Gasperini: Rotation is essential now that we have the squad depth

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 9 September ahead of Roma's Champions League debut against Fenerbahce, citing the recent comeback victory over Atalanta as a source of renewed energy and strength for the group. Gasperini stated: "In this moment we are all well, apart from Pellegrini." The win in midweek appeared to have lifted Roma's mood as they prepare for their opening fixture in the league phase. Gasperini expressed curiosity about seeing this Roma side perform in the Champions League, with Paulo Dybala in good form. The squad's overall condition and morale have improved following the comeback result. Roma face Fenerbahce in their first European match of the 2026-27 season. Pellegrini remains the only absence from Gasperini's available squad.

Mario Hermoso spoke at a press conference on the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Fenerbahce, expressing confidence in the team's trajectory. The defender said the coach had transmitted a message to the squad: "to train hard and have confidence and play." Roma are building momentum in European competition this season. Hermoso reflected on the club's ambitions, stating: "We want to make these nights a constant." The comments underscore head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's impact since his appointment, with the defender noting that the boss has changed the team's mentality and the players are now happy under his guidance. The fixture against Fenerbahce marks Roma's continued push in the Champions League group phase.

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."

Gian Piero Gasperini will largely keep faith with the Roma side that faced Atalanta, with only one enforced change for the Champions League opener at Fenerbahçe. Rodrigo Mora returns to the squad after missing that fixture, while Nahuel Molina is poised to make his first start for the club. Emanuele Lulli will drop out of the line-up. Roma enter their Champions League campaign on the back of their third-place finish in Serie A last season, which secured automatic qualification for the league phase. Gasperini has overseen an immediate uplift in the side's form and morale since his appointment in 2025, with Paulo Dybala among those back to full fitness. The manager has indicated his squad is ready for the continental stage, despite the short turnaround from domestic action.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 9 September ahead of Roma's Champions League debut against Fenerbahce, citing the recent comeback victory over Atalanta as a source of renewed energy and strength for the group. Gasperini stated: "In this moment we are all well, apart from Pellegrini." The win in midweek appeared to have lifted Roma's mood as they prepare for their opening fixture in the league phase. Gasperini expressed curiosity about seeing this Roma side perform in the Champions League, with Paulo Dybala in good form. The squad's overall condition and morale have improved following the comeback result. Roma face Fenerbahce in their first European match of the 2026-27 season. Pellegrini remains the only absence from Gasperini's available squad.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's first UEFA Champions League fixture at Fenerbahçe, confirming that Paulo Dybala is fit and ready to lead the squad's return to Europe's elite competition after a lengthy absence. Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his consistency is, because his value is recognised. He seems to have improved thanks to this culture of self-improvement through work, the whole squad." The coach also addressed Roma's momentum after eight consecutive victories, attributing the upturn partly to technical improvements across the team. "We've raised the technical level over recent months, helped by a year of working together," Gasperini explained. "The fact that we score more is also down to this—with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad." Roma's only confirmed absentee remains Lorenzo Pellegrini, whom Gasperini expects to recover soon. Gasperini described Fenerbahçe as a formidable opponent: "Fenerbahçe is a squad of absolute value. It has changed many players but there are many important ones. They will grow over time. They will need time but they have quality." Asked about the energy boost from Roma's dramatic 83rd-to-95th-minute turnaround against Atalanta in Serie A, Gasperini acknowledged the psychological lift but stressed the different demands of Champions League football. "When you lose at 83' and win at 95' you have additional energy," he said. "But this is a new competition for Roma—there is curiosity on our part to compare ourselves with the best sides from every country." Gasperini emphasised Roma's readiness to deploy squad rotation as fixture congestion increases after the international break. "We now have the possibility of getting more players to play," he said. "We can put new solutions in without losing quality." On Dybala's fitness specifically, Gasperini stated: "Apart from Pellegrini, we are all here. Dybala gave a lot of energy on Saturday. But he is fine." The squad report 43 Champions League matches as head coach—a milestone Gasperini views as confirmation of the competition's prestige. "I believe it is the most prestigious competition, which everyone wants to reach," he said.

Mario Hermoso spoke at a press conference on the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Fenerbahce, expressing confidence in the team's trajectory. The defender said the coach had transmitted a message to the squad: "to train hard and have confidence and play." Roma are building momentum in European competition this season. Hermoso reflected on the club's ambitions, stating: "We want to make these nights a constant." The comments underscore head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's impact since his appointment, with the defender noting that the boss has changed the team's mentality and the players are now happy under his guidance. The fixture against Fenerbahce marks Roma's continued push in the Champions League group phase.

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."