Fenerbahçe's Greenwood set to test Roma in Istanbul opener

Mile Svilar caught the eye during Roma's final training session before the Fenerbahce match, displaying exceptional all-round play beyond his goalkeeper duties. The keeper demonstrated sharp defensive interventions and outstanding distribution skills in close-quarters drills with his teammates, including stopping sequences and ball-playing ability that stood out across the session. The training took place under the observation of D'Amico and Galantic, with Molina also warming up separately. Svilar's performance highlighted the technical demands Gasperini has brought to Roma's preparation as the club prepares for Champions League action this season.

Mario Hermoso spoke at a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's return to the Champions League against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The Spanish defender will appear alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to preview the fixture, addressing Roma's approach to European football, the challenge posed by Fenerbahce in one of Europe's most intimidating atmospheres, and the significance of a strong opening. Hermoso outlined Roma's readiness: "To play a great match, we need to know the opponent's strongest points. We've done that work. This match doesn't change anything. The intensity and mentality will be the same we showed against Atalanta. For us it's a new competition and we need to raise our level compared to Serie A." He emphasised the importance of Roma's recent form, noting that the side arrives on the back of three positive performances and must use the Champions League as an opportunity to test themselves at the highest level. The defender highlighted the defensive discipline required: "For us it's important not to concede and put our strikers in a position to score." On the mentality driving the group, Hermoso referenced his own involvement in midfield during the recent win over Atalanta, explaining that commitment to winning is shared throughout the squad. "The coach has instilled in us this message—to train hard and have the confidence and willingness to play face-to-face against every team. We are in a moment of growth and want to send a message to everyone that we are ready." He praised Gasperini's methods: "Gasperini's football adapts very much to the European style. The coach demands pressing football and intensity suited to these European nights. We have the will to arrive and carry out all the situations the coach prepares in training and explains in the dressing room." Hermoso concluded by noting Roma's development under the new management: "Gasperini, when he arrived, put the mentality of growth in each of us as a squad. From last season to this season we have grown. We are all happy with how we play and the great step we've made reaching this stage."

Mario Hermoso spoke to Sky Sport ahead of Fenerbahçe's Champions League match against Roma on 9 September, expressing his enthusiasm for the competition and the team's approach under Gian Piero Gasperini. The defender acknowledged that the Champions League is the world's most difficult tournament, but said Roma are happy and determined to make a strong start in Istanbul. "We want to play this type of matches," he said. Hermoso credited Gasperini's tactical philosophy as perfectly suited to European competition. "He plays football of pressure and intensity," the defender explained. "We have the faith and will to arrive and find the solutions the boss gives us in the dressing room, then find the right tactical solution to win." On Roma's overall development, Hermoso praised the club's growth. "Gasperini has given us the mentality to grow as a squad," he said. "We have had great growth compared to last year. All my teammates are very happy with how the team plays, and how we have made this step to reach the Champions League. We want to do well and give continuity, also in the Champions League."