Roma did not hold a conventional training session on Thursday morning, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s players instead completing a light activation workout at their Istanbul hotel.
Roma have completed their final preparations before facing Fenerbahçe in their opening Champions League league-phase match.
The game kicks off in Istanbul tonight at 18:45 CEST—12:45 PM ET, marking the end of the Giallorossi’s seven-year absence from Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Roma Hold Light Hotel Workout
Gian Piero Gasperini decided against organizing a conventional training session on the morning of the match.
Instead, the Roma players completed a light muscle-activation routine inside the team hotel’s gym. The session was designed to awaken the muscles and prepare the squad physically without adding unnecessary fatigue only hours before kickoff.
Roma travelled to Turkey with almost their entire senior squad available. Lorenzo Pellegrini remained in Italy as he continues working towards his return, while Devyne Rensch recovered in time to make the trip.
Gasperini’s Final Selection Decisions
Gasperini still has two important decisions to make before confirming his starting lineup.
On the right flank, Nahuel Molina currently appears to be favored over Emanuele Lulli. The Argentine could make his first Champions League start for Roma, with Wesley expected to retain his position on the opposite side.
The other uncertainty concerns the attack. Matias Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are competing for one position, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen both expected to start.
Soulé is favored by most Italian newspapers following his decisive goal against Atalanta, but Mora has also impressed during the opening weeks of the season.
Mile Svilar should start behind a defensive line consisting of Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka and Mario Hermoso. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to continue together in midfield.
Read the complete Fenerbahçe vs Roma predicted-lineup breakdown.
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