Roma show European mettle in Istanbul draw

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.

Bryan Cristante scored as Roma returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, taking the captain's armband following Daniele De Rossi's last European goal in the competition. Cristante's strike marks a symbolic passing of the torch at the Giallorossi, with the midfielder now surpassing Lorenzo Pellegrini in the captaincy hierarchy. Roma's European comeback under Gian Piero Gasperini comes after a lengthy absence from the continent's elite competition. The victory underscores Gasperini's early impact on the squad as the club looks to establish itself as a fixture in the Champions League.

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 drew 1–1 at Fenerbahce in their opening Champions League fixture, a result that reflects only partial satisfaction with Gasperini's approach to the match. The head coach would have preferred a victory but accepted the draw, and while his team selection and in-game adjustments did not convince him entirely, he would likely repeat his starting lineup given the tactical characteristics of the opposition. Fenerbahce manager Kartal surprised observers by setting up more cautiously than usual. The central point of debate centres on Devyne Rensch's promotion to the starting eleven. Gasperini preferred the Dutch defender over the two alternative left-backs available: Nahuel Molina, held back because he is not yet at peak physical condition following the World Cup and his preparation in Spain and will be fully fit after the international break, and Emanuele Lulli, overlooked primarily due to his age—the Champions League is a heavy burden for the youngest defender. The tactical weighting of youth was evident from the substitution patterns: Rodrigo Mora, a contemporary of Lulli's, entered late, while Marten de Roon replaced Donyell Malen in the closing stages rather than Santiago Castro, allowing Bryan Cristante to move into a trequartista role behind Paulo Dybala and Mora. This conservative reshuffling was designed to secure at least the draw.

Roma travel to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Monday 14 September at 18:30 for their fourth Serie A match of the season against Ignazio Abate's Torino, coming off the back of a 1–1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is weighing rotation options after the European fixture. Mile Svilar will start in goal. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi is favoured over Daniele Ghilardi following strong performances from the bench, with Emanuele Lulli set to earn a new start at right-back in place of Devyne Rensch. Manu Koné's fitness is being assessed after he left the Fenerbahce match with a knee issue; Niccolò Pisilli stands ready if the midfielder cannot play. Rodrigo Mora may return to the attacking midfield, replacing Matías Soulé alongside Paulo Dybala, while Donyell Malen is the favoured choice in attack over Santiago Castro. Roma arrive in strong form domestically. In their most recent league outing, they came from behind to beat Atalanta at the Olimpico, with goals from Mario Hermoso and Soulé. Torino beat Fiorentina 2–1 away in their last fixture, scoring through Mandragora and Che Adams, and will deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation with Perri in goal and Simeone as their lone striker. Roma's head-to-head record stands at 82 victories, 48 draws and 59 defeats from 189 meetings. The teams last met in the 2025–26 season, when Roma won 2–0 at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino through goals by Malen and Dybala. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN via app and website, and on Sky Sport with streaming available on NOW for Sky subscribers. Official team sheets will be confirmed approximately one hour before kickoff.