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Roma depart for Istanbul ahead of Fenerbahçe Champions League opener
·8 September 2026·45d ago

Roma depart for Istanbul ahead of Fenerbahçe Champions League opener

Source: Forza Roma

Roma will begin their Champions League campaign on Thursday at 18:45 against Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, ending a seven-year absence from Europe's elite competition. The squad departs tomorrow, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini scheduled to hold a press conference at 17:00 (Italian time) in Istanbul. The final training session takes place at 17:30 (Italian time) as Gasperini finalises his selection.

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Roma have returned to the Champions League after a seven-and-a-half-year absence, facing Fenerbahçe in Istanbul in their opening fixture of the league phase. The club's last appearance in Europe's elite competition came on 6 March 2019, when they lost 3–1 to Porto in extra time in the round of 16. Only two players from that Porto squad remain: Bryan Cristante, who will captain Roma tonight, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is absent through injury. The return to the Champions League follows Roma's third-place finish in Serie A last season under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, marking a significant milestone after years of ownership and structural upheaval under the Friedkin Group and six managerial changes.

Roma arrive in Istanbul with momentum, having won their opening three league matches this season with ten goals scored and one conceded, including a 2–1 comeback victory against Atalanta. Gasperini has emphasised the importance of maintaining Roma's identity on the European stage, stating the squad must not lose its characteristics despite competing at the highest level. Only Pellegrini is unavailable for selection; the rest of the squad travelled to Turkey. Fenerbahçe's lineup includes Mason Greenwood, who Roma pursued during the summer transfer window, while Romelu Lukaku is expected to begin on the bench. The match kicks off at 18:45 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

Roma will wear a special kit due to local regulations, with the World Food Programme logo replacing the usual betting sponsor. Match-worn shirts will be auctioned to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Nepal following recent flooding and landslides.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“La Roma è pronta a fare il suo esordio in Champions League. Giovedì alle 18:45 i giallorossi torneranno ad ascoltare le note dell’inno della massima competizione europea dopo sette lunghi anni di attesa. Lo faranno allo stadio Şükrü Saracoğlu, dove affronteranno il Fenerbahçe. La squadra partirà…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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