Gasperini backs Dybala for Champions League opener at Fenerbahçe

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."

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to Sky Sport on the eve of Roma's return to the Champions League, addressing the club's ambitions as they prepare to face Fenerbahçe. The head coach emphasised the significance of the competition, saying: "It is undoubtedly the most important club competition, aside from the World Cup for national teams. I believe it is the most prestigious competition of all, the one every player and coach wants to participate in." Gasperini reflected on Roma's progress this season and the impact of recent reinforcements. He noted that the squad remains united and determined, and that technical quality has improved over recent months. "We have raised the level, advantaged by the fact that we have a year of matches and shared knowledge behind us," he said. "The quality has improved with Dybala, not only with Malen, but with the whole squad. The fact that we are scoring more goals mirrors this." He confirmed that the squad is fit and ready, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only absentee but expected to return soon. Gasperini drew confidence from Roma's dramatic comeback against Atalanta, when the team scored twice in the final moments to overturn a deficit in the 83rd minute. "When you overturn a match like that, when you were losing at 83' and winning at 93', it gives you energy and joy that is certainly greater," he said. However, he stressed that the Champions League presents a different challenge. "We will face top teams in their own leagues and especially squads with extraordinary players who can change the result in a balanced match through their individual skill. We must know this and try to control it, but we must also be clever not to lose our identity, to trust our means and know that we can also put opponents in difficulty." Gasperini said the match in Istanbul would test Roma's character: "It begins tomorrow on a very important stage, very hot, and there we will already be able to see how much strength and personality we have."

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to Sky Sport on the eve of Roma's return to the Champions League, addressing the club's ambitions as they prepare to face Fenerbahçe. The head coach emphasised the significance of the competition, saying: "It is undoubtedly the most important club competition, aside from the World Cup for national teams. I believe it is the most prestigious competition of all, the one every player and coach wants to participate in." Gasperini reflected on Roma's progress this season and the impact of recent reinforcements. He noted that the squad remains united and determined, and that technical quality has improved over recent months. "We have raised the level, advantaged by the fact that we have a year of matches and shared knowledge behind us," he said. "The quality has improved with Dybala, not only with Malen, but with the whole squad. The fact that we are scoring more goals mirrors this." He confirmed that the squad is fit and ready, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only absentee but expected to return soon. Gasperini drew confidence from Roma's dramatic comeback against Atalanta, when the team scored twice in the final moments to overturn a deficit in the 83rd minute. "When you overturn a match like that, when you were losing at 83' and winning at 93', it gives you energy and joy that is certainly greater," he said. However, he stressed that the Champions League presents a different challenge. "We will face top teams in their own leagues and especially squads with extraordinary players who can change the result in a balanced match through their individual skill. We must know this and try to control it, but we must also be clever not to lose our identity, to trust our means and know that we can also put opponents in difficulty." Gasperini said the match in Istanbul would test Roma's character: "It begins tomorrow on a very important stage, very hot, and there we will already be able to see how much strength and personality we have."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference in Istanbul on 9 September 2026 ahead of Roma's first Champions League League Phase fixture against Fenerbahce on 10 September. The head coach discussed his squad's readiness and tactical approach to the competition's opening night. Gasperini emphasised Roma's capability to compete at the highest level. When asked about facing elite sides, he said: "We encounter the best from each country, teams with extraordinary players who in a locked match can break the balance. We must keep that in mind, while preserving confidence in our means, knowing that we too can put our opponents in difficulty." He highlighted the progress the squad has made, noting eight consecutive wins across the end of last season and the start of this one. The technical quality has improved, he explained, particularly with the arrival of new players: "Probably we have raised the technical level in recent months, helped by a year behind us of working together. But undoubtedly the technical quality has gone up, with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad: the fact that we score more is also this." On Paulo Dybala's form and availability, Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his continuity is, because his value is recognised. The start of this year is certainly better compared to recent years, he has more continuity and when he is on the pitch we are better too." He confirmed the squad was largely fit, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only significant absence: "In general we are all well, there are no particular absences, Pellegrini remained out and we count on having him back soon, for the rest we are all ready to begin this adventure." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent momentum, citing the dramatic 95th-minute winner against Atalanta in Serie A. He said: "When at the 83rd you have lost and at the 95th you have won you have an additional energy. But certainly this is a new competition for Roma, there is on our part curiosity to measure ourselves against the best teams from each country. We start tomorrow, in a very hot stadium, where we can see our strength."

Milan Skriniar has warned Fenerbahce of the quality Roma will bring to their Champions League League Phase opener on 8 September, saying Gian Piero Gasperini has elevated his side to a new level. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the fixture, the Fenerbahce defender drew on his experience facing Gasperini's teams during his time in Serie A, but stressed that Roma represent a significant step up. Skriniar recalled numerous encounters with Gasperini when the coach managed Atalanta, where his teams played physical football with high intensity. He said: "I have faced manager Gasperini many times when he was at Atalanta. They were always very difficult matches, because his teams play very physical football and run a lot. With Roma, I think the level of quality has risen even more. The team is well prepared, the manager and his staff have analysed everything and shown us every detail." He added that Fenerbahce must be prepared for the full squad effort required: "Today we have our final training session before this great match and I think we are ready to fight." Skriniar singled out Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as particular threats, noting they are performing well this season. "We have to work all together, not just the defence but the whole team, to limit their strengths and try to get a good result. We will have to be focused and play a great match," he said. On Fenerbahce's return to Champions League football after many years away, Skriniar insisted the ambition extends beyond mere participation: "Obviously we don't want to be a team happy just to take part—we want to show we are strong and get points to go further. If you play in Champions League you must always look higher."

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to Sky Sport on the eve of Roma's return to the Champions League, addressing the club's ambitions as they prepare to face Fenerbahçe. The head coach emphasised the significance of the competition, saying: "It is undoubtedly the most important club competition, aside from the World Cup for national teams. I believe it is the most prestigious competition of all, the one every player and coach wants to participate in." Gasperini reflected on Roma's progress this season and the impact of recent reinforcements. He noted that the squad remains united and determined, and that technical quality has improved over recent months. "We have raised the level, advantaged by the fact that we have a year of matches and shared knowledge behind us," he said. "The quality has improved with Dybala, not only with Malen, but with the whole squad. The fact that we are scoring more goals mirrors this." He confirmed that the squad is fit and ready, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only absentee but expected to return soon. Gasperini drew confidence from Roma's dramatic comeback against Atalanta, when the team scored twice in the final moments to overturn a deficit in the 83rd minute. "When you overturn a match like that, when you were losing at 83' and winning at 93', it gives you energy and joy that is certainly greater," he said. However, he stressed that the Champions League presents a different challenge. "We will face top teams in their own leagues and especially squads with extraordinary players who can change the result in a balanced match through their individual skill. We must know this and try to control it, but we must also be clever not to lose our identity, to trust our means and know that we can also put opponents in difficulty." Gasperini said the match in Istanbul would test Roma's character: "It begins tomorrow on a very important stage, very hot, and there we will already be able to see how much strength and personality we have."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference in Istanbul on 9 September 2026 ahead of Roma's first Champions League League Phase fixture against Fenerbahce on 10 September. The head coach discussed his squad's readiness and tactical approach to the competition's opening night. Gasperini emphasised Roma's capability to compete at the highest level. When asked about facing elite sides, he said: "We encounter the best from each country, teams with extraordinary players who in a locked match can break the balance. We must keep that in mind, while preserving confidence in our means, knowing that we too can put our opponents in difficulty." He highlighted the progress the squad has made, noting eight consecutive wins across the end of last season and the start of this one. The technical quality has improved, he explained, particularly with the arrival of new players: "Probably we have raised the technical level in recent months, helped by a year behind us of working together. But undoubtedly the technical quality has gone up, with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad: the fact that we score more is also this." On Paulo Dybala's form and availability, Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his continuity is, because his value is recognised. The start of this year is certainly better compared to recent years, he has more continuity and when he is on the pitch we are better too." He confirmed the squad was largely fit, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only significant absence: "In general we are all well, there are no particular absences, Pellegrini remained out and we count on having him back soon, for the rest we are all ready to begin this adventure." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent momentum, citing the dramatic 95th-minute winner against Atalanta in Serie A. He said: "When at the 83rd you have lost and at the 95th you have won you have an additional energy. But certainly this is a new competition for Roma, there is on our part curiosity to measure ourselves against the best teams from each country. We start tomorrow, in a very hot stadium, where we can see our strength."

Milan Skriniar has warned Fenerbahce of the quality Roma will bring to their Champions League League Phase opener on 8 September, saying Gian Piero Gasperini has elevated his side to a new level. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the fixture, the Fenerbahce defender drew on his experience facing Gasperini's teams during his time in Serie A, but stressed that Roma represent a significant step up. Skriniar recalled numerous encounters with Gasperini when the coach managed Atalanta, where his teams played physical football with high intensity. He said: "I have faced manager Gasperini many times when he was at Atalanta. They were always very difficult matches, because his teams play very physical football and run a lot. With Roma, I think the level of quality has risen even more. The team is well prepared, the manager and his staff have analysed everything and shown us every detail." He added that Fenerbahce must be prepared for the full squad effort required: "Today we have our final training session before this great match and I think we are ready to fight." Skriniar singled out Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as particular threats, noting they are performing well this season. "We have to work all together, not just the defence but the whole team, to limit their strengths and try to get a good result. We will have to be focused and play a great match," he said. On Fenerbahce's return to Champions League football after many years away, Skriniar insisted the ambition extends beyond mere participation: "Obviously we don't want to be a team happy just to take part—we want to show we are strong and get points to go further. If you play in Champions League you must always look higher."

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to Sky Sport on the eve of Roma's return to the Champions League, addressing the club's ambitions as they prepare to face Fenerbahçe. The head coach emphasised the significance of the competition, saying: "It is undoubtedly the most important club competition, aside from the World Cup for national teams. I believe it is the most prestigious competition of all, the one every player and coach wants to participate in." Gasperini reflected on Roma's progress this season and the impact of recent reinforcements. He noted that the squad remains united and determined, and that technical quality has improved over recent months. "We have raised the level, advantaged by the fact that we have a year of matches and shared knowledge behind us," he said. "The quality has improved with Dybala, not only with Malen, but with the whole squad. The fact that we are scoring more goals mirrors this." He confirmed that the squad is fit and ready, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only absentee but expected to return soon. Gasperini drew confidence from Roma's dramatic comeback against Atalanta, when the team scored twice in the final moments to overturn a deficit in the 83rd minute. "When you overturn a match like that, when you were losing at 83' and winning at 93', it gives you energy and joy that is certainly greater," he said. However, he stressed that the Champions League presents a different challenge. "We will face top teams in their own leagues and especially squads with extraordinary players who can change the result in a balanced match through their individual skill. We must know this and try to control it, but we must also be clever not to lose our identity, to trust our means and know that we can also put opponents in difficulty." Gasperini said the match in Istanbul would test Roma's character: "It begins tomorrow on a very important stage, very hot, and there we will already be able to see how much strength and personality we have."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference in Istanbul on 9 September 2026 ahead of Roma's first Champions League League Phase fixture against Fenerbahce on 10 September. The head coach discussed his squad's readiness and tactical approach to the competition's opening night. Gasperini emphasised Roma's capability to compete at the highest level. When asked about facing elite sides, he said: "We encounter the best from each country, teams with extraordinary players who in a locked match can break the balance. We must keep that in mind, while preserving confidence in our means, knowing that we too can put our opponents in difficulty." He highlighted the progress the squad has made, noting eight consecutive wins across the end of last season and the start of this one. The technical quality has improved, he explained, particularly with the arrival of new players: "Probably we have raised the technical level in recent months, helped by a year behind us of working together. But undoubtedly the technical quality has gone up, with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad: the fact that we score more is also this." On Paulo Dybala's form and availability, Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his continuity is, because his value is recognised. The start of this year is certainly better compared to recent years, he has more continuity and when he is on the pitch we are better too." He confirmed the squad was largely fit, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only significant absence: "In general we are all well, there are no particular absences, Pellegrini remained out and we count on having him back soon, for the rest we are all ready to begin this adventure." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent momentum, citing the dramatic 95th-minute winner against Atalanta in Serie A. He said: "When at the 83rd you have lost and at the 95th you have won you have an additional energy. But certainly this is a new competition for Roma, there is on our part curiosity to measure ourselves against the best teams from each country. We start tomorrow, in a very hot stadium, where we can see our strength."

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his squad for Roma's Champions League return at Fenerbahçe on 10 September at 18:45. Lorenzo Pellegrini is the only absentee from the travelling party to Istanbul but is expected to be available for Roma's Serie A match against Torino on Monday. Otherwise Gasperini has the full group at his disposal, including Devyne Rensch, and can select from: Goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. Defenders Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfielders Bryan Cristante, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. Forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.