Roma return to the Champions League on Thursday at 18:45 after a seven-year absence, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. The last time the Giallorossi competed in Europe's premier competition was in 2019, when they lost to Porto in the round-of-16 second leg after extra time. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has set a clear target: 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.
Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano will officiate the match, supported by assistants Diego Barbero and Guadalupe Porras Ayuso, with César Soto Grado on VAR and Valentín Gómez as AVAR. Gil Manzano is familiar with Roma from two previous European encounters. He refereed their 2–1 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 2019–20 Europa League and their 5–3 penalty shootout victory against Feyenoord in the 2023–24 Europa League. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce have an unbeaten record under Gil Manzano's officiating in European competition, winning both previous matches he has taken charge of.
Former Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio has offered a cautiously optimistic view of Roma's prospects. Speaking to La Stampa, he said Roma "can enjoy themselves" in the competition, though he identified PSG, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Arsenal as the main title contenders. On Italian clubs, Di Canio suggested Inter can progress, while others can target the quarter-finals with favourable draws. Roma's squad departs for Istanbul on Wednesday, with Gasperini scheduled to hold his pre-match press conference at 17:00 Italian time.
AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.
