Gasperini prepares Roma for Fenerbahce‑Roma duel in League phase

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini leads Roma towards its Champions League debut against Fenerbahce‑Roma, scheduled for tomorrow in Istanbul on the first matchday of the League Phase. After the pre‑match press conferences, the Giallorossi carried out the usual final training on the pitch of the Sukru Saracoglu stadium.

Final training in Istanbul before the match

The team stepped onto the grass of the Sukru Saracoglu, the stadium that regularly hosts Fenerbahce, for the final preparation session. The atmosphere was typical of a pre‑match training, with the players ready to rehearse the game patterns.

The work started with athletic drills, followed by ball exercises focused on possession. At the same time, the goalkeepers carried out a specific session with their coach, to sharpen their reflexes before the Turkish showdown.

Gasperini highlighted the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini, the only player out of the squad, stating: "We’re all generally fine, only Pellegrini is out and we hope to get him back very soon. We’re all ready for this new adventure." He also emphasized Paulo Dybala’s continuity, describing him as "an element that makes the team better".

The coach recalled that "The Champions League is the most important club competition, absolutely the most prestigious, that everyone would like to take part in", reaffirming the importance of the European adventure for the Giallorossi.

The match will be played at the Chobani Stadium at 17.45 UK time (18.45 CEST), marking the start of the League Phase. It is Roma’s return to the Champions League after seven seasons of absence, a milestone the coach wants to celebrate while preserving the team’s identity.

Gasperini concluded by stating that the team is eager to test itself against the top clubs, asserting that "with Dybala we are better" and that the players must stay true to their own style to face Fenerbahce.