AS Roma is finally back in the UEFA Champions League after a seven-year absence. Gian Piero Gasperini's team faces Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Tuesday night, a match the coach calls a 'test'. The news comes at a time of excellent form for the Giallorossi, who sit top of the Serie A table with 9 points, three wins from three games, and an impressive record of 10 goals scored and just one conceded.
Who will play against Fenerbahce?
The starting lineup against the Turkish side will feature Paulo Dybala from the first minute. The Argentine, with 53 Champions League appearances to his name, is one of the team's technical leaders. Alongside him in attack, Arthur Malen is expected to start. In midfield, Matias Soulé will start in place of Mora. On the right wing, there is a selection battle between Lulli and Molina, with the latter holding a slight advantage. The only confirmed absence is captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, though he is expected to recover soon. The manager has a deep squad, as shown in the early league games, and can deploy more players without losing quality.
What did Gasperini say about the challenge?
The manager highlighted the importance of facing the best. "Negli ultimi anni non ci sono state altre occasioni per affrontare questi avversari, quindi c'è curiosità nel giocare contro i migliori," Gasperini stated in a press conference, as reported by ANSA Sport. The joy from the Serie A win against Atalanta gave the group further confidence. Defender Hermoso added another piece, explaining the mental attitude instilled by the coach: "Quando è arrivato qui il mister ci ha trasmesso la personalità che serve per crescere come squadra, siamo sulla strada giusta."
What is Roma's recent European path?
Over the last seven years, in the absence of the Champions League, AS Roma still built a respectable European journey. The team reached a Europa League final, lost in Budapest, and two semi-finals. It was in that final where Dybala scored his last goal in European competition. Now the goal is to return to the main stage. Their last Champions League appearance was in the round of 16 against Porto. Returning to this competition marks a significant turning point for the club.
What is the situation in the league?
Roma approaches this European commitment as the sole leader of Serie A. The perfect start to the season, with three wins against Fiorentina, Lecce, and Atalanta, has created excellent momentum. The technical quality has improved with the arrival of players like Dybala and Malen, and the team is scoring many more goals. Fans can follow the evolution of the league table on our dedicated standings page. The next league fixture is already scheduled for Monday, September 14th, with an away match against Torino, currently in 13th place. All upcoming appointments are available in the fixtures calendar.
The match in Istanbul therefore represents the first major exam for a team that wants to prove it is back among Europe's elite. The full squad roster can be viewed in the site's squad section.
