Malen returns to Roma ready for Gasperini after World Cup

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.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's first UEFA Champions League fixture at Fenerbahçe, confirming that Paulo Dybala is fit and ready to lead the squad's return to Europe's elite competition after a lengthy absence. Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his consistency is, because his value is recognised. He seems to have improved thanks to this culture of self-improvement through work, the whole squad." The coach also addressed Roma's momentum after eight consecutive victories, attributing the upturn partly to technical improvements across the team. "We've raised the technical level over recent months, helped by a year of working together," Gasperini explained. "The fact that we score more is also down to this—with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad." Roma's only confirmed absentee remains Lorenzo Pellegrini, whom Gasperini expects to recover soon. Gasperini described Fenerbahçe as a formidable opponent: "Fenerbahçe is a squad of absolute value. It has changed many players but there are many important ones. They will grow over time. They will need time but they have quality." Asked about the energy boost from Roma's dramatic 83rd-to-95th-minute turnaround against Atalanta in Serie A, Gasperini acknowledged the psychological lift but stressed the different demands of Champions League football. "When you lose at 83' and win at 95' you have additional energy," he said. "But this is a new competition for Roma—there is curiosity on our part to compare ourselves with the best sides from every country." Gasperini emphasised Roma's readiness to deploy squad rotation as fixture congestion increases after the international break. "We now have the possibility of getting more players to play," he said. "We can put new solutions in without losing quality." On Dybala's fitness specifically, Gasperini stated: "Apart from Pellegrini, we are all here. Dybala gave a lot of energy on Saturday. But he is fine." The squad report 43 Champions League matches as head coach—a milestone Gasperini views as confirmation of the competition's prestige. "I believe it is the most prestigious competition, which everyone wants to reach," he said.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to Sky Sport on the eve of Roma's return to the Champions League, addressing the club's ambitions as they prepare to face Fenerbahçe. The head coach emphasised the significance of the competition, saying: "It is undoubtedly the most important club competition, aside from the World Cup for national teams. I believe it is the most prestigious competition of all, the one every player and coach wants to participate in." Gasperini reflected on Roma's progress this season and the impact of recent reinforcements. He noted that the squad remains united and determined, and that technical quality has improved over recent months. "We have raised the level, advantaged by the fact that we have a year of matches and shared knowledge behind us," he said. "The quality has improved with Dybala, not only with Malen, but with the whole squad. The fact that we are scoring more goals mirrors this." He confirmed that the squad is fit and ready, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only absentee but expected to return soon. Gasperini drew confidence from Roma's dramatic comeback against Atalanta, when the team scored twice in the final moments to overturn a deficit in the 83rd minute. "When you overturn a match like that, when you were losing at 83' and winning at 93', it gives you energy and joy that is certainly greater," he said. However, he stressed that the Champions League presents a different challenge. "We will face top teams in their own leagues and especially squads with extraordinary players who can change the result in a balanced match through their individual skill. We must know this and try to control it, but we must also be clever not to lose our identity, to trust our means and know that we can also put opponents in difficulty." Gasperini said the match in Istanbul would test Roma's character: "It begins tomorrow on a very important stage, very hot, and there we will already be able to see how much strength and personality we have."