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."
Story Coverage16 sources on this story
Roma return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years on Thursday 10 September when they travel to Istanbul to face Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, kicking off at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will oversee his 35th Champions League match as a manager. The outlets differ slightly on squad selection: GialloRossi.net and Roma News report that Gasperini will deploy his full-strength side, while other reports suggest rotations may occur given a Serie A fixture against Turin scheduled for Monday. Gasperini confirmed in his pre-match press conference on 9 September that Lorenzo Pellegrini remains the only significant absence, with the rest of the squad fit and ready. Nahuel Molina is set to start at right-back, replacing Emanuele Lulli, bringing 37 Champions League appearances to the campaign. The starting eleven will feature Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Manu Koné and Gianluca Mancini, with Dybala and de Roon bringing nearly one hundred Champions League appearances between them. Koné and Mancini will make their Champions League debuts, as will younger squad members Pisilli, Lulli, Mora and Ghilardi.
Gasperini emphasised Roma's capability to compete at the highest level, saying: "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 eight consecutive wins and recent technical improvement, particularly citing Paulo Dybala's continuity and form. He also reflected on momentum from Roma's dramatic 95th-minute winner against Atalanta in Serie A, saying: "When at the 83rd you have lost and at the 95th you have won you have an additional energy."
Roma will wear the World Food Programme logo on their shirts instead of their regular Eurobet.live sponsor due to Turkish restrictions, supporting Nepal following recent floods and landslides affecting approximately 43,000 people. Match-worn shirts will be auctioned with proceeds directed to the WFP's relief efforts. Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano will take charge, with assistants Diego Barbero and Guadalupe Porras Ayuso; César Soto Grado handles VAR duties. Gil Manzano previously refereed Roma's 2023–24 Europa League penalty victory over Feyenoord and their 2–1 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2019–20. Radio commentary suggests Roma will need approximately twelve points to guarantee a playoff spot, with nine points from home fixtures against Lille, Sporting and Slovan Bratislava plus victory in Istanbul positioning them well for qualification. Approximately 2,300 Roma fans will occupy the away section.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“Giornata di vigilia europea per la Roma, attesa domani dalla sfida contro il Fenerbahce nella prima giornata della League Phase di Champions League. Da Istanbul parlerà in conferenza stampa Gian Piero Gasperini, pronto a presentare il match e a fare il punto sulle condizioni della squadra e sulle…”
Read the full article in Italian at GialloRossi.net.
