Gasperini set to recall Mora and hand Molina debut start for Fenerbahçe clash

Roma are preparing for their opening Champions League fixture against Fenerbahce, with the match taking place at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium in the Asian side of Istanbul for the first matchday of the League Phase. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad are embarking on their campaign in European football's top competition, and early images from the Turkish city show the build-up to the encounter. The away trip carries particular significance as Roma begin their journey through the Champions League under Gasperini. Fenerbahce will host the giallorossi at the Sukru Saracoglu, with the opening day of the League Phase set to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the start of the 2026-27 season.

Roma's first match of the UEFA Champions League League Phase against Fenerbahce will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sport, with kick-off at 18:45 on 9 September 2026. Viewers with a Sky subscription can watch on channels 201 (Sky Sport Uno), 214 (Sky Sport 4K, for compatible televisions), and 251 (Sky Sport), accessible via smart TV app, Xbox, or PlayStation. The match will also be streamed on Sky's SkyGo and Now TV platforms, as well as through Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and TIM VISION Box. Live updates will be available on Forzaroma.info's live text service and across Roma's social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Roma's opening run of three wins from three matches has driven demand for the biggest fixture on the early calendar: the Roma-Inter meeting on 19 September at the Olimpico is already sold out, ten days before kickoff. The stadium has become a fortress after victories that yielded 10 goals for and only one conceded, putting the club in contention to improve on last season's third-place finish in Serie A. The sold-out status marks the third all-ticket match of the season, following the earlier fixtures against Fiorentina and Atalanta. Before the Inter encounter, Roma travel to Turin for their next assignment. The appetite among supporters reflects the momentum Gian Piero Gasperini's side has built in their opening weeks, with the Olimpico set to provide significant backing in what is already shaping as a pivotal test of the season's ambitions.

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 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.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Fenerbahçe–Roma on 10 September at 18:45, marking the Giallorossi's return to the UEFA Champions League. Devyne Rensch is back in contention after a spell out, but Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the Istanbul trip and plays no part in the squad. Gasperini otherwise has his full European list available. The squad named comprises: Goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini; Defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; Midfielders Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; Forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.

Mile Svilar caught the eye during Roma's final training session before the Fenerbahce match, displaying exceptional all-round play beyond his goalkeeper duties. The keeper demonstrated sharp defensive interventions and outstanding distribution skills in close-quarters drills with his teammates, including stopping sequences and ball-playing ability that stood out across the session. The training took place under the observation of D'Amico and Galantic, with Molina also warming up separately. Svilar's performance highlighted the technical demands Gasperini has brought to Roma's preparation as the club prepares for Champions League action this season.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Fenerbahçe–Roma on 10 September at 18:45, marking the Giallorossi's return to the UEFA Champions League. Devyne Rensch is back in contention after a spell out, but Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the Istanbul trip and plays no part in the squad. Gasperini otherwise has his full European list available. The squad named comprises: Goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini; Defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; Midfielders Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; Forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.

Emanuele Lulli's fortunes have transformed dramatically in two months. The defender was on the verge of joining Avellino before head coach Gian Piero Gasperini decided to retain him, convinced he could make a contribution. Lulli has repaid that faith immediately, delivering a convincing debut and strong performances across Roma's opening three league matches this season, emerging as one of the standout positives of Roma's impressive start. His early impact has caught the attention of Italy national team coach Mancini, who is considering including Lulli among his next squad call-ups for forthcoming international friendlies. The selection will be announced on 18 September, with Mancini intent on bringing fresh, younger and more adventurous faces into the squad. Lulli could be among the surprise names included. Gasperini's decision to keep the young Roma defender in the summer window has proved prescient, with the player now on course to move from near-departure to international recognition.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Fenerbahçe–Roma on 10 September at 18:45, marking the Giallorossi's return to the UEFA Champions League. Devyne Rensch is back in contention after a spell out, but Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the Istanbul trip and plays no part in the squad. Gasperini otherwise has his full European list available. The squad named comprises: Goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini; Defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; Midfielders Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; Forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.