Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Roma are almost at full strength for their Champions League opener against Fenerbahçe, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only notable absentee.
Speaking to Sky Sport on the eve of the match, Gasperini discussed Roma’s return to Europe’s premier competition, Paulo Dybala’s improved continuity and the opportunity to evaluate his team inside a hostile Istanbul atmosphere.
Here are the coach’s complete pre-match comments.
What does your 43rd Champions League match as a coach represent?
“I believe it is the most prestigious competition and the one that everyone wants to reach.”
Dybala has played 53 Champions League matches. Is he ready to start?
“Generally speaking, everyone is doing well. We don’t have any particular absences.”
“Pellegrini is the only player who remained behind, and we hope to have him back soon. Apart from that, we are all ready to begin this adventure.”
Roma confirmed that Pellegrini was the only notable absentee from the group travelling to Istanbul, while Devyne Rensch returned to the squad.
What can Dybala give Roma in the Champions League?
“Dybala is already demonstrating his consistency because his quality has always been recognized.”
“His start to this season is certainly better than in recent years. He has greater continuity, and when he is on the pitch, we are a better team.”
Dybala has contributed to 12 goals across his last 16 Champions League starts, recording 11 goals and one assist during that sequence.
The Argentine has started all three of Roma’s Serie A matches this season and remains the creative reference point within Gasperini’s attack.
Where have Roma made their biggest improvement?
“I believe this has always been a very united group that works to achieve its objectives.”
“We have probably raised the technical level over the last few months, while also benefiting from having worked together for a year.”
“There is no doubt that our technical quality has increased—with Dybala, with Malen, but also throughout the entire team. The fact that we are scoring more goals is also a consequence of that.”
Roma have scored 10 goals across their opening three Serie A matches, beginning the season with two 4-0 victories before defeating Atalanta 2-1.
Donyell Malen has contributed five of those goals, while Matias Soulé has scored in consecutive matches.
Will the Atalanta comeback provide additional confidence?
“Of course, when you are losing in the 83rd minute and have won by the 95th, it gives you additional energy.”
“But this is a new competition for Roma, and we are curious to test ourselves against the best teams from every country.”
“It begins tomorrow in a very intense stadium, where we will be able to see our strength.”
Mario Hermoso and Soulé scored late as Roma completed their dramatic comeback against Atalanta to maintain their perfect start.
The victory also extended Roma’s Serie A winning streak to eight matches across the end of last season and the beginning of the current campaign.
What changes between Serie A and the Champions League?
“As I said before, we will face the best teams from every league—teams with extraordinary players who can break the balance in a tight match.”
“We must keep that in mind while maintaining confidence in our own abilities and knowing that we can also cause problems for our opponents.”
Roma will return to the Champions League following an absence of more than seven years. Gasperini’s side will be backed by approximately 2,300 travelling supporters at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
The complete Fenerbahçe vs Roma preview includes the latest team news, expected starting lineups and broadcast information.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 PM CEST, or 12:45 PM ET, on Thursday, September 10.
Leave a Reply