Roma face Cannes in pre-season friendly as Dybala and Malen lead attack

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference in Istanbul on 9 September 2026 ahead of Roma's first Champions League League Phase fixture against Fenerbahce on 10 September. The head coach discussed his squad's readiness and tactical approach to the competition's opening night. Gasperini emphasised Roma's capability to compete at the highest level. When asked about facing elite sides, he said: "We encounter the best from each country, teams with extraordinary players who in a locked match can break the balance. We must keep that in mind, while preserving confidence in our means, knowing that we too can put our opponents in difficulty." He highlighted the progress the squad has made, noting eight consecutive wins across the end of last season and the start of this one. The technical quality has improved, he explained, particularly with the arrival of new players: "Probably we have raised the technical level in recent months, helped by a year behind us of working together. But undoubtedly the technical quality has gone up, with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad: the fact that we score more is also this." On Paulo Dybala's form and availability, Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his continuity is, because his value is recognised. The start of this year is certainly better compared to recent years, he has more continuity and when he is on the pitch we are better too." He confirmed the squad was largely fit, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only significant absence: "In general we are all well, there are no particular absences, Pellegrini remained out and we count on having him back soon, for the rest we are all ready to begin this adventure." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent momentum, citing the dramatic 95th-minute winner against Atalanta in Serie A. He said: "When at the 83rd you have lost and at the 95th you have won you have an additional energy. But certainly this is a new competition for Roma, there is on our part curiosity to measure ourselves against the best teams from each country. We start tomorrow, in a very hot stadium, where we can see our strength."

Emanuele Lulli's fortunes have transformed dramatically in two months. The defender was on the verge of joining Avellino before head coach Gian Piero Gasperini decided to retain him, convinced he could make a contribution. Lulli has repaid that faith immediately, delivering a convincing debut and strong performances across Roma's opening three league matches this season, emerging as one of the standout positives of Roma's impressive start. His early impact has caught the attention of Italy national team coach Mancini, who is considering including Lulli among his next squad call-ups for forthcoming international friendlies. The selection will be announced on 18 September, with Mancini intent on bringing fresh, younger and more adventurous faces into the squad. Lulli could be among the surprise names included. Gasperini's decision to keep the young Roma defender in the summer window has proved prescient, with the player now on course to move from near-departure to international recognition.

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his squad for Roma's Champions League return at Fenerbahçe on 10 September at 18:45. Lorenzo Pellegrini is the only absentee from the travelling party to Istanbul but is expected to be available for Roma's Serie A match against Torino on Monday. Otherwise Gasperini has the full group at his disposal, including Devyne Rensch, and can select from: Goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. Defenders Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfielders Bryan Cristante, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. Forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his squad for Roma's Champions League return at Fenerbahçe on 10 September at 18:45. Lorenzo Pellegrini is the only absentee from the travelling party to Istanbul but is expected to be available for Roma's Serie A match against Torino on Monday. Otherwise Gasperini has the full group at his disposal, including Devyne Rensch, and can select from: Goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. Defenders Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfielders Bryan Cristante, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. Forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Fenerbahçe–Roma on 10 September at 18:45, marking the Giallorossi's return to the UEFA Champions League. Devyne Rensch is back in contention after a spell out, but Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the Istanbul trip and plays no part in the squad. Gasperini otherwise has his full European list available. The squad named comprises: Goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini; Defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; Midfielders Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; Forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.

Roma have announced their squad for the Champions League League Phase opener at Fenerbahce on 10 September at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has omitted Antonio Arena and Lorenzo Pellegrini from the travelling party, despite Pellegrini being registered on Roma's official UEFA squad list for the competition. Pellegrini's absence is notable given his status as a regular in the club's plans. The midfielder remains on the competition roster but will not feature in Istanbul for Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after the previous season's Europa League campaign. The squad includes: Defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; Midfielders Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; Forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference in Istanbul on 9 September 2026 ahead of Roma's first Champions League League Phase fixture against Fenerbahce on 10 September. The head coach discussed his squad's readiness and tactical approach to the competition's opening night. Gasperini emphasised Roma's capability to compete at the highest level. When asked about facing elite sides, he said: "We encounter the best from each country, teams with extraordinary players who in a locked match can break the balance. We must keep that in mind, while preserving confidence in our means, knowing that we too can put our opponents in difficulty." He highlighted the progress the squad has made, noting eight consecutive wins across the end of last season and the start of this one. The technical quality has improved, he explained, particularly with the arrival of new players: "Probably we have raised the technical level in recent months, helped by a year behind us of working together. But undoubtedly the technical quality has gone up, with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad: the fact that we score more is also this." On Paulo Dybala's form and availability, Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his continuity is, because his value is recognised. The start of this year is certainly better compared to recent years, he has more continuity and when he is on the pitch we are better too." He confirmed the squad was largely fit, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only significant absence: "In general we are all well, there are no particular absences, Pellegrini remained out and we count on having him back soon, for the rest we are all ready to begin this adventure." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent momentum, citing the dramatic 95th-minute winner against Atalanta in Serie A. He said: "When at the 83rd you have lost and at the 95th you have won you have an additional energy. But certainly this is a new competition for Roma, there is on our part curiosity to measure ourselves against the best teams from each country. We start tomorrow, in a very hot stadium, where we can see our strength."

Milan Skriniar has warned Fenerbahce of the quality Roma will bring to their Champions League League Phase opener on 8 September, saying Gian Piero Gasperini has elevated his side to a new level. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the fixture, the Fenerbahce defender drew on his experience facing Gasperini's teams during his time in Serie A, but stressed that Roma represent a significant step up. Skriniar recalled numerous encounters with Gasperini when the coach managed Atalanta, where his teams played physical football with high intensity. He said: "I have faced manager Gasperini many times when he was at Atalanta. They were always very difficult matches, because his teams play very physical football and run a lot. With Roma, I think the level of quality has risen even more. The team is well prepared, the manager and his staff have analysed everything and shown us every detail." He added that Fenerbahce must be prepared for the full squad effort required: "Today we have our final training session before this great match and I think we are ready to fight." Skriniar singled out Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as particular threats, noting they are performing well this season. "We have to work all together, not just the defence but the whole team, to limit their strengths and try to get a good result. We will have to be focused and play a great match," he said. On Fenerbahce's return to Champions League football after many years away, Skriniar insisted the ambition extends beyond mere participation: "Obviously we don't want to be a team happy just to take part—we want to show we are strong and get points to go further. If you play in Champions League you must always look higher."

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his squad for Roma's Champions League return at Fenerbahçe on 10 September at 18:45. Lorenzo Pellegrini is the only absentee from the travelling party to Istanbul but is expected to be available for Roma's Serie A match against Torino on Monday. Otherwise Gasperini has the full group at his disposal, including Devyne Rensch, and can select from: Goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. Defenders Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfielders Bryan Cristante, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. Forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference in Istanbul on 9 September 2026 ahead of Roma's first Champions League League Phase fixture against Fenerbahce on 10 September. The head coach discussed his squad's readiness and tactical approach to the competition's opening night. Gasperini emphasised Roma's capability to compete at the highest level. When asked about facing elite sides, he said: "We encounter the best from each country, teams with extraordinary players who in a locked match can break the balance. We must keep that in mind, while preserving confidence in our means, knowing that we too can put our opponents in difficulty." He highlighted the progress the squad has made, noting eight consecutive wins across the end of last season and the start of this one. The technical quality has improved, he explained, particularly with the arrival of new players: "Probably we have raised the technical level in recent months, helped by a year behind us of working together. But undoubtedly the technical quality has gone up, with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad: the fact that we score more is also this." On Paulo Dybala's form and availability, Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his continuity is, because his value is recognised. The start of this year is certainly better compared to recent years, he has more continuity and when he is on the pitch we are better too." He confirmed the squad was largely fit, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only significant absence: "In general we are all well, there are no particular absences, Pellegrini remained out and we count on having him back soon, for the rest we are all ready to begin this adventure." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent momentum, citing the dramatic 95th-minute winner against Atalanta in Serie A. He said: "When at the 83rd you have lost and at the 95th you have won you have an additional energy. But certainly this is a new competition for Roma, there is on our part curiosity to measure ourselves against the best teams from each country. We start tomorrow, in a very hot stadium, where we can see our strength."

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a press conference shortly ahead of Roma's Champions League match against Fenerbahce. The coach returns to the competition stage where he previously worked with Atalanta, now preparing for his debut in the competition with Roma. Ahead of the fixture, Gasperini will address multiple topics including Roma's attacking options and the physical condition of several squad members. Paulo Dybala is a particular focus of attention regarding his fitness status heading into the match.

Milan Skriniar has warned Fenerbahce of the quality Roma will bring to their Champions League League Phase opener on 8 September, saying Gian Piero Gasperini has elevated his side to a new level. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the fixture, the Fenerbahce defender drew on his experience facing Gasperini's teams during his time in Serie A, but stressed that Roma represent a significant step up. Skriniar recalled numerous encounters with Gasperini when the coach managed Atalanta, where his teams played physical football with high intensity. He said: "I have faced manager Gasperini many times when he was at Atalanta. They were always very difficult matches, because his teams play very physical football and run a lot. With Roma, I think the level of quality has risen even more. The team is well prepared, the manager and his staff have analysed everything and shown us every detail." He added that Fenerbahce must be prepared for the full squad effort required: "Today we have our final training session before this great match and I think we are ready to fight." Skriniar singled out Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as particular threats, noting they are performing well this season. "We have to work all together, not just the defence but the whole team, to limit their strengths and try to get a good result. We will have to be focused and play a great match," he said. On Fenerbahce's return to Champions League football after many years away, Skriniar insisted the ambition extends beyond mere participation: "Obviously we don't want to be a team happy just to take part—we want to show we are strong and get points to go further. If you play in Champions League you must always look higher."