Skriniar warns Fenerbahce of improved Roma under Gasperini

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.

Roma will display the World Food Programme logo on their shirts for tomorrow's Champions League Phase League match against Fenerbahce in Istanbul, replacing their regular Eurobet.live sponsor due to restrictions in Turkey. The initiative supports Nepal, which has been devastated by recent floods and landslides that have affected around 43,000 people requiring immediate humanitarian assistance. The shirt will carry the message "Together for Nepal". The club's solidarity campaign extends beyond the final whistle. The match-worn shirts will be auctioned, with proceeds directed to the World Food Programme's relief efforts in Nepal. Roma supporters can also contribute through ShareTheMeal, the WFP's platform for public donation. The gesture marks Roma's Champions League campaign with a humanitarian focus as the continent's displaced communities face ongoing crisis.

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.

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 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.