Roma have the experience to thrive in Champions League, Gasperini and Dybala to lead the way

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.

Turkish police have arrested five people and identified six others in connection with a ticket fraud operation ahead of Fenerbahçe's clash with Roma. Counterfeit tickets were being sold on social media as fans scrambled to secure entry to the sold-out match in Istanbul. The operation targeted the black market for match tickets as Roma supporters travelled to the city. Roma fans gathered in the Turkish capital with the stadium at capacity. Police advised supporters against wearing Roma scarves or shirts while moving around the city to avoid contact with Fenerbahçe ultras. The Roma contingent will assemble at around 16:30 local time at Pizza Sultanahmet, with shuttles to depart from there to the stadium. Authorities characterised the atmosphere as set to be intense.

Roma's European campaign begins at Fenerbahçe's Şükrü Saraçoğlu stadium in Istanbul, with approximately 400 supporters travelling from Italy for the Champions League group-phase fixture. The Kadıköy neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul will host the Giallorossi's first continental away match of the season, with the stadium renowned for its intense atmosphere. The Fenerbahçe ground represents one of European football's most hostile environments. Kadıköy itself is described as the passionate, populist heart of Istanbul on the Bosphorus's Asian shore—far removed from the golden palaces of the European side. The quarter pulses with an identity inseparable from Fenerbahçe's support: narrow market streets, bohemian cafés, and colourful murals define the neighbourhood. The stadium itself functions as what is effectively a cauldron of noise, built to challenge visiting teams across the full ninety minutes. Roma's travelling contingent has been provided with logistical guidance to reach the stadium. The article describes the area around the ground as saturated with Fenerbahçe's yellow and blue colours, with the scents of kebab restaurants and the nearby Sea of Marmara mingling in the cool Kadıköy air. Meeting points and stadium information for the 400 Roma supporters have been coordinated ahead of the match.

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 Champions League for the first time in seven years on 10 September, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the league-phase opener at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field largely the same squad that started the season well, with Mile Svilar in goal and a settled back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The main change from the recent match against Atalanta appears to be on the right flank, where Nahuel Molina is favoured over Emanuele Lulli and could make his Roma debut as a starter in the Champions League. Wesley is set to continue on the left wing, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné as the central midfield partnership. In the attacking area, Matías Soulé looks set to start at the expense of Rodrigo Mora. The Argentine impressed as a substitute in the Atalanta fixture, delivering an assist and scoring the winning goal in the closing stages. Soulé will operate behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini highlighted Dybala's importance at the pre-match press conference, stating that with the Argentine performing at his best Roma can raise their overall level. Malen remains the focal point of attack and has been Roma's standout performer so far this season. This setup would shift Roma's usual 3-4-1-2 formation into a 3-4-2-1, with Soulé and Dybala operating freely between the lines and Malen as the most advanced attacker. Gasperini has virtually the full squad available. Lorenzo Pellegrini was not selected despite being close to full fitness, while Devyne Rensch has returned to the available list. The UEFA squad list includes recent arrivals such as Marten de Roon, Molina and Leonardo Balerdi, all eligible for the league phase. Molina is rated 70% likely to start over Lulli, while Soulé is given a 60% chance ahead of Mora. Roma are expected to approach the Champions League return without major upheaval, but with two potential changes: Molina on the right flank and Soulé in the attacking midfield position.

Roma return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years tonight, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce. The club has launched its European campaign under the motto "Ad astra" (Towards the stars), with Gasperini's side looking to establish themselves among the competition's elite. Paulo Dybala and his teammates will hear the competition's most famous anthem as they begin their pursuit of a top-24 finish in the league phase—the threshold required to guarantee at least a playoff place for the knockout rounds. Gasperini has set a clear target: the club must secure at least 12 points to guarantee passage to the round of 16. The fixture marks a significant milestone for Roma, whose return to Europe's premier club competition comes after an absence of seven years. The contest will be broadcast on Sky and Prime Video.

Roma return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years on 10 September, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the league-phase opener at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field largely the same squad that started the season well, with Mile Svilar in goal and a settled back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The main change from the recent match against Atalanta appears to be on the right flank, where Nahuel Molina is favoured over Emanuele Lulli and could make his Roma debut as a starter in the Champions League. Wesley is set to continue on the left wing, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné as the central midfield partnership. In the attacking area, Matías Soulé looks set to start at the expense of Rodrigo Mora. The Argentine impressed as a substitute in the Atalanta fixture, delivering an assist and scoring the winning goal in the closing stages. Soulé will operate behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini highlighted Dybala's importance at the pre-match press conference, stating that with the Argentine performing at his best Roma can raise their overall level. Malen remains the focal point of attack and has been Roma's standout performer so far this season. This setup would shift Roma's usual 3-4-1-2 formation into a 3-4-2-1, with Soulé and Dybala operating freely between the lines and Malen as the most advanced attacker. Gasperini has virtually the full squad available. Lorenzo Pellegrini was not selected despite being close to full fitness, while Devyne Rensch has returned to the available list. The UEFA squad list includes recent arrivals such as Marten de Roon, Molina and Leonardo Balerdi, all eligible for the league phase. Molina is rated 70% likely to start over Lulli, while Soulé is given a 60% chance ahead of Mora. Roma are expected to approach the Champions League return without major upheaval, but with two potential changes: Molina on the right flank and Soulé in the attacking midfield position.

Gian Piero Gasperini faces two main selection decisions for Roma's trip to Istanbul: Nahuel Molina is expected to get the nod over Emanuele Lulli at right-back, and Matías Soulé appears to have the edge over Rodrigo Mora in attack. Gasperini has been testing squad depth in midweek, including an experimental setup with Niccolò Pisilli deployed high as a playmaker—a move that could strengthen Roma's structural balance between midfield and attack. Molina's experience at this level of competition appears to have tilted the balance in his favour despite Lulli starting consistently so far this season. Other squad members including Leonardo Balerdi, Marten de Roon and Santiago Castro are pushing for increased minutes, though Gasperini is likely to hand them more game time later in the campaign rather than immediately. Soulé's selection ahead of Mora reflects the manager's preference despite the Portuguese midfielder's suitability for the central playmaking role.

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.

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 Champions League for the first time in seven years on 10 September, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the league-phase opener at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field largely the same squad that started the season well, with Mile Svilar in goal and a settled back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The main change from the recent match against Atalanta appears to be on the right flank, where Nahuel Molina is favoured over Emanuele Lulli and could make his Roma debut as a starter in the Champions League. Wesley is set to continue on the left wing, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné as the central midfield partnership. In the attacking area, Matías Soulé looks set to start at the expense of Rodrigo Mora. The Argentine impressed as a substitute in the Atalanta fixture, delivering an assist and scoring the winning goal in the closing stages. Soulé will operate behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini highlighted Dybala's importance at the pre-match press conference, stating that with the Argentine performing at his best Roma can raise their overall level. Malen remains the focal point of attack and has been Roma's standout performer so far this season. This setup would shift Roma's usual 3-4-1-2 formation into a 3-4-2-1, with Soulé and Dybala operating freely between the lines and Malen as the most advanced attacker. Gasperini has virtually the full squad available. Lorenzo Pellegrini was not selected despite being close to full fitness, while Devyne Rensch has returned to the available list. The UEFA squad list includes recent arrivals such as Marten de Roon, Molina and Leonardo Balerdi, all eligible for the league phase. Molina is rated 70% likely to start over Lulli, while Soulé is given a 60% chance ahead of Mora. Roma are expected to approach the Champions League return without major upheaval, but with two potential changes: Molina on the right flank and Soulé in the attacking midfield position.

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.