AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini heaped praise on Fenerbahçe SK ahead of their UEFA Champions League group stage clash. Speaking at a pre-match press conference before Tuesday's match at Istanbul's Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Gasperini emphasized the strength of the Turkish side. According to a report by Fotomac, the experienced manager stated, "We will play one of the most important matches for the club. We have a very strong team in front of us."
Fenerbahçe aims to present a different image on the European stage despite an inconsistent run in the Süper Lig. The club currently sits 9th in the domestic league, having gathered 6 points from 4 games with 2 wins and 2 losses. Their recent form reads LWWL. With 8 goals scored and 6 conceded, their goal difference stands at +2, placing them 4 points behind leaders Galatasaray. You can follow the current standings.
What did Gasperini say about Fenerbahçe?
Gasperini revealed he has closely followed Fenerbahçe, not only their derby against Beşiktaş but all their matches. He said the team has strong players and will grow stronger with time. He even remarked that Fenerbahçe would still be viewed as a very strong team even without players like Marco Asensio and Mattéo Guendouzi, a nod to the squad's depth. Gasperini also drew on his own experience, noting he participated in the Champions League with Atalanta two seasons ago and now with Roma, highlighting that the competition brings together the best teams from domestic leagues.
What was said in Roma's match preparation?
Roma defender Mario Hermoso also spoke at the press conference. Hermoso stressed that to beat Fenerbahçe, they must raise their performance level to match their league displays. "To beat Fenerbahçe we have to raise the level we showed in our league matches. We have to do everything very well," he said. The player added that for this important European match, the team must be aware of its own strengths. Gasperini said Roma must play with their own characteristics and that results can change during matches. The coach also confirmed that apart from Lorenzo Pellegrini, all other players are fit and available for selection.
What is Fenerbahçe's current situation and injury news?
Fenerbahçe enters this key European encounter with some significant injury concerns. Left-back Jayden Oosterwolde and midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi are sidelined and will miss the match. Check the latest injury list for updates. Despite these absences, manager İsmail Kartal has options in the attacking line. The team will take to the field looking to compensate for their low domestic performance in Europe. The starting lineup is a major topic of curiosity.
Following the AS Roma match, Fenerbahçe will continue its Süper Lig campaign. Their next league fixture is an away match against 12th-placed Başakşehir on December 6, 2026. You can view the club's complete fixture list. The Champions League contest, kicking off at 19:45 at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, could be a turning point in Fenerbahçe's season.
