← All stories
Galantic: Roma content with transfer window, Friedkin emotionally invested in Champions League return
·10 September 2026·45d ago

Galantic: Roma content with transfer window, Friedkin emotionally invested in Champions League return

Source: Forza Roma

Roma CEO John Galantic spoke to Sky Sport before the club's Champions League match against Fenerbahce on 10 September, emphasising the importance of the competition's return after a seven-year absence and the symbolic significance for the club's centenary year. "It's fundamental to return to the Champions League after 7 years, especially in the year of the centenary," Galantic said. "For the club and the fans it's a very important evening."

Galantic confirmed Roma's satisfaction with the summer transfer window, noting that no major players were sold. He stressed the balance required between sporting ambition and financial sustainability within UEFA parameters. Several squad members agreed to reduced wages to remain at the club. "We're very happy they stayed. We've lowered the overall wage bill while also raising the quality of the squad," he said.

On the Friedkin Group's emotional connection to the Champions League return, Galantic reported: "There are many messages today and there will be more during the match. One of them is here tonight. They're excited and they're inside this project. They're quiet, they'll have their own style, but they're really very, very involved on an emotional level too." Galantic also noted the club's humanitarian initiative for the Nepal floods.

● AI Generated Summary

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

Story Coverage23 sources on this story

# Roma Draw 1–1 at Fenerbahçe in Champions League Return After Seven Years

Roma ended a seven-year absence from the UEFA Champions League with a 1–1 draw away at Fenerbahçe in Istanbul on 10 September. Bryan Cristante gave Roma the lead in the first half with a clinical finish, but Fenerbahçe equalized early in the second half through Brown after a defensive lapse, leaving Gian Piero Gasperini's side with a single point from their opening fixture in the league phase. The match marked Roma's first Champions League appearance since 6 March 2019, when they were eliminated by Porto — a gap of 2,745 days. Only two players from that Porto squad remain: Cristante, who came off the bench in Lisbon and now captains the side, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who was absent through injury.

Mile Svilar made crucial saves to keep the score level, with the goalkeeper earning consistent praise across Italian outlets for his performance. Bryan Cristante stood out as the standout performer, receiving ratings of 7 across multiple publications for his composure, positioning and recovery work beyond his goal contribution. However, defensive vulnerabilities emerged in the second half. Gianluca Mancini, making his Champions League debut, struggled and was rated between 5 and 5.5 before being substituted at the 74th minute, with Leonardo Balerdi replacing him and earning marks of 6 to 6.5. Wesley endured a difficult evening on the right, consistently rated between 5 and 6, appearing caught out of position for the equaliser. Manu Koné received marks of 6.5 to 7 for his midfield contributions, while Paulo Dybala managed 6.5, reaching 7 only from Il Corriere dello Sport.

Gasperini's side controlled possession with 58 per cent of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, demonstrating tactical maturity and patient play against Fenerbahçe's ultra-defensive setup. The coach acknowledged the step up required: "The Champions League doesn't forgive mistakes. We need to raise our level for these matches." However, Roma's vulnerability to counter-pressure in the second half exposed areas requiring refinement. Gasperini told reporters after the match: "It is not easy in this environment. Fenerbahçe closed very tightly and would break quickly with very fast players. We need more attention when we move out from a low defensive formation, as happened with the goal we conceded." When asked about substitutes Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina, he added: "I do not agree: Balerdi and Molina came on well." The draw represents a solid opening result for Roma's European return, though the manager recognised the need for greater consistency when transitioning between defensive and attacking phases.

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

Testo Originale / Source Text

“John Galantic, CEO della Roma, ha parlato ai microfoni di SkySport prima dell'inizio del match contro il Fenerbahce. Queste le sue parole: Che importanza ha una competizione come la Champions per il club? "Fondamentale tornare in Champions dopo 7 anni soprattutto nell'anno del Centanario. Per il…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma →

More Club News

Gasperini treats himself to a Roman lunch after Napoli draw
Press ConferenceSerie A● AI
8h ago

Gasperini treats himself to a Roman lunch after Napoli draw

Gian Piero Gasperini has already turned the page on Roma's 3-3 draw at Napoli, with the squad back in training for Tuesday's home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico. The Roma head coach consoled himself with a traditional Roman Sunday lunch at the historic restaurant La Villetta dal 1940, where he was pictured smiling on the restaurant's social media channels. The draw at the Maradona came less than 24 hours before the lunch, and the result still stings. The smile reflects both his frustration at the result against Napoli and his belief that this side, although not at full strength and missing important players, can still compete. Gasperini will face the media at a press conference tomorrow at 13:30. Roma's focus now shifts to Cagliari, with the squad already back on the training ground to prepare for the Tuesday fixture.

Roma respond to Allegri's accusations after Napoli draw
Club NewsSerie A● AI
16h ago

Roma respond to Allegri's accusations after Napoli draw

Roma have reportedly reacted with surprise and irritation to comments from Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri after the 3-3 draw between the two sides. Allegri's remarks, which suggested favourable refereeing decisions in the race for Champions League qualification, have been at the centre of the debate, and the Roman club considered the attack out of place. According to journalist Nicolò Schira, Roma view the remarks as inappropriate. The club's position is reportedly clear: qualification for last season's Champions League was earned on the pitch, through results achieved over the course of the league campaign, with no alleged refereeing assistance. Schira's account also refers to Milan, who lost at home to Cagliari in the final round of last season's Serie A, a result cited in the context of the European qualification race to support the view that Roma reached their goal through results on the field. The club's stance, as reported, is that the accusations of refereeing favours have no basis, and that the qualification achieved last season belongs to Roma's own performances in the league.

Mancini mimics Allegri from the bench as Napoli-Roma video goes viral
Club NewsSerie A● AI
16h ago

Mancini mimics Allegri from the bench as Napoli-Roma video goes viral

Gianluca Mancini mocked Massimiliano Allegri from the Roma bench during the Napoli-Roma match, and a clip of the moment is now spreading rapidly on social media. The video, published by DAZN, shows the reactions of both benches after Balerdi's goal made it 3-3. Allegri lost his temper in the closing stages at the Maradona. After Balerdi's equaliser, the Napoli coach protested angrily with the fourth official, was sent off, and took off his jacket in rage. The DAZN footage shows Mancini copying Allegri's gestures and taking him off after his outburst, a moment that has not gone unnoticed by fans. The scenes add another chapter to a tense finish at the Maradona, which was also marked by Allegri's comments aimed at Roma. Near the press room, the coach let slip a remark about last season's Champions League, claiming the Giallorossi had "put it in their pocket". The words caused irritation inside the Roman club. DAZN posted the clip on social media with the caption: "All of Max Allegri's rage seen from the touchline", alongside the hashtags #Allegri, #NapoliRoma, #SerieAEnilive and #DAZN.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Feedback