Roma return to Champions League in Istanbul as Gasperini backs squad for Fenerbahce test

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.

Roma face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul tonight at 18:45 in their opening UEFA Champions League fixture, marking the club's return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in seven seasons. Gasperini's side arrive in ideal form, with the full squad available except for Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Fenerbahçe squad includes former Roma target Greenwood alongside Lukaku. Gasperini acknowledged the weight of the occasion but expressed optimism about his team's prospects. "The impact with this competition always brings particular tension. The victory against Atalanta gave us greater joy. This is a new competition, we're curious to measure ourselves against the top clubs. Fenerbahçe is an excellent team. The stadium will be hot and we could see what our personality will be like. It'll be a test but I'm confident because for them too it will be difficult. We won't change our characteristics," he said. He expects to make only one change to the side that beat Atalanta, with Nahuel Molina likely to start at right-back ahead of Lulli. Rodrigo Mora is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé in attack, while Leonardo Balerdi has a chance to start in defence. Dybala and Donyell Malen will continue in attack. Gasperini noted: "Paulo is well and showing consistency. We're stronger with him on the pitch. But now it's not only him and Malen scoring—we're scoring more goals with everyone. The squad now has more quality and substitutes make less of a difference. We can cause problems for anyone." Defender Mario Hermoso said: "In this competition we'll discover our true strength, but nothing changes for us. We'll play with the same identity and mentality we showed Saturday evening."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference in Istanbul ahead of Roma's Champions League group-stage debut against Fenerbahce, expressing confidence in his squad's readiness for the continent's elite competition. The coach outlined Roma's return to the Champions League following qualification by finishing third in Serie A last season, emphasising the maturity of his group and their unity in pursuit of significant objectives. Gasperini reported that only Lorenzo Pellegrini is unavailable, with the rest of the squad in good condition. He stressed Roma's strength and depth, saying: "Out solo Pellegrini, tutti gli altri stanno bene. Ora si può ruotare l'organico senza perdere in qualità. La Roma è forte, mi fido del mio gruppo: siamo sempre stati uniti e determinati a raggiungere traguardi importanti." He singled out Paulo Dybala as a key figure both technically and in character, noting: "Con lui siamo più forti. Sta dimostrando una continuità straordinaria sia negli allenamenti sia nelle gare ufficiali, trascinando e migliorando l'intera squadra." Roma will field a special kit for the Turkey fixture due to strict local advertising regulations. The Eurobet.live betting sponsor logo will not appear on the playing shirt. Instead, the World Food Programme logo will feature on the chest alongside the slogan "Together for Nepal", backing humanitarian relief for Nepal following recent flooding and landslides that have left over 43,000 people in urgent need of assistance. The club and sponsor will provide food and logistical aid. Match-worn shirts will be auctioned to raise funds, with supporters able to contribute via the ShareTheMeal app.

Roma face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul tonight at 18:45 in their opening UEFA Champions League fixture, marking the club's return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in seven seasons. Gasperini's side arrive in ideal form, with the full squad available except for Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Fenerbahçe squad includes former Roma target Greenwood alongside Lukaku. Gasperini acknowledged the weight of the occasion but expressed optimism about his team's prospects. "The impact with this competition always brings particular tension. The victory against Atalanta gave us greater joy. This is a new competition, we're curious to measure ourselves against the top clubs. Fenerbahçe is an excellent team. The stadium will be hot and we could see what our personality will be like. It'll be a test but I'm confident because for them too it will be difficult. We won't change our characteristics," he said. He expects to make only one change to the side that beat Atalanta, with Nahuel Molina likely to start at right-back ahead of Lulli. Rodrigo Mora is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé in attack, while Leonardo Balerdi has a chance to start in defence. Dybala and Donyell Malen will continue in attack. Gasperini noted: "Paulo is well and showing consistency. We're stronger with him on the pitch. But now it's not only him and Malen scoring—we're scoring more goals with everyone. The squad now has more quality and substitutes make less of a difference. We can cause problems for anyone." Defender Mario Hermoso said: "In this competition we'll discover our true strength, but nothing changes for us. We'll play with the same identity and mentality we showed Saturday evening."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference in Istanbul ahead of Roma's Champions League group-stage debut against Fenerbahce, expressing confidence in his squad's readiness for the continent's elite competition. The coach outlined Roma's return to the Champions League following qualification by finishing third in Serie A last season, emphasising the maturity of his group and their unity in pursuit of significant objectives. Gasperini reported that only Lorenzo Pellegrini is unavailable, with the rest of the squad in good condition. He stressed Roma's strength and depth, saying: "Out solo Pellegrini, tutti gli altri stanno bene. Ora si può ruotare l'organico senza perdere in qualità. La Roma è forte, mi fido del mio gruppo: siamo sempre stati uniti e determinati a raggiungere traguardi importanti." He singled out Paulo Dybala as a key figure both technically and in character, noting: "Con lui siamo più forti. Sta dimostrando una continuità straordinaria sia negli allenamenti sia nelle gare ufficiali, trascinando e migliorando l'intera squadra." Roma will field a special kit for the Turkey fixture due to strict local advertising regulations. The Eurobet.live betting sponsor logo will not appear on the playing shirt. Instead, the World Food Programme logo will feature on the chest alongside the slogan "Together for Nepal", backing humanitarian relief for Nepal following recent flooding and landslides that have left over 43,000 people in urgent need of assistance. The club and sponsor will provide food and logistical aid. Match-worn shirts will be auctioned to raise funds, with supporters able to contribute via the ShareTheMeal app.

Roma begin their return to the UEFA Champions League after a seven-year absence on Thursday 10 September at 18:45 local time, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium. The fixture marks the first-ever official meeting between the two clubs and the start of Roma's group-stage campaign under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who arrives in exceptional form: three wins in the opening three Serie A matches, including a 4–0 victory over Fiorentina, a 4–0 win against Lecce, and a 2–1 comeback against Atalanta. Fenerbahçe qualified for the league phase after eliminating Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon in qualifying but approach the contest having lost their most recent domestic fixture, a derby against Beşiktaş. Gasperini will have nearly a full squad available, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the sole absence after not being selected. Paulo Dybala has fully recovered from injury and is expected to start again. Gasperini said at the pre-match press conference: "We are all well", and emphasised how with the Argentine in the side Roma can raise their technical level further. The manager is likely to field a three-man defence of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar, with Wesley continuing at left-back. The right-back position remains a point of consideration: Sky reports Emanuele Lulli is marginally favoured to retain his place, though Gasperini is also evaluating Nahuel Molina, who would provide greater international experience. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné appear certain starters. Donyell Malen is the focal point of the attack, with Dybala operating behind him. The final attacking position remains open between Rodrigo Mora, who leads the selection indicators, and Matías Soulé, who was decisive in the Atalanta win and remains in contention. Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal will be without Aurélien Guendouzi, suspended following events in the Lyon playoff, and Marco Asensio, who was not selected due to a muscle injury. The Turkish side will likely adopt a 4–2–3–1 formation with uncertainty over the central striker: Vedat Muriqi holds a slight edge ahead of Romelu Lukaku, though the Belgian is available and competing for the role. Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport 253 will broadcast the match in Italy; streaming will be available via Sky Go and NOW. Booking odds favour Roma at 2.10–2.25 for a win, with the draw quoted at 3.40–3.60 and Fenerbahçe at 3.25–3.40. Goals are expected: both sides scoring is priced at 1.55–1.60, and Over 2.5 goals at 1.65–1.80. The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano of Spain.

Roma face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul tonight at 18:45 in their opening UEFA Champions League fixture, marking the club's return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in seven seasons. Gasperini's side arrive in ideal form, with the full squad available except for Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Fenerbahçe squad includes former Roma target Greenwood alongside Lukaku. Gasperini acknowledged the weight of the occasion but expressed optimism about his team's prospects. "The impact with this competition always brings particular tension. The victory against Atalanta gave us greater joy. This is a new competition, we're curious to measure ourselves against the top clubs. Fenerbahçe is an excellent team. The stadium will be hot and we could see what our personality will be like. It'll be a test but I'm confident because for them too it will be difficult. We won't change our characteristics," he said. He expects to make only one change to the side that beat Atalanta, with Nahuel Molina likely to start at right-back ahead of Lulli. Rodrigo Mora is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé in attack, while Leonardo Balerdi has a chance to start in defence. Dybala and Donyell Malen will continue in attack. Gasperini noted: "Paulo is well and showing consistency. We're stronger with him on the pitch. But now it's not only him and Malen scoring—we're scoring more goals with everyone. The squad now has more quality and substitutes make less of a difference. We can cause problems for anyone." Defender Mario Hermoso said: "In this competition we'll discover our true strength, but nothing changes for us. We'll play with the same identity and mentality we showed Saturday evening."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference in Istanbul ahead of Roma's Champions League group-stage debut against Fenerbahce, expressing confidence in his squad's readiness for the continent's elite competition. The coach outlined Roma's return to the Champions League following qualification by finishing third in Serie A last season, emphasising the maturity of his group and their unity in pursuit of significant objectives. Gasperini reported that only Lorenzo Pellegrini is unavailable, with the rest of the squad in good condition. He stressed Roma's strength and depth, saying: "Out solo Pellegrini, tutti gli altri stanno bene. Ora si può ruotare l'organico senza perdere in qualità. La Roma è forte, mi fido del mio gruppo: siamo sempre stati uniti e determinati a raggiungere traguardi importanti." He singled out Paulo Dybala as a key figure both technically and in character, noting: "Con lui siamo più forti. Sta dimostrando una continuità straordinaria sia negli allenamenti sia nelle gare ufficiali, trascinando e migliorando l'intera squadra." Roma will field a special kit for the Turkey fixture due to strict local advertising regulations. The Eurobet.live betting sponsor logo will not appear on the playing shirt. Instead, the World Food Programme logo will feature on the chest alongside the slogan "Together for Nepal", backing humanitarian relief for Nepal following recent flooding and landslides that have left over 43,000 people in urgent need of assistance. The club and sponsor will provide food and logistical aid. Match-worn shirts will be auctioned to raise funds, with supporters able to contribute via the ShareTheMeal app.

Roma begin their return to the UEFA Champions League after a seven-year absence on Thursday 10 September at 18:45 local time, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium. The fixture marks the first-ever official meeting between the two clubs and the start of Roma's group-stage campaign under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who arrives in exceptional form: three wins in the opening three Serie A matches, including a 4–0 victory over Fiorentina, a 4–0 win against Lecce, and a 2–1 comeback against Atalanta. Fenerbahçe qualified for the league phase after eliminating Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon in qualifying but approach the contest having lost their most recent domestic fixture, a derby against Beşiktaş. Gasperini will have nearly a full squad available, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the sole absence after not being selected. Paulo Dybala has fully recovered from injury and is expected to start again. Gasperini said at the pre-match press conference: "We are all well", and emphasised how with the Argentine in the side Roma can raise their technical level further. The manager is likely to field a three-man defence of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar, with Wesley continuing at left-back. The right-back position remains a point of consideration: Sky reports Emanuele Lulli is marginally favoured to retain his place, though Gasperini is also evaluating Nahuel Molina, who would provide greater international experience. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné appear certain starters. Donyell Malen is the focal point of the attack, with Dybala operating behind him. The final attacking position remains open between Rodrigo Mora, who leads the selection indicators, and Matías Soulé, who was decisive in the Atalanta win and remains in contention. Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal will be without Aurélien Guendouzi, suspended following events in the Lyon playoff, and Marco Asensio, who was not selected due to a muscle injury. The Turkish side will likely adopt a 4–2–3–1 formation with uncertainty over the central striker: Vedat Muriqi holds a slight edge ahead of Romelu Lukaku, though the Belgian is available and competing for the role. Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport 253 will broadcast the match in Italy; streaming will be available via Sky Go and NOW. Booking odds favour Roma at 2.10–2.25 for a win, with the draw quoted at 3.40–3.60 and Fenerbahçe at 3.25–3.40. Goals are expected: both sides scoring is priced at 1.55–1.60, and Over 2.5 goals at 1.65–1.80. The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano of Spain.

Roma analysts and opinion makers reflected on the squad during radio appearances on 10 September. Claudia Bighi at Radio Romanista praised Mario Hermoso's concentration, saying: "Hermoso is very serious, he never laughed during the press conference, he is always focused." Alessandro Santoro at Radio Manà Manà called for more game time for Rodrigo Mora, noting that he has followed Gasperini's instructions well and performed effectively in his 20 minutes as a substitute against Lecce. Santoro also highlighted Matías Soulé as a potential key resource for the season. A contributor to Radio Manà Manà expressed concern about Soulé's confidence if he does not start, comparing his potential to Muriel's impact as a substitute scorer. The pundit suggested that Gasperini could develop Soulé into a player who "enters and scores important goals," while Mora was described as "pure talent" despite the competition for minutes.

Roma face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul tonight at 18:45 in their opening UEFA Champions League fixture, marking the club's return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in seven seasons. Gasperini's side arrive in ideal form, with the full squad available except for Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Fenerbahçe squad includes former Roma target Greenwood alongside Lukaku. Gasperini acknowledged the weight of the occasion but expressed optimism about his team's prospects. "The impact with this competition always brings particular tension. The victory against Atalanta gave us greater joy. This is a new competition, we're curious to measure ourselves against the top clubs. Fenerbahçe is an excellent team. The stadium will be hot and we could see what our personality will be like. It'll be a test but I'm confident because for them too it will be difficult. We won't change our characteristics," he said. He expects to make only one change to the side that beat Atalanta, with Nahuel Molina likely to start at right-back ahead of Lulli. Rodrigo Mora is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé in attack, while Leonardo Balerdi has a chance to start in defence. Dybala and Donyell Malen will continue in attack. Gasperini noted: "Paulo is well and showing consistency. We're stronger with him on the pitch. But now it's not only him and Malen scoring—we're scoring more goals with everyone. The squad now has more quality and substitutes make less of a difference. We can cause problems for anyone." Defender Mario Hermoso said: "In this competition we'll discover our true strength, but nothing changes for us. We'll play with the same identity and mentality we showed Saturday evening."

Roma begin their return to the UEFA Champions League after a seven-year absence on Thursday 10 September at 18:45 local time, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium. The fixture marks the first-ever official meeting between the two clubs and the start of Roma's group-stage campaign under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who arrives in exceptional form: three wins in the opening three Serie A matches, including a 4–0 victory over Fiorentina, a 4–0 win against Lecce, and a 2–1 comeback against Atalanta. Fenerbahçe qualified for the league phase after eliminating Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon in qualifying but approach the contest having lost their most recent domestic fixture, a derby against Beşiktaş. Gasperini will have nearly a full squad available, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the sole absence after not being selected. Paulo Dybala has fully recovered from injury and is expected to start again. Gasperini said at the pre-match press conference: "We are all well", and emphasised how with the Argentine in the side Roma can raise their technical level further. The manager is likely to field a three-man defence of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar, with Wesley continuing at left-back. The right-back position remains a point of consideration: Sky reports Emanuele Lulli is marginally favoured to retain his place, though Gasperini is also evaluating Nahuel Molina, who would provide greater international experience. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné appear certain starters. Donyell Malen is the focal point of the attack, with Dybala operating behind him. The final attacking position remains open between Rodrigo Mora, who leads the selection indicators, and Matías Soulé, who was decisive in the Atalanta win and remains in contention. Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal will be without Aurélien Guendouzi, suspended following events in the Lyon playoff, and Marco Asensio, who was not selected due to a muscle injury. The Turkish side will likely adopt a 4–2–3–1 formation with uncertainty over the central striker: Vedat Muriqi holds a slight edge ahead of Romelu Lukaku, though the Belgian is available and competing for the role. Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport 253 will broadcast the match in Italy; streaming will be available via Sky Go and NOW. Booking odds favour Roma at 2.10–2.25 for a win, with the draw quoted at 3.40–3.60 and Fenerbahçe at 3.25–3.40. Goals are expected: both sides scoring is priced at 1.55–1.60, and Over 2.5 goals at 1.65–1.80. The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano of Spain.