Roma drawn with Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United in Champions League league phase

John Galantic, Roma's new chief executive, spoke publicly for the first time since the Champions League league-phase draw on 27 August, expressing confidence that the club can compete at Europe's highest level. Addressing the media after the draw, Galantic commented on Roma's opponents and gave an update on the final days of the summer transfer window under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Galantic described his first month in the role as intense, encompassing both the transfer market and pre-season preparations. He confirmed that Gasperini—a perfectionist by nature—continues to demand more from the squad despite praising the players who have already arrived. Roma made a strong start to their Serie A campaign and now face a demanding European fixture list. Galantic stressed the club's ambition: "The Roma must always be in the Champions League," he said, and indicated the club remains alert to late opportunities in the market. "Winners are always demanding and that is better," Galantic stated. "We are vigilant in these final days of the transfer market and we will see if there are opportunities. Gasperini has also said he is happy with the players who arrived and that we are stronger than last year." Galantic, a Roma supporter since childhood, expressed his honour at the role and thanked the fans, squad, Gasperini and the entire staff for the club's Champions League qualification. On the challenge ahead, he acknowledged that all opponents are formidable but singled out fixtures against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain as particularly compelling encounters. "Great emotion," he said of his first weeks. "It is a baptism of fire, between the transfer market and pre-season, but it is good to understand the sporting reality well, because that is where value is created."

Roma have been handed a demanding draw in the Champions League league phase, with their eight opponents confirmed following the draw in Monaco on 27 August. The club will face Real Madrid (home), PSG (away), Sporting Lisbona (home), Manchester United (away), Lille (home), Fenerbahce (away), Slovan Bratislava (home) and AEK Athens (away). The official fixture schedule will be released in the coming days, with Roma's first match set for 8, 9 or 10 September. Meanwhile, Roma have accelerated their pursuit of Malick Fofana, identified by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and director Florian D'Amico as the ideal left winger with a right foot. Dialogue has intensified since Lyon's elimination from the Champions League playoff, with the French club needing to sell. Roma have secured total agreement with the Belgian winger, who has expressed full willingness to join Trigoria. The transfer could be completed for a fee around €40 million. In parallel, young French forward Robinio Vaz is departing the club. Sparingly used by Gasperini last season, Vaz is set to leave Trigoria. Director D'Amico is preparing to finalize his sale to Hull City, the newly promoted Premier League side. The deal is progressing toward completion on the basis of a loan worth €2 million with a €30 million purchase option. Only the player's final approval is required to formally conclude the transaction. Vaz's departure—he is from the 2007 cohort—could free space for the attacking winger Gasperini wants. Jayden Oosterwolde's registration appears close to resolution. The defender has completed medical tests with Roma, though they revealed a more serious knee issue that could sideline him until January. Roma have reopened talks with Fenerbahce to adjust both the loan fee and the number of appearances required to trigger the obligation to buy. The sense from Trigoria is that an agreement could be reached in the coming days.

John Galantic, Roma's new CEO, spoke to Sky Sport following the Champions League league-phase draw on 27 August 2026. "Great emotion, all the teams are difficult to face," he said. "I have been a huge Roma fan since I was small, for me this is more than a job: it is passion. First month has been complicated with the transfer market and pre-season, but it is good to understand the sporting side well because that is where value is created." On head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Galantic emphasised the club's competitive standing. "Winners are always demanding, that is better. We are vigilant on market opportunities but Gasperini has also said he is happy with the squad he has. We are stronger than last year. I want to thank the fans, the squad and Gasperini—Roma must always be in the Champions League." Galantic's remarks came as Roma were drawn into the Champions League league phase for the 2026-27 season, having finished third in Serie A in 2025-26.