Gasperini wants Roma to remain true to themselves in Champions League return

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 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.

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 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 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.

Donyell Malen will lead Roma's attack in Istanbul against Fenerbahce on matchday one of the Champions League league phase, tasked with breaking down a defence marshalled by former Inter captain Milan Skriniar. The Dutch forward has started the 2026-27 season with impressive form in Serie A, marked by rapid changes of direction and decisive play, and will be Gian Piero Gasperini's primary weapon to unlock the Turkish side's defence. Malen typically operates by drifting left before cutting inside with sharp acceleration, a pattern that will bring him directly into confrontation with Skriniar across the centre-right of Fenerbahce's line. The pace and acceleration differential between the Roma attacker and the Slovakian defender could prove decisive in creating numerical superiority in the final third. For Malen, this represents a welcome return to European football's highest level after nearly two years away from the competition. His last Champions League appearance came on 11 December 2024, when he played for Borussia Dortmund against Barcelona. Having built strong momentum through his opening league fixtures, Malen will be hungry to score his first European goal in Roma colours and help drive the team towards a positive result in Istanbul.

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.

Roma analysts and opinion makers reflected on the squad during radio appearances on 10 September. Claudia Bighi at Radio Romanista praised Mario Hermoso's concentration, saying: "Hermoso is very serious, he never laughed during the press conference, he is always focused." Alessandro Santoro at Radio Manà Manà called for more game time for Rodrigo Mora, noting that he has followed Gasperini's instructions well and performed effectively in his 20 minutes as a substitute against Lecce. Santoro also highlighted Matías Soulé as a potential key resource for the season. A contributor to Radio Manà Manà expressed concern about Soulé's confidence if he does not start, comparing his potential to Muriel's impact as a substitute scorer. The pundit suggested that Gasperini could develop Soulé into a player who "enters and scores important goals," while Mora was described as "pure talent" despite the competition for minutes.