Gasperini: good display, draw a fair result, but Roma must improve at the start of the second half

Roma drew 1–1 with Fenerbahce in their Champions League opener at the Chobani Stadyumu, with Bryan Cristante scoring for the Giallorossi and Brown replying for the Turkish side. Mason Greenwood, who was heavily linked with Roma during the summer transfer window before joining Fenerbahce, was one of the standout figures in the match. After the final whistle, Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini sought out Greenwood and the pair embraced, marking the end of an extended summer pursuit that had aimed to bring the winger to the capital.

Mile Svilar spoke to reporters after Roma's 1–1 draw with Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saraçoğlu stadium in Istanbul, Roma's opening match in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League. The goalkeeper reflected on a one-on-one save he made early in the contest, saying he read the shot and stopped it with his feet. On the goal he conceded, he explained: "I tried to do the same thing but I wasn't able to stay high." He acknowledged the intensity of Champions League football, noting that both sides created chances. Svilar assessed the draw positively in the context of Roma's overall performance. "We were better in our play. The draw is not bad, but with our football, as we've shown in the league, I think we'll be able to earn more points," he said.

Evan N'Dicka praised Roma's performance in their 1–0 defeat at Fenerbahçe in the opening match of the Champions League League Phase on 9 September, despite the loss leaving the club without a win. The defender highlighted Roma's control of possession and territorial dominance, noting that Fenerbahçe deployed a deep defensive shape that made it difficult to break through. N'Dicka said: "A very positive performance for me, very positive. We had the ball, we did more. They were very deep, and then it's difficult when you have eight or nine players in front of the goal. We tried, then they played on the counter. We deserved more, but we take this point and move on." The match proved physically demanding, with N'Dicka tested by Fenerbahçe's striker Muriqi in the first half and later by Romelu Lukaku after he entered the field. N'Dicka acknowledged the intensity: "Because they are physically strong players. I don't look for this type of situation, but if they come at me, what do I do? I have to defend, so OK, we use the physical side too." Despite the difficult atmosphere at what he described as "a hot, very difficult pitch," N'Dicka expressed confidence for Roma's Champions League campaign, emphasizing the squad's mentality and ambition across all venues: "We arrive here to win, we arrive on every pitch to win."

Roma drew 1–1 with Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League League Phase, marking the Giallorossi's return to the competition after a seven-year absence. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised his team's performance despite the conceded goal, saying: "We played a good match. It wasn't easy here against a team that closed down and hit on the counter. Excellent performance, in the end a draw came out that serves us in the standings." Gasperini acknowledged the defensive vulnerabilities that led to the goal, particularly when Roma played a high defensive line. "We came off badly on the goal, which happens when we are deep and set. We certainly need to work because you cannot always play high, especially in the Champions League. There was an incorrect exit," he said. He also noted a recurring problem: "Two pieces of evidence make proof, but not everything is explainable—sometimes there is chance. From next time we need to be careful at the start of the second half." The coach defended his substitutions, stating: "I would say no. Balerdi came in excellently, Pisilli too. A bit Mora but he was in midfield, I hoped his speed could create problems at the edge of the box but it wasn't easy. De Roon came in at the end to bring the result home. In this respect there is the right approach from everyone." Gasperini highlighted Paulo Dybala's contribution: "Dybala was extraordinary for consistency and quality. I struggle to remember the balls he lost, then he had cramps and probably he wasn't the only one. He, among many strong players, is the strongest." Manu Koné was withdrawn due to a physical problem during the second half. Regarding the overall tactical challenge, Gasperini observed: "Fenerbahçe played a defensive match like I'd never seen. It's a team dangerous on the counter and we accepted that risk. It's a league competition and draws too are decisive for qualification. Between getting ten points and eleven there's a difference. It's a good point for both teams." Gasperini concluded by reflecting on the difficulty of away matches in continental football: "These are difficult pitches. Maybe at home it would have gone differently, same thing in Athens. You have to realize the difficulty of playing these matches. Fenerbahçe has strong players. They were compact—usually on these pitches it ends badly, especially for Italian teams in recent years. We could have lost it but there were also moments where we could have won it. Roma played with great personality on a difficult pitch, played it face-to-face—the Champions League is difficult against anyone."

Gian Piero Gasperini defended Roma's performance in their 1–1 draw at Fenerbahçe in the Champions League league phase on matchday one, saying the result was valuable despite the difficulty of the task. "We saw everything you expect from a Champions League match tonight: intensity, speed, desire to compete in open play, courageous teams," Gasperini said. "I asked my squad not to lose their identity; I think we did well on that front." He added: "It was not easy on this pitch, with this atmosphere and against a side that, despite playing at home, shut themselves in tight and looked to break on the counter with some extremely quick players. I believe we played an excellent match. Then in the end this draw came, which for the table can be important: draws are also necessary to reach our objectives." Gasperini acknowledged defensive lapses, particularly around Roma's left flank, where Fenerbahçe found space behind the back line on several occasions before scoring. He conceded the team had exited poorly from one such situation. "We certainly came out badly, but this time it happens more when we are deep and almost set in shape, rather than when we are playing in the opposition's half. That is certainly something we must work on, because you cannot always play, especially in this kind of match and competition—sometimes you find yourself having to be positioned lower down. That was certainly a bad exit." On his substitutions, Gasperini was satisfied with most, saying Balerdi and Molina "came in very well, and also Pisilli." He was less convinced by Rodrigo Mora, remarking: "I hoped his speed could cause problems for a rearguard so tight. It wasn't even easy to find him between the lines. This year in that respect we have the right approach from everyone." Roma conceded early in the second half, continuing a pattern Gasperini noted had occurred in their previous match against Atalanta. "Two clues make proof," he said with a laugh. "Not everything in football is explicable—sometimes there is chance, other times there may be something. From the next match onwards we must be careful." Koné departed the match due to a physical problem, Gasperini confirmed.

Roma drew 1-1 with Fenerbahçe in Istanbul in the opening fixture of the Champions League League Phase. Bryan Cristante's long-range effort put Roma ahead, but Brown equalised for the hosts in the second half, and Roma could not capitalise on their advantage despite periods of dominance. The performance was mixed across the squad. Paulo Dybala was named the standout performer, orchestrating Roma's attacking play and creating chances, though he was unable to convert his clear opportunities—one with his right foot saved by Ederson, another with his left foot that went wide. Manu Koné was rated highly for his work in midfield, breaking up play and distributing the ball with quality to teammates. Mile Svilar made several saves in goal, including denying Muriqi in the second half. Devyne Rensch was described as crucial in the closing stages, while Leonardo Balerdi impressed after coming on as a substitute from the 74th minute with aggressive, assertive play. Wesley received the lowest rating of the evening (5/10), criticised for being unclean in his final pass, appearing distracted for Brown's goal, and too lightweight when facing Mason Greenwood. Gianluca Mancini struggled through a difficult match and was substituted at 74 minutes. Evan N'Dicka had a physical battle with Dusan Muriqi but handled the winger's limited technical ability better than he dealt with Romelu Lukaku's threat. Mario Hermoso found difficulty against Greenwood but ventured forward effectively. Matías Soulé worked hard across the entire attacking front but lacked the decisive moment, while Donyell Malen played wide in search of space, his movement creating the opening from which Cristante scored. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini received a rating of 6/10. The assessment noted that the point away from home on a difficult pitch was valuable, but Roma failed to build on their lead and risked defeat in the second half, with the tactical substitutions not landing as effectively as hoped.

Roma drew 1–1 with Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League League Phase, marking the Giallorossi's return to the competition after a seven-year absence. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised his team's performance despite the conceded goal, saying: "We played a good match. It wasn't easy here against a team that closed down and hit on the counter. Excellent performance, in the end a draw came out that serves us in the standings." Gasperini acknowledged the defensive vulnerabilities that led to the goal, particularly when Roma played a high defensive line. "We came off badly on the goal, which happens when we are deep and set. We certainly need to work because you cannot always play high, especially in the Champions League. There was an incorrect exit," he said. He also noted a recurring problem: "Two pieces of evidence make proof, but not everything is explainable—sometimes there is chance. From next time we need to be careful at the start of the second half." The coach defended his substitutions, stating: "I would say no. Balerdi came in excellently, Pisilli too. A bit Mora but he was in midfield, I hoped his speed could create problems at the edge of the box but it wasn't easy. De Roon came in at the end to bring the result home. In this respect there is the right approach from everyone." Gasperini highlighted Paulo Dybala's contribution: "Dybala was extraordinary for consistency and quality. I struggle to remember the balls he lost, then he had cramps and probably he wasn't the only one. He, among many strong players, is the strongest." Manu Koné was withdrawn due to a physical problem during the second half. Regarding the overall tactical challenge, Gasperini observed: "Fenerbahçe played a defensive match like I'd never seen. It's a team dangerous on the counter and we accepted that risk. It's a league competition and draws too are decisive for qualification. Between getting ten points and eleven there's a difference. It's a good point for both teams." Gasperini concluded by reflecting on the difficulty of away matches in continental football: "These are difficult pitches. Maybe at home it would have gone differently, same thing in Athens. You have to realize the difficulty of playing these matches. Fenerbahçe has strong players. They were compact—usually on these pitches it ends badly, especially for Italian teams in recent years. We could have lost it but there were also moments where we could have won it. Roma played with great personality on a difficult pitch, played it face-to-face—the Champions League is difficult against anyone."

Gian Piero Gasperini defended Roma's performance in their 1–1 draw at Fenerbahçe in the Champions League league phase on matchday one, saying the result was valuable despite the difficulty of the task. "We saw everything you expect from a Champions League match tonight: intensity, speed, desire to compete in open play, courageous teams," Gasperini said. "I asked my squad not to lose their identity; I think we did well on that front." He added: "It was not easy on this pitch, with this atmosphere and against a side that, despite playing at home, shut themselves in tight and looked to break on the counter with some extremely quick players. I believe we played an excellent match. Then in the end this draw came, which for the table can be important: draws are also necessary to reach our objectives." Gasperini acknowledged defensive lapses, particularly around Roma's left flank, where Fenerbahçe found space behind the back line on several occasions before scoring. He conceded the team had exited poorly from one such situation. "We certainly came out badly, but this time it happens more when we are deep and almost set in shape, rather than when we are playing in the opposition's half. That is certainly something we must work on, because you cannot always play, especially in this kind of match and competition—sometimes you find yourself having to be positioned lower down. That was certainly a bad exit." On his substitutions, Gasperini was satisfied with most, saying Balerdi and Molina "came in very well, and also Pisilli." He was less convinced by Rodrigo Mora, remarking: "I hoped his speed could cause problems for a rearguard so tight. It wasn't even easy to find him between the lines. This year in that respect we have the right approach from everyone." Roma conceded early in the second half, continuing a pattern Gasperini noted had occurred in their previous match against Atalanta. "Two clues make proof," he said with a laugh. "Not everything in football is explicable—sometimes there is chance, other times there may be something. From the next match onwards we must be careful." Koné departed the match due to a physical problem, Gasperini confirmed.

Roma drew 1–1 at Fenerbahce in their opening Champions League fixture on 8 September, with Bryan Cristante scoring his first goal in the competition to cancel out Brown's equaliser. Cristante's performance earned a rating of 7/10, praised for his composure in tight spaces and his ability to read dangerous moments. His finish—described as him taking time to pick out the corner perfectly and silence the Saraçoglu Stadium—came after the hosts had set up defensively, leaving few openings for either side to exploit. Mile Svilar made a crucial save to prevent defeat, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen showed flashes of quality but could not find a breakthrough. Evan N'Dicka (7/10) contained Muriqi effectively in the first half with superior pace and anticipation, though Fenerbahce raised the intensity after half-time and created greater danger, including chances for Lukaku. Gianluca Mancini (5.5/10) struggled with his positioning on the opening goal, lacking clarity in his exit, while Mario Hermoso (6.5/10) worked hard to contain Mason Greenwood's early pace. Manu Koné (6.5/10) displayed personality in a Champions League performance, though his replacement Niccolò Pisilli (5.5/10) made his Champions League debut with some nervous energy. Wesley (5/10) had a difficult evening on the right, finding little space to operate and creating few chances when he did reach the byline. He mislaid an opportunity in the first half and fell asleep during the build-up to Brown's goal. Dybala (6.5/10) managed limited space but showed maturity in his play-making, while Malen (6/10) created the opening for Cristante's goal with an assist described as a moment of quality, though he did not test Ederson in the second half. Leonardo Balerdi (6.5/10) entered late and immediately brought aggression to Roma's defence.

Roma drew 1–1 with Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League League Phase, marking the Giallorossi's return to the competition after a seven-year absence. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised his team's performance despite the conceded goal, saying: "We played a good match. It wasn't easy here against a team that closed down and hit on the counter. Excellent performance, in the end a draw came out that serves us in the standings." Gasperini acknowledged the defensive vulnerabilities that led to the goal, particularly when Roma played a high defensive line. "We came off badly on the goal, which happens when we are deep and set. We certainly need to work because you cannot always play high, especially in the Champions League. There was an incorrect exit," he said. He also noted a recurring problem: "Two pieces of evidence make proof, but not everything is explainable—sometimes there is chance. From next time we need to be careful at the start of the second half." The coach defended his substitutions, stating: "I would say no. Balerdi came in excellently, Pisilli too. A bit Mora but he was in midfield, I hoped his speed could create problems at the edge of the box but it wasn't easy. De Roon came in at the end to bring the result home. In this respect there is the right approach from everyone." Gasperini highlighted Paulo Dybala's contribution: "Dybala was extraordinary for consistency and quality. I struggle to remember the balls he lost, then he had cramps and probably he wasn't the only one. He, among many strong players, is the strongest." Manu Koné was withdrawn due to a physical problem during the second half. Regarding the overall tactical challenge, Gasperini observed: "Fenerbahçe played a defensive match like I'd never seen. It's a team dangerous on the counter and we accepted that risk. It's a league competition and draws too are decisive for qualification. Between getting ten points and eleven there's a difference. It's a good point for both teams." Gasperini concluded by reflecting on the difficulty of away matches in continental football: "These are difficult pitches. Maybe at home it would have gone differently, same thing in Athens. You have to realize the difficulty of playing these matches. Fenerbahçe has strong players. They were compact—usually on these pitches it ends badly, especially for Italian teams in recent years. We could have lost it but there were also moments where we could have won it. Roma played with great personality on a difficult pitch, played it face-to-face—the Champions League is difficult against anyone."

Gian Piero Gasperini defended Roma's performance in their 1–1 draw at Fenerbahçe in the Champions League league phase on matchday one, saying the result was valuable despite the difficulty of the task. "We saw everything you expect from a Champions League match tonight: intensity, speed, desire to compete in open play, courageous teams," Gasperini said. "I asked my squad not to lose their identity; I think we did well on that front." He added: "It was not easy on this pitch, with this atmosphere and against a side that, despite playing at home, shut themselves in tight and looked to break on the counter with some extremely quick players. I believe we played an excellent match. Then in the end this draw came, which for the table can be important: draws are also necessary to reach our objectives." Gasperini acknowledged defensive lapses, particularly around Roma's left flank, where Fenerbahçe found space behind the back line on several occasions before scoring. He conceded the team had exited poorly from one such situation. "We certainly came out badly, but this time it happens more when we are deep and almost set in shape, rather than when we are playing in the opposition's half. That is certainly something we must work on, because you cannot always play, especially in this kind of match and competition—sometimes you find yourself having to be positioned lower down. That was certainly a bad exit." On his substitutions, Gasperini was satisfied with most, saying Balerdi and Molina "came in very well, and also Pisilli." He was less convinced by Rodrigo Mora, remarking: "I hoped his speed could cause problems for a rearguard so tight. It wasn't even easy to find him between the lines. This year in that respect we have the right approach from everyone." Roma conceded early in the second half, continuing a pattern Gasperini noted had occurred in their previous match against Atalanta. "Two clues make proof," he said with a laugh. "Not everything in football is explicable—sometimes there is chance, other times there may be something. From the next match onwards we must be careful." Koné departed the match due to a physical problem, Gasperini confirmed.

Roma begin their Champions League campaign tonight against Fenerbahçe at the Chobani Stadyumu FB Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi in Istanbul. The match kicks off at 18:45 CET (19:45 local time) and is the first game of the league phase. Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano will take charge. Devyne Rensch starts at right-back. This fixture marks Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after seven years away from the Champions League. The club last played in this competition on 6 March 2019, when Alex Telles scored for Porto in extra time to eliminate Roma in the last 16 under manager Eusebio Di Francesco. In the intervening period, Roma have contested a Europa League final and won the UEFA Conference League. That trophy win in particular has revived the club's European credentials and set the stage for tonight's Istanbul encounter. Roma will be hoping to use their previous European runs as inspiration. The club has produced memorable performances in recent European campaigns, including the "Romuntada" comeback against Barcelona and the controversial match against Liverpool at the Olimpico. The Giallorossi squad are ready to compete at the highest level, and tonight's opener against Fenerbahçe carries significant importance as Roma look to establish themselves in the Champions League league phase.