Gasperini targets 20 extra goals; Greenwood identified as right-wing priority

Liverpool have emerged as the latest heavyweight club to express interest in Roma midfielder Manu Koné, according to journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic. Koné remained at Roma after a summer window in which Atlético Madrid made an approach and Chelsea made contact on the final day of the transfer market, though the latter were only described as "informational contacts" by Roma's sporting director D'Amico. Ornstein stated: "I think there is interest from the Reds for Koné at Roma, and they will have other options too. He was very close to Chelsea before they turned to Camara, and we'll see what position Roma find themselves in during the winter window. He has been examined very carefully by Manchester United and I think Liverpool like him." Despite the external attention, Koné remains focused on Roma and is regarded as one of the fundamental elements of Gasperini's squad.

Mason Greenwood will face Roma for the first time since a failed transfer pursuit, now wearing the Fenerbahçe colours in their Champions League clash in Istanbul. The English forward was a priority target for Gian Piero Gasperini during the summer transfer window, and the Roma coach recently acknowledged his disappointment at failing to complete the deal. Greenwood will instead pose a significant threat in what is Roma's opening European fixture of the season. The transfer saga has captured attention in Turkey ahead of the match. Turkish outlet Fanatik stoked anticipation by using Greenwood's connection to Roma, with the publication stating: "Greenwood will destroy Roma. After having refused them, now he will show his value." For Roma, the task now is to move past what happened in the summer market. Greenwood was identified as a key attacking reinforcement for Gasperini's squad, but the operation fell through and the player opted to join Fenerbahçe instead.

Jeremie Leweling has found himself sidelined at Stuttgart after a dramatic summer transfer saga with Roma that ultimately collapsed. The German forward has appeared only in the closing stages of matches against Bayern Munich and Cologne, totalling just 48 minutes on the pitch. Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß prefers attacking midfielders Undav and El Khannouss behind striker Pejcinovic, with Vagnoman occupying the right flank, leaving little room for Leweling in the team's setup. The player's summer proved chaotic. Roma and Stuttgart agreed a €35 million transfer fee, with both clubs satisfied by the deal—Stuttgart especially pleased to receive the revenue. Leweling repeatedly changed his mind, however: he committed to Roma, then reversed course, then reconsidered again, with a plane waiting to fly him to Italy before another change of heart. The indecision infuriated both clubs. Had the move succeeded, Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini had planned to deploy Leweling in a dual role that would have guaranteed regular playing time. Instead, Roma continue without him and perform well, Leweling sits unused at Stuttgart and faces criticism from local supporters. The failed transfer has left both parties worse off.

Roma travel to Istanbul this evening for their opening UEFA Champions League match of the 2026-27 season against Fenerbahce, managed by Mason Greenwood, whom the club tracked closely during the summer transfer window. The squad is staying at the Marriott Hotel, a five-star property in Istanbul's Asian district, which has been placed under extensive security measures. Police patrols maintain a 24-hour presence at the hotel entrance. Access requires passage through metal detectors, temporary surrender of mobile phones, and luggage screening via airport-style equipment. All vehicles are subject to rigorous checks, preventing rival supporter groups from approaching the building. The stringent security protocol reflects local anti-terrorism prevention measures adopted by Turkish authorities. The precautions remain elevated following the 2017 attack in the Besiktas district, which killed 39 people and injured 69, keeping vigilance high around major international events and delegations in the city. The comprehensive protective framework is designed to ensure safe passage for Paulo Dybala and his teammates during their stay. The match kicks off at 18:45 this evening as Roma begin their Champions League campaign after qualifying third in Serie A last season.

Gian Piero Gasperini takes Roma to Istanbul tonight to face Fenerbahce in his first Champions League match as Roma head coach, marking the culmination of the club's push for continental football since his appointment. The Grugliasco-born coach brings 33 previous European banches with Atalanta and one with Inter in 2011 to the fixture. Roma qualified for this season's Champions League by finishing third in Serie A last season. Gasperini has framed the club's approach with clarity on what success looks like in the competition. "Partaking in this competition is already something important and it is clear that it is different from the league," he said. "What I can ask is for us to be ourselves, because we have arrived to play it with our characteristics and with what we had put on the pitch during the year." The competition presents unfamiliar challenges—opponents from different leagues, elite players capable of shifting match momentum instantly—but Gasperini views his return to Champions League football with Roma as a source of personal satisfaction. Paulo Dybala features centrally in Roma's tactical setup and has impressed early this season. Gasperini praised his consistency: "He is already demonstrating his continuity, because his value is recognised. He has more continuity and when he is on the pitch we are better too." For the manager, this Champions League campaign represents a meaningful milestone: "Even for me it is a satisfaction to find the Champions League again with Roma, it is a greater source of gratification."

Roma return to the UEFA Champions League tonight in Istanbul against Fenerbahçe at 18:45 CET, 2,745 days after their last appearance in the competition on 6 March 2019 in Porto. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear that the scale of the occasion will not prompt a tactical retreat: Roma must play with the same aggressive, high-pressing identity that has defined their early domestic form this season, attacking opponents rather than waiting for them. Gasperini said: "We must have faith in our means; we know we can put opponents in difficulty. But we also need to raise our level for these matches. The Champions League doesn't forgive mistakes." Fenerbahçe arrive without significant momentum, having lost their recent derby against Besiktas and dropping two league matches already, though their squad boasts considerable European experience including Milan Skriniar, N'Golo Kanté, Mason Greenwood, Ederson and Aké, plus Roma's former striker Romelu Lukaku. Manager Ismail Kartal has studied Roma's playing style in detail and identified spaces to exploit; an Istanbul atmosphere promises to be intense. Gasperini has led teams in 34 Champions League matches previously, including his first outing with Inter against Trabzonspor fifteen years ago, and built considerable European credibility with Atalanta, reaching 2020 just minutes short of the semi-finals after putting Paris Saint-Germain under severe pressure. He insists Roma must continue to play according to their nature even on the competition's biggest stage. Paulo Dybala, who brings 53 Champions League appearances, and Donyell Malen are expected to start in attack. Gasperini praised Dybala's consistency: "Paulo is showing continuity; his start is better than in previous years. With him on the pitch we are certainly stronger. Now we also score more goals—the general quality has risen, partly thanks to his connection with Malen." Matías Soulé appears favoured over Rodrigo Mora in midfield after deciding the recent fixture against Atalanta, while Nahuel Molina has gained preference over Emanuele Lulli at right-back for the experience Istanbul demands. The defence is expected to feature Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka, with Leonardo Balerdi pushing for inclusion after a strong display against Atalanta. Gasperini has also trialled Niccolò Pisilli in more advanced positions to balance midfield and attack. Approximately 2,300 Roma supporters have travelled to Istanbul for the match. The Champions League campaign ahead includes fixtures against Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United, making tonight's result significant despite this serving as a verification of identity—whether the Roma seen in early domestic form can remain themselves when facing the competition's greatest stage.

Roma begin their Champions League campaign for the first time in 2745 days, facing Fenerbahce in Istanbul at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini appears set to field a settled side, with only minor tactical variations expected across the likely formations. The main selection debate centres on Nahuel Molina being favoured over Emanuele Lulli at right-back, and a choice between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora in midfield, with Paulo Dybala expected to lead the attack alongside Donyell Malen. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable, though his recovery is nearly complete; Gasperini has the rest of the squad available. The Italian press outlets have outlined expected lineups in a near-consensus 3-4-1-2 formation, with mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso across the back three, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné anchoring midfield, and Wesley at left-back. Gasperini's reluctance to make wholesale changes reflects confidence in the squad's readiness for the competition's opening phase. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera, Il Tempo and Il Romanista all offered predicted XIs, with five of the six outlets selecting Soulé in the attacking midfield role ahead of Mora. The single variation came from Il Tempo, which named Mora instead. All six retained Molina over Lulli in the right-back position, underlining the strength of consensus around that selection.

Roma play their first Champions League match in seven years this evening at Fenerbahce, with kickoff at 18:45. The only absentee is Lorenzo Pellegrini due to injury, with the rest of the squad available for what will be their opening fixture in the league phase. Fenerbahce's forward line includes Romelu Lukaku and Mason Greenwood. Gasperini expressed confidence ahead of the tie despite acknowledging the scale of the competition. "The impact with this competition always creates particular tension. The victory against Atalanta gave us great joy," he said. "This is a new competition for us; we're keen to measure ourselves against the top clubs. Fenerbahce are an excellent side. The stadium will be hot and we'll see what our personality is like. It will be a test, but I'm confident because it will be tough for them too. We won't change our characteristics." He highlighted Paulo Dybala's form: "Paulo is well and showing consistency. With him on the pitch we are stronger. Now the squad has more quality and the substitutes make less of a difference." Defender Mario Hermoso reinforced the team's mindset in the pre-match press conference: "In this competition we'll discover our true strength, but nothing changes for us. We'll play with the same identity and mentality we showed on Saturday evening." The starting eleven is expected to closely mirror the Atalanta lineup, with Nahuel Molina favoured over Emanuele Lulli at right-back. Rodrigo Mora holds a slight edge over Matías Soulé in midfield to support the attack pairing of Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala. Leonardo Balerdi is being considered for the defensive line, having direct knowledge of Greenwood from previous seasons at Marseille.

Roma face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul tonight at 18:45 in their opening UEFA Champions League fixture, marking the club's return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in seven seasons. Gasperini's side arrive in ideal form, with the full squad available except for Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Fenerbahçe squad includes former Roma target Greenwood alongside Lukaku. Gasperini acknowledged the weight of the occasion but expressed optimism about his team's prospects. "The impact with this competition always brings particular tension. The victory against Atalanta gave us greater joy. This is a new competition, we're curious to measure ourselves against the top clubs. Fenerbahçe is an excellent team. The stadium will be hot and we could see what our personality will be like. It'll be a test but I'm confident because for them too it will be difficult. We won't change our characteristics," he said. He expects to make only one change to the side that beat Atalanta, with Nahuel Molina likely to start at right-back ahead of Lulli. Rodrigo Mora is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé in attack, while Leonardo Balerdi has a chance to start in defence. Dybala and Donyell Malen will continue in attack. Gasperini noted: "Paulo is well and showing consistency. We're stronger with him on the pitch. But now it's not only him and Malen scoring—we're scoring more goals with everyone. The squad now has more quality and substitutes make less of a difference. We can cause problems for anyone." Defender Mario Hermoso said: "In this competition we'll discover our true strength, but nothing changes for us. We'll play with the same identity and mentality we showed Saturday evening."

Roma return to the UEFA Champions League tonight in Istanbul against Fenerbahçe at 18:45 CET, 2,745 days after their last appearance in the competition on 6 March 2019 in Porto. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear that the scale of the occasion will not prompt a tactical retreat: Roma must play with the same aggressive, high-pressing identity that has defined their early domestic form this season, attacking opponents rather than waiting for them. Gasperini said: "We must have faith in our means; we know we can put opponents in difficulty. But we also need to raise our level for these matches. The Champions League doesn't forgive mistakes." Fenerbahçe arrive without significant momentum, having lost their recent derby against Besiktas and dropping two league matches already, though their squad boasts considerable European experience including Milan Skriniar, N'Golo Kanté, Mason Greenwood, Ederson and Aké, plus Roma's former striker Romelu Lukaku. Manager Ismail Kartal has studied Roma's playing style in detail and identified spaces to exploit; an Istanbul atmosphere promises to be intense. Gasperini has led teams in 34 Champions League matches previously, including his first outing with Inter against Trabzonspor fifteen years ago, and built considerable European credibility with Atalanta, reaching 2020 just minutes short of the semi-finals after putting Paris Saint-Germain under severe pressure. He insists Roma must continue to play according to their nature even on the competition's biggest stage. Paulo Dybala, who brings 53 Champions League appearances, and Donyell Malen are expected to start in attack. Gasperini praised Dybala's consistency: "Paulo is showing continuity; his start is better than in previous years. With him on the pitch we are certainly stronger. Now we also score more goals—the general quality has risen, partly thanks to his connection with Malen." Matías Soulé appears favoured over Rodrigo Mora in midfield after deciding the recent fixture against Atalanta, while Nahuel Molina has gained preference over Emanuele Lulli at right-back for the experience Istanbul demands. The defence is expected to feature Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka, with Leonardo Balerdi pushing for inclusion after a strong display against Atalanta. Gasperini has also trialled Niccolò Pisilli in more advanced positions to balance midfield and attack. Approximately 2,300 Roma supporters have travelled to Istanbul for the match. The Champions League campaign ahead includes fixtures against Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United, making tonight's result significant despite this serving as a verification of identity—whether the Roma seen in early domestic form can remain themselves when facing the competition's greatest stage.

Roma travel to Fenerbahçe today for their opening Champions League League Phase fixture at 18:45, marking their return to Europe's elite club competition after more than seven years away. Gian Piero Gasperini must settle a pair of selection dilemmas as he prepares his starting eleven. On the right flank, Nahuel Molina's experience is expected to edge out Emanuele Lulli, the 19-year-old who has made three Serie A starts. The main uncertainty centres on attacking midfield, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are competing for the role. Soulé arrives in form after scoring the winning goal against Atalanta on Saturday, while Mora is regarded as better suited to the pure trequartista position. Gasperini has also tested Niccolò Pisilli in that area during the week. Paulo Dybala is set to continue in the side. Rome's leading newspapers have offered differing predictions. La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero and Leggo favour a 3-4-1-2 shape with Soulé in the attacking role behind Dybala and Donyell Malen. Il Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport both lean toward a 3-4-2-1, positioning Soulé and Dybala together in the two attacking-midfield berths with Malen as the lone forward. La Repubblica and Il Tempo predict Mora will get the nod instead, also in a 3-4-1-2 setup. All eight forecasts agree on the back line and midfield spine: Mile Svilar in goal; Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso across the defence; Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné anchoring midfield; Wesley on the left flank and Molina on the right.

Roma begin their Champions League campaign for the first time in 2745 days, facing Fenerbahce in Istanbul at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini appears set to field a settled side, with only minor tactical variations expected across the likely formations. The main selection debate centres on Nahuel Molina being favoured over Emanuele Lulli at right-back, and a choice between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora in midfield, with Paulo Dybala expected to lead the attack alongside Donyell Malen. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable, though his recovery is nearly complete; Gasperini has the rest of the squad available. The Italian press outlets have outlined expected lineups in a near-consensus 3-4-1-2 formation, with mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso across the back three, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné anchoring midfield, and Wesley at left-back. Gasperini's reluctance to make wholesale changes reflects confidence in the squad's readiness for the competition's opening phase. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera, Il Tempo and Il Romanista all offered predicted XIs, with five of the six outlets selecting Soulé in the attacking midfield role ahead of Mora. The single variation came from Il Tempo, which named Mora instead. All six retained Molina over Lulli in the right-back position, underlining the strength of consensus around that selection.