Roma restart Champions campaign with captain Cristante after seven years

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Roma's Champions League campaign opened with a 1–1 draw against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Bryan Cristante gave the Giallorossi the lead, but Fenerbahce equalised through Brown early in the second half. Roma played an attacking display but could not find the decisive finish to secure the win. Gasperini's side showed intent throughout, creating chances but ultimately falling short in the final third. The result marks a competitive start to the club's European campaign this season, though Roma will look to convert their attacking play into wins in upcoming fixtures. A reader cartoon by Michele, posted from Oman, reflects on the match.

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Bryan Cristante has praised Wesley following Roma's match against Fenerbahce in Istanbul, highlighting the left-back's contribution during his debut season in Serie A. Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil after the fixture, the Roma captain said: "Strong player, you could see it already in his first season in Italy, which is never easy. He did very well and is continuing to do well. He's a very good lad, I wish him and his national team all the best." Wesley has proven one of Roma's standout acquisitions, initially signed to operate on the right flank but establishing himself as a regular starter on the left wing throughout the season. His campaign has produced notable returns both defensively and in attacking contribution. The left-back's performances have made a significant impact as the club competes in Serie A's opening phase.

Roma's Champions League campaign opened with a 1–1 draw against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Bryan Cristante gave the Giallorossi the lead, but Fenerbahce equalised through Brown early in the second half. Roma played an attacking display but could not find the decisive finish to secure the win. Gasperini's side showed intent throughout, creating chances but ultimately falling short in the final third. The result marks a competitive start to the club's European campaign this season, though Roma will look to convert their attacking play into wins in upcoming fixtures. A reader cartoon by Michele, posted from Oman, reflects on the match.

Bryan Cristante scored his first Champions League goal and surpassed Lorenzo Pellegrini's European cup appearance record in Roma's match against Fenerbahçe on 10 September. The captain now stands on 84 total appearances in European competitions, behind only Francesco Totti (103) and Daniele De Rossi (98) in the club's history. Cristante has played every minute available so far this season—aside from goalkeeper Mile Svilar—and remains an untouchable presence under Gian Piero Gasperini, as he was under previous managers Di Francesco, Fonseca, Mourinho, De Rossi and Ranieri. Beyond his leadership, Cristante operates across multiple positions without disrupting the team's balance; distances remain coherent, departments communicate, and transition remains intact. He consistently ranks in the top three for distance covered, functioning as a binding agent in Roma's system. Gasperini has never rested him despite the arrival of Marten de Roon. Against Fenerbahçe, Cristante's performance read: 1 goal (39 minutes), 111 touches, 91 of 106 passes completed (85.9 per cent accuracy), 49 ball carries (244 metres gained for the team), 5 of 7 balls recovered, 1 interception and 3 clearances. The statistics underline the coherence of his contribution—not flashy, but the numerical evidence of his determinative role.

Bryan Cristante scored in Roma's opening Champions League match of the season against Fenerbahce, marking a personal milestone as the last surviving member of the squad from Porto. Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is injured, are the only players remaining from that era. Speaking after the match, Cristante reflected on Roma's performance: "Excellent display, we managed the match well, we went ahead, and in the second half we attacked for the most part. Unfortunate to concede a goal but a very good performance." On his goal, he added: "It was early but it was an important one. Beyond the goal, we put in an excellent performance for our first match. We go home with our heads held high." He concluded: "We started with determination, we interpreted it well, we had chances. We return home with our heads held high."

Roma travel to Torino on Monday at 18:30 aiming to maintain their position at the top of Serie A after their Champions League fixture. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini plans several squad changes, with injury concerns and fatigue prompting rotation. Manu Koné exited yesterday with knee discomfort and faces a serious risk of missing the Piemonte match; Niccolò Pisilli is expected to replace him. Gianluca Mancini appeared off the pace and will likely be substituted, with Leonardo Balerdi (favoured) or Daniele Ghilardi replacing him. Balerdi made a positive impact when introduced yesterday and is now pushing for a starting berth. On the right flank, Devyne Rensch will make way, probably for Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina. Paulo Dybala could start from the bench, while an attacking rotation between Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro is anticipated, though Malen is expected to begin the match. Lorenzo Pellegrini may receive his first call-up, though he would occupy a substitute place at best.