Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit hopes Roma can make an impact on their return to the Champions League as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side prepare to open their campaign against Fenerbahçe.
Roma will begin their 2026/27 Champions League campaign in Turkey on Thursday, September 10.
The Giallorossi travel to Istanbul with considerable momentum after winning their opening three Serie A matches, including a dramatic 2-1 comeback against Atalanta.
Ruud Gullit has now backed Gasperini’s team to perform well upon their return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Gullit hopes Roma can impress in Europe
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gullit discussed the four Italian clubs participating in the Champions League.
The former Milan star acknowledged Inter’s recent consistency in Europe before expressing particular interest in Roma’s campaign.
“Inter always reach the highest level. They were disappointed last season, but they have consistently performed well.”
Asked which club he hoped would succeed among Roma, Napoli and Como, Gullit selected the Giallorossi.
“I hope Roma can also perform well in the Champions League.”
Roma’s return follows the strong second half of last season, when Gasperini guided the club back into the competition. The coach will now discover whether his team can transfer its excellent domestic form onto the European stage.
Guendouzi suspended for Fenerbahçe-Roma
Fenerbahçe will be without Mattéo Guendouzi for the opening league-phase encounter.
UEFA handed the former Lazio midfielder a four-match suspension, two of which were suspended for a one-year probationary period. Guendouzi will consequently miss matches against Roma and Aston Villa.
Mason Greenwood also received a one-match suspended punishment and will therefore remain available to face the Giallorossi.
Read more about the disciplinary decision in our report on Guendouzi’s suspension ahead of Fenerbahçe-Roma.
Gullit names his Champions League favorites
Gullit also identified the clubs he expects to challenge during the closing stages of the competition.
“Real Madrid and Bayern Munich can reach the semifinals. I hope PSV can do it, but I don’t believe they will. Naturally, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona must also be considered.”
When asked to name the strongest team in the competition, Gullit selected the reigning holders while also expressing his appreciation for Bayern.
“In my opinion, PSG remain the strongest team, although I also like Bayern Munich.”
Roma are scheduled to face both Real Madrid and Luis Enrique’s PSG during the league phase, giving Gasperini’s team two major opportunities to measure themselves against leading contenders.
Mbappé tipped to finish as leading scorer
Gullit identified Kylian Mbappé as his favorite to finish the tournament as the Champions League’s leading scorer.
The French forward will be among the biggest threats Roma encounter when they face Real Madrid during the league phase.
Gasperini has already named his Roma squad for the 2026/27 Champions League, with recent arrivals Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon providing additional European experience.
Roma’s immediate focus, however, will be Fenerbahçe. A positive result in Istanbul would strengthen the growing belief surrounding a team that has made a perfect start to its domestic campaign.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
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