timeline beyond the immediate fixtures. Donyell Malen continues to impress, though Gasperini suggested working on his repertoire. The coach praised Rodrigo Mora's development after two consecutive appearances: "He is young but has already shown his talent against Fiorentina and Lecce. He has ample room for growth in the physical aspect, resistance and fitness. We are dealing with a boy of absolute value." Gasperini defended his decision not to name hierarchies in midfield despite the departure of Neil El Aynaoui and the arrival of Marten de Roon. "Pisilli is very far advanced: he has taken on maturity, awareness, he has grown, he is strong," Gasperini said. "I have four players there, I do not make hierarchies. De Roon, Balerdi and the latest arrivals must reach their best condition; they will play spells and we will see them at full-time probably after the break. Pisilli, Koné and Cristante are solid. We play in 16 and there are many matches. Do not make distinctions between those who start at the beginning and those who come in because in the end you will see that the playing time will be similar for everyone." On squad depth and tactical flexibility, he confirmed Santiago Castro and Mora can operate as forwards and that multiple tactical interpretations are possible. When asked about his time at Roma changing him, Gasperini reflected: "Certainly this experience has enriched me. I arrived in a different environment after nine years of great satisfaction and great integration with the city and the environment. It was not an easy choice, but I am happy to have made it because the conditions no longer existed. Great gratitude and great respect though for Atalanta. To feel alive again, the Roma piazza has been the maximum: it motivates you, stimulates you and we needed to improve the squad, so there was the challenge of needing to improve on what had been done up to that point." On Matías Soulé, he confirmed the player's pubalgia is behind him and he has recovered to excellent condition.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on the eve of Roma's fixture against Atalanta, confirming that Paulo Dybala and Evan N'Dicka will be assessed in training to determine their readiness for the match. Gasperini said Dybala "has nothing particular wrong with him, but today he will try: it is important that he feels safe and confident. There will be three matches in one week and he must be sure he can play. These are very important matches, to be played at their best." On N'Dicka, he stated: "N'Dicka is better, tomorrow I think he will be in the squad: today we will try him and Dybala." Gasperini was asked whether Roma would turn to free agents given the absence of an incoming winger, but he dismissed the prospect. "It is difficult to draw on free agents, I don't know what opportunities there could be. I wouldn't count on it much," he said. He also confirmed that Salah-Eddine had received "three or four offers that he refused; technical choices were made and he is not part of Roma's plans." On Lorenzo Pellegrini's availability, Gasperini said the midfielder "has started to do something with the group, but I don't know if he will return with Inter or after the break" in terms of playing time. He praised the squad's maturity and described the upcoming spell—which includes matches against Atalanta, Inter, Como and Napoli, plus Champions League football from Thursday in Turkey—as "a test of strength, of value." Gasperini discussed the midfield rotation that has seen Neil El Aynaoui make way for Marten de Roon, emphasizing that Niccolò Pisilli, Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante form a solid core without hierarchy. "De Roon, like Balerdi and Molina, the very latest arrivals, needs to be in top condition. They will play spells and we will probably see them at full time after the break," he explained. He also addressed Rodrigo Mora's potential, saying the young midfielder has "shown his talent in the first two" matches and possesses "broad room for growth on the physical front, endurance and stamina. But he is of absolute value, it is hard to deny." Gasperini expressed his affection for the squad's environment and unity: "Here there is pleasure in coming. You feel good when you train. When you are in an environment without friction, without antipathies and with pleasure in being together, it is beautiful. It is beautiful to see the pleasure with which we train." On Matías Soulé, Gasperini confirmed the attacker is fully recovered from a pubalgia injury. "For Soulé, pubalgia is a distant memory. He is well, he has played excellent matches." He acknowledged Atalanta's quality under their new management and recent additions, noting that the club "has taken Kessié, Rowe, who fit into a high-level squad. It has a Champions-level squad, with important changes and very reliable players." Roma face Atalanta tomorrow before Champions League action in Turkey and a subsequent match against Torino on Monday.