Koné breaks silence on World Cup disappointment, vows Roma will bounce back

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.

Wesley has been included in Brazil's 26-man squad for forthcoming international friendlies. The Roma defender will feature in matches against Australia on 25 and 29 September, and India on 3 October, under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Wesley's inclusion marks his return to the Seleção after missing the World Cup through injury. The fixtures represent new challenges for Brazil, including the historic first meeting between the nations against India. Wesley will aim to rebuild his international presence after the disappointment of missing the tournament.

Roma begin their return to the UEFA Champions League after a seven-year absence on Thursday 10 September at 18:45 local time, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium. The fixture marks the first-ever official meeting between the two clubs and the start of Roma's group-stage campaign under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who arrives in exceptional form: three wins in the opening three Serie A matches, including a 4–0 victory over Fiorentina, a 4–0 win against Lecce, and a 2–1 comeback against Atalanta. Fenerbahçe qualified for the league phase after eliminating Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon in qualifying but approach the contest having lost their most recent domestic fixture, a derby against Beşiktaş. Gasperini will have nearly a full squad available, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the sole absence after not being selected. Paulo Dybala has fully recovered from injury and is expected to start again. Gasperini said at the pre-match press conference: "We are all well", and emphasised how with the Argentine in the side Roma can raise their technical level further. The manager is likely to field a three-man defence of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar, with Wesley continuing at left-back. The right-back position remains a point of consideration: Sky reports Emanuele Lulli is marginally favoured to retain his place, though Gasperini is also evaluating Nahuel Molina, who would provide greater international experience. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné appear certain starters. Donyell Malen is the focal point of the attack, with Dybala operating behind him. The final attacking position remains open between Rodrigo Mora, who leads the selection indicators, and Matías Soulé, who was decisive in the Atalanta win and remains in contention. Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal will be without Aurélien Guendouzi, suspended following events in the Lyon playoff, and Marco Asensio, who was not selected due to a muscle injury. The Turkish side will likely adopt a 4–2–3–1 formation with uncertainty over the central striker: Vedat Muriqi holds a slight edge ahead of Romelu Lukaku, though the Belgian is available and competing for the role. Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport 253 will broadcast the match in Italy; streaming will be available via Sky Go and NOW. Booking odds favour Roma at 2.10–2.25 for a win, with the draw quoted at 3.40–3.60 and Fenerbahçe at 3.25–3.40. Goals are expected: both sides scoring is priced at 1.55–1.60, and Over 2.5 goals at 1.65–1.80. The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano of Spain.