Molina set to start for Roma in Fenerbahce, Soulé favoured over Mora

Roma will not hold a standard training session on the day of their Champions League opener against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on 10 September at 18:45. Instead, the squad underwent only a light muscle-activation session at the hotel ahead of their debut in the competition's league phase. The last full session came with yesterday evening's final training run following Gasperini and Hermoso's press conference. Gasperini still has decisions to make before kick-off. Nahuel Molina appears certain to start at right-back ahead of Emanuele Lulli, but the forward line remains open. A battle continues between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for the role supporting the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen.

Roma return to the UEFA Champions League this evening at 18:45 with a trip to Fenerbahce. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Paulo Dybala from the start, with Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé competing for the third attacking spot alongside Donyell Malen. In defence, the trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso is set to continue, while Nahuel Molina is expected to start at right-back in place of Emanuele Lulli. Today also marks the 91st anniversary of Giacomo Losi's birth on 10 September 1935. The former Roma captain made 455 appearances across 15 years in the giallorossi colours, a tally second only to Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi in the club's all-time list. Roma paid tribute on social media: "91 years ago Giacomo Losi was born. Eternal giallorossi captain." Roma's Primavera squad returns to European competition today at 13:00 against Fenerbahce's Under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League, marking their return to the competition seven years after their last participation. The club's best result remains a 2015 semi-final, when Lorenzo Pellegrini captained the side. Coach Scala will be without Arena, who stayed in Rome due to a knee issue not expected to be serious; forward Paratici may get an opportunity. The match will be broadcast on the official YouTube channel of the Turkish club.

Roma are back in the Champions League for the first time since 6 March 2019, when they lost 3–1 to Porto in extra time at the Estádio do Dragão in the round of 16. Tonight they face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul in a league-phase fixture, marking a return to Europe's elite competition after seven and a half years of absence from it. Only two players who featured in that Porto defeat remain in the Roma squad. Bryan Cristante, who arrived from Atalanta a few months before the 2019 elimination and came off the bench during that match, will captain Roma tonight. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who remained unused on the bench in Lisbon, is absent through injury and will watch from home, with hopes of returning by Monday against Torino. In that period, the club has undergone wholesale changes: American ownership under the Friedkin Group replaced the previous regime, a succession of directors have passed through the building, and six managers have managed the team. Cristante's presence as captain underlines the club's continuity through a turbulent rebuilding. Since the Porto exit, Roma experienced profound upheaval in ownership, personnel, and coaching staff, yet these two academy-connected players survived the turnover to witness tonight's return to the competition.

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 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 return to the UEFA Champions League this evening at 18:45 with a trip to Fenerbahce. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Paulo Dybala from the start, with Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé competing for the third attacking spot alongside Donyell Malen. In defence, the trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso is set to continue, while Nahuel Molina is expected to start at right-back in place of Emanuele Lulli. Today also marks the 91st anniversary of Giacomo Losi's birth on 10 September 1935. The former Roma captain made 455 appearances across 15 years in the giallorossi colours, a tally second only to Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi in the club's all-time list. Roma paid tribute on social media: "91 years ago Giacomo Losi was born. Eternal giallorossi captain." Roma's Primavera squad returns to European competition today at 13:00 against Fenerbahce's Under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League, marking their return to the competition seven years after their last participation. The club's best result remains a 2015 semi-final, when Lorenzo Pellegrini captained the side. Coach Scala will be without Arena, who stayed in Rome due to a knee issue not expected to be serious; forward Paratici may get an opportunity. The match will be broadcast on the official YouTube channel of the Turkish club.

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 return to the UEFA Champions League this evening at 18:45 with a trip to Fenerbahce. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Paulo Dybala from the start, with Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé competing for the third attacking spot alongside Donyell Malen. In defence, the trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso is set to continue, while Nahuel Molina is expected to start at right-back in place of Emanuele Lulli. Today also marks the 91st anniversary of Giacomo Losi's birth on 10 September 1935. The former Roma captain made 455 appearances across 15 years in the giallorossi colours, a tally second only to Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi in the club's all-time list. Roma paid tribute on social media: "91 years ago Giacomo Losi was born. Eternal giallorossi captain." Roma's Primavera squad returns to European competition today at 13:00 against Fenerbahce's Under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League, marking their return to the competition seven years after their last participation. The club's best result remains a 2015 semi-final, when Lorenzo Pellegrini captained the side. Coach Scala will be without Arena, who stayed in Rome due to a knee issue not expected to be serious; forward Paratici may get an opportunity. The match will be broadcast on the official YouTube channel of the Turkish club.

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.