Roma director D'Amico to give statement to Italian football authorities over Atalanta incident

Francesco Totti has placed Roma among the primary candidates for the Serie A title. Speaking to Rai Sport at the presentation of the capital's basketball team, the Roma legend and current advisor to Maxima Roma outlined his confidence in the club's start to the season. Totti said: "Roma and Inter are the candidates for the title, let's not say anything and wait for the rest of the championship. In 10 or 15 games we will see." He also reaffirmed his bond with the club: "I will never set Roma aside, it is my skin. We are there, we started well and I hope we can continue at these levels." On his involvement with Maxima Roma, Totti described it as a project that enthused him rather than a response to being overlooked elsewhere: "It is not a spite move, but a project that excited me. I am happy because for me sport comes before everything."

Francesco Totti has declared Roma among the favourites for the Serie A title this season, naming Inter as their main rival in the championship race. Speaking at the official presentation of basketball club Maxima, for which he has become an advisor, Totti told Rai Sport: "Roma and Inter are the candidates for the title, let's not say anything and wait for the rest of the season. In 10 or 15 matches we'll see." Totti emphasised his unwavering connection to the club, where he spent his entire playing career. He stated: "Roma I will never set aside, it's my skin. We're there, we started well and I hope it can continue at these levels. Is mine a grudge against those who didn't seek me out? It's not a grudge, but a project that has enthused me. I'm happy because for me sport comes before everything."

Roma will make their first appearance in the Champions League since 2019, facing Fenerbahçe in the League Phase on Thursday at 18:45 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul. The club's return to Europe's top competition marks a significant milestone after a seven-year absence from the continental stage. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad will depart for Turkey on 9 September to begin preparations for the match. The timing comes after three consecutive Serie A victories in the opening three rounds, with Roma now turning their attention to their first European fixture of the season. The squad qualified for the Champions League following third place in Serie A last season. Upon arrival in Istanbul, Gasperini will hold a pre-match press conference at 17:00 Italian time, where he will preview the fixture and assess his squad's condition. The team will then train at 17:30 Italian time in their final session before the match, an opportunity to clarify remaining doubts over the starting XI for Thursday's opening European tie.