Lulli impresses Roma and attracts Mancini's attention for Italy

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference in Istanbul on 9 September 2026 ahead of Roma's first Champions League League Phase fixture against Fenerbahce on 10 September. The head coach discussed his squad's readiness and tactical approach to the competition's opening night. Gasperini emphasised Roma's capability to compete at the highest level. When asked about facing elite sides, he said: "We encounter the best from each country, teams with extraordinary players who in a locked match can break the balance. We must keep that in mind, while preserving confidence in our means, knowing that we too can put our opponents in difficulty." He highlighted the progress the squad has made, noting eight consecutive wins across the end of last season and the start of this one. The technical quality has improved, he explained, particularly with the arrival of new players: "Probably we have raised the technical level in recent months, helped by a year behind us of working together. But undoubtedly the technical quality has gone up, with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad: the fact that we score more is also this." On Paulo Dybala's form and availability, Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his continuity is, because his value is recognised. The start of this year is certainly better compared to recent years, he has more continuity and when he is on the pitch we are better too." He confirmed the squad was largely fit, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only significant absence: "In general we are all well, there are no particular absences, Pellegrini remained out and we count on having him back soon, for the rest we are all ready to begin this adventure." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent momentum, citing the dramatic 95th-minute winner against Atalanta in Serie A. He said: "When at the 83rd you have lost and at the 95th you have won you have an additional energy. But certainly this is a new competition for Roma, there is on our part curiosity to measure ourselves against the best teams from each country. We start tomorrow, in a very hot stadium, where we can see our strength."

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.

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.

Roma have announced their squad for the Champions League League Phase opener at Fenerbahce on 10 September at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has omitted Antonio Arena and Lorenzo Pellegrini from the travelling party, despite Pellegrini being registered on Roma's official UEFA squad list for the competition. Pellegrini's absence is notable given his status as a regular in the club's plans. The midfielder remains on the competition roster but will not feature in Istanbul for Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after the previous season's Europa League campaign. The squad includes: 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.

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.

Roma have announced their squad for the Champions League League Phase opener at Fenerbahce on 10 September at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has omitted Antonio Arena and Lorenzo Pellegrini from the travelling party, despite Pellegrini being registered on Roma's official UEFA squad list for the competition. Pellegrini's absence is notable given his status as a regular in the club's plans. The midfielder remains on the competition roster but will not feature in Istanbul for Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after the previous season's Europa League campaign. The squad includes: 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.