← All stories
Fenerbahce 1–1 Roma: Kartal resigns immediately after draw in Istanbul
·10 September 2026·45d ago

Fenerbahce 1–1 Roma: Kartal resigns immediately after draw in Istanbul

Source: GialloRossi.net

Fenerbahce manager İsmail Kartal announced his resignation at the post-match press conference immediately after his side drew 1–1 with Roma in the Champions League first matchday on 10 September. Bryan Cristante had given Roma an excellent first-half lead, but Archie Brown equalised in the second half, and Fenerbahce came close to a late winner. Despite the respectable result and Fenerbahce's first point in a return to the Champions League after 18 years, Kartal chose to step down at once.

Roma's performance impressed before the draw, continuing the form that has established Gian Piero Gasperini's side as Champions League participants this season. The unexpected resignation in Istanbul capped a remarkable turnaround after Kartal had expressed full confidence in his squad on the eve of the match, explaining that he had studied Roma's tactical setup in detail ahead of the fixture.

At the press conference, Kartal said: "I resign so as not to put the club and my players in difficulty." The decision shocked observers given that Fenerbahce had equalled Roma after conceding to Cristante and mounted genuine pressure late on. Kartal's tenure ended on the night of Fenerbahce's return to Europe's elite club competition, just hours after he had demonstrated such detailed preparation for the encounter.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage3 sources on this story

Roma drew 1–1 away to Fenerbahce in their opening Champions League league-phase match, with Bryan Cristante's first-half strike giving Gasperini's side the lead before a defensive lapse allowed an equaliser early in the second half. The result marks Roma's return to Europe's premier competition after seven years and leaves them with their first point, though the performance exposed recurring weaknesses that will demand attention if they are to progress with ambition through the fixture list.

Roma dominated possession and controlled the opening 45 minutes, with Fenerbahce sitting deep and seeking to exploit transitions. Cristante's composed finish, set up by Donyell Malen's incisive pass, appeared to have settled the contest. However, the transition into the second period proved too passive. Fenerbahce equalised within three minutes when Brown capitalised on Wesley's error to chip past Mile Svilar, and from that moment momentum swung sharply. The Turkish hosts grew in confidence while Roma progressively lost intensity, struggling to translate territorial dominance into clear-cut chances. Fenerbahce created the more dangerous openings, with Muriqi testing Svilar and Akhé striking the post. Roma pressed for a winner late on—Forza Roma reports a penalty was awarded then reconverted to a free kick from the edge of the box—but could not find it.

The broader concern centres on Manu Koné's knee injury, sustained during the first half and serious enough to prompt his withdrawal at half-time for medical rather than tactical reasons. GialloRossi.net reports his presence against Torino is strongly in doubt, and Roma face a deeper issue: they lack a true substitute for the French midfielder. Niccolò Pisilli replaced him in Istanbul, a player with different characteristics, while De Roon appears better suited as an alternative to Cristante. When Koné stops, his absence weighs more than that of almost anyone else in the squad. Gasperini acknowledged the difficulty of the away context in Turkey, stating: "Not easy in this environment… we take the draw." Away from Roma's performance, Forza Roma notes that Fenerbahce manager İsmail Kartal resigned immediately at the post-match press conference despite the respectable result, citing a desire not to put the club and players in difficulty.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Clamoroso a Istanbul al termine di Fenerbahce-Roma. Pochi minuti dopo l’1-1 nella prima giornata di Champions League, l’allenatore dei turchi İsmail Kartal ha annunciato a sorpresa le proprie dimissioni durante la conferenza stampa post-partita. Una decisione completamente inattesa, arrivata dopo…”

Read the full article in Italian at GialloRossi.net.

Read original on GialloRossi.net →

More Match Report

Gasperini's Roma unbeaten in Serie A for 15 matches after 3-3 draw at Napoli
Match ReportSerie A● AI
8h ago

Gasperini's Roma unbeaten in Serie A for 15 matches after 3-3 draw at Napoli

Roma have not lost a Serie A match in 15 games, a run that continued after a crazy 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona stadium. Gian Piero Gasperini analysed the result on the night, saying: "We are in a great moment, we have great conviction, we play good football, we try to carry it forward, the morale is high. We have more the feeling of having lost two points, but it went well even like this." In the hours after the match, fans were divided on social media and in bars between regret at not taking all three points and the belief that Roma are a strong side able to overcome any difficulty and give everything even in the toughest games. The statistic underlines the progress of Gasperini's project. Roma's last league defeat, counting back into the previous season, came on 5 April, when Inter beat Gasperini's side 5-2 at San Siro. Since then, the chase for Champions League qualification has produced only wins against Pisa, Bologna, Fiorentina, Parma, Lazio and Verona, plus a home draw with Atalanta. This season's record is similar: five wins and three draws against the other three Champions League sides, Inter, Como and, most recently, Napoli. The run also helped Gasperini reach 300 Serie A wins, achieved against Genoa last week. The Napoli match ended 3-3, a result that left the supporters torn between frustration and pride in a team that refuses to fold under pressure.

Cagliari turn attention to Roma after defeat to Bologna
Match ReportPress Conference● AI
8h ago

Cagliari turn attention to Roma after defeat to Bologna

Cagliari are preparing for their Serie A clash with Roma after losing 2-0 to Bologna the previous day. The players gathered at the CRAI Sport Center on Sunday morning to begin preparations for the match, which is the midweek fixture for Matchday 9 and is scheduled for the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October with a 20:45 kickoff. Cagliari coach Pisacane split the squad into two work groups. Players who featured most heavily against Bologna carried out recovery sessions between the pitch and the gym, while the others took part in technical and possession drills. The squad trains again on Monday 26 October in the morning before travelling to Rome in the afternoon. Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is scheduled to speak to the media at Trigoria at 13:30, one hour after Pisacane's press conference at 12:30. Pisacane's press conference is set for 12:30 on Monday, giving Cagliari's view of the trip to the capital ahead of the Roma match. Gasperini's session follows an hour later at 13:30 at Trigoria, bringing both coaches before the cameras on the same afternoon.

Soulé and Balerdi shine in Napoli draw as Allegri faces backlash; Dybala back for Roma-Cagliari
Match ReportSerie A● AI
9h ago

Soulé and Balerdi shine in Napoli draw as Allegri faces backlash; Dybala back for Roma-Cagliari

Napoli 1-1 Roma ended in a point for Roma in the Capital, but the match also brought controversy and standout performances. Max Allegri has come under fire after his comments in the press room at the Maradona, and the Giudice Sportivo is expected to rule on Monday, with a possible file opened by the Procura Federale. Fans are looking to Trigoria for a response, with the Friedkins expected to defend Roma. On the pitch, two Argentines shone. Matías Soulé, wearing the number 18, carried the team on his shoulders in the Maradona, scoring his third goal of the season and posting top-level numbers, and earning praise from Giaccherini. Leonardo Balerdi became the 12th different scorer in Gasperini's total football, and the centre-back has entered the history books at the Maradona. Balerdi's fiancée dedicated a sweet message to the defender. Mancini's impression of Allegri was also widely shared and very funny. Dybala is returning from injury ahead of the Roma-Cagliari fixture.

More on Bryan Cristante

Player profile →
Roma vs Cagliari: probable line-ups and how to watch
Match ReportSerie A● AI
10h ago

Roma vs Cagliari: probable line-ups and how to watch

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with the game broadcast live on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the fixture straight after a 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona, while Fabio Pisacane's Cagliari are looking to end a losing run after a 2-0 home defeat to Bologna. With only a short turnaround between matches, Gasperini may rotate several players. Svilar is still sidelined, so Gollini keeps goal. The main decisions are in defence: Mancini and Hermoso returned to the starting line-up against Napoli after both began the match on the bench against Slovan Bratislava, while N'Dicka has been one of the most used players in recent weeks. The Ivorian could be rested, opening a place for Balerdi, who is coming off a particularly positive run. Ghilardi and Koulierakis remain in contention. Wesley may start on the bench with Molina ready to return, while Lulli is gaining ground on the other flank. In midfield Gasperini must pick two from Cristante, de Roon and Pisilli, with the young midfielder able to find space during the game. Up front, the picture is clearer: Malen remains the central reference point, Soulé should keep his place after an excellent display at Napoli, and Mora may play alongside the Argentine, with Castro initially on the bench. Roma's injury list is significant. Svilar is still out with a fractured toe, Koné is sidelined with a first-degree tear of the hamstring, Dybala is out with a small calf injury, and Pellegrini continues his recovery from a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma's probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, de Roon, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Available substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Wesley, Rensch, Ghilardi, Pisilli, Castro. Gasperini has no suspended or cautioned players. The competing selections are Mancini-Ghilardi, Hermoso-Koulierakis, Balerdi-N'Dicka and de Roon-Pisilli. Cagliari are expected to line up in a 4-3-2-1 with Caprile in goal, Mina partnering J. Rodriguez in the centre of defence, and Zé Pedro and Obert completing the back line. The main doubt is in midfield, where Winks injured his back against Bologna and his fitness will be assessed up to the last hours. If he is ruled out, Gagliardini starts, with Romano and Adopo completing the unit. Maldini should start from the first minute, Fazzini is ahead of Massolin, and Kevin Carlos is ahead of Mendy as the centre-forward, with Nzola deeper. Idrissi and Felici are out with cruciate ligament ruptures. Cagliari's probable line-up is Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, J. Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Adopo; Fazzini, Maldini; Kevin Carlos. Cagliari have lost their last two league games, 4-0 to Monza and 2-0 to Bologna. Roma have the clear head-to-head advantage in Rome. There have been 49 official meetings at the Olimpico, with 26 Roma wins, 17 draws and six Cagliari victories. The most recent meeting in the capital came on 9 February 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Cagliari's last win in Rome was a 4-2 victory on 1 February 2013. The official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off and will be updated live on the match page.

Soulé shines and Balerdi scores twice as Roma come back to draw 3-3 at Napoli
Match ReportSerie A● AI
21h ago

Soulé shines and Balerdi scores twice as Roma come back to draw 3-3 at Napoli

Roma came from behind to draw 3-3 at Napoli's Maradona stadium, their third consecutive draw in a big Serie A match after a goalless game at Como. Leonardo Balerdi, who came off the bench, scored a brace, while Matías Soulé was the standout performer in attack. The evening began badly for Roma, but the team refused to give up and fought back to level the match. Italian newspapers gave Soulé between 7 and 8 out of 10, and Balerdi between 7.5 and 8. Evan Ndicka was the only member of the starting defence to come out with credit, rated 6 to 7. Gollini earned 6 to 7, Cristante 6 to 7, and de Roon 5.5 to 6.5. Malen was below par and was rated between 5 and 6. Hermoso's marks ranged from 4.5 to 6.5. Wesley was rated between 5 and 6.5, and Mancini between 5.5 and 6. Gasperini was given between 6.5 and 7 for his handling of the game. Roma made several changes during the match. At the 58th minute, Balerdi replaced Hermoso, Molina came on for Rensch, and Castro replaced Pisilli. Ghilardi entered for Mancini in the 83rd minute, and Mora came on for Malen at the same point. Molina was rated 6 to 6.5, Castro between 5 and 6.5, and Balerdi, as a substitute, was rated 7.5 to 8.

Napoli 2-2 Roma? Soulé shines as Balerdi's late brace rescues a point at the Maradona
Match ReportSerie A● AI
21h ago

Napoli 2-2 Roma? Soulé shines as Balerdi's late brace rescues a point at the Maradona

Roma came from behind to draw at Napoli's Stadio Maradona, with Balerdi scoring a brace off the bench to rescue a point in a match that began badly for the Giallorossi. It is the third draw in three big league matches for Roma, following a goalless draw at Como. Malen was absent from the lineup, and Soulé lit up the comeback. The Italian newspapers rated the performances. Soulé was the standout performer, earning 7.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport, 7 from La Repubblica and Il Corriere della Sera, and 8 from Il Tempo. Balerdi, who came on for Hermoso at half-time, was the match-winner from the bench, rated 8 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Il Tempo, and 7.5 by Il Corriere della Sera. Ndicka was the only starting defender to earn consistent praise, rated 7 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport. Gasperini received a 7 from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport, and 6.5 from Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, Il Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo. Gollini was rated 6.5 by most outlets and 7 by La Repubblica. Cristante earned a 7 from Il Messaggero and 6.5 from Il Tempo. Molina came on for Rensch at half-time and was rated 6.5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Tempo, and 6 by La Repubblica and Il Corriere della Sera. Castro, who replaced Pisilli, was rated 6.5 by Il Corriere dello Sport and 6 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo. Malen was rated between 5 and 6 across the papers. Mancini and Wesley received mixed marks, while Mora and Ghilardi came on late without ratings. The ratings show the sharpest debate over the central defensive and attacking performers, with Balerdi's impact from the bench the most discussed. The papers agree that Roma's fight in the second half changed the match.

Feedback