Gian Piero Gasperini makes his Champions League debut for Roma in Istanbul

ISTANBUL – Gian Piero Gasperini returns to the Champions League, taking over the Giallorossi dugout after a perfect start to the season and a comeback win over Atalanta, secured deep into injury time. The coach spoke at a press conference in Istanbul on the eve of Fenerbahçe-Roma, alongside defender Mario Hermoso, emphasizing that participating in Europe's premier competition is already something important.What I can ask is for us to be ourselves, because we've come to play it with our characteristics and with what we've shown throughout the year. Although it's certainly a much higher-level competition, where we face the best clubs in every category, we'll have to be good at maintaining our identity and have high regard for our opponents. We must be confident in playing to our characteristics, with focus, and developing what we're capable of, knowing we can cause them problems.“Roma haven't been in the Champions League for a few years, last appearing in the 2018-19 season, but have always played in continental competition, winning the Conference League in 2021-22 and always playing in the Europa League. Unlike when he coached Atalanta, who were promoted to the Champions League for the first time, the Giallorossi have players who already have Champions League experience.“The impact of this competition remains however. – Gasperini underlined – There have been no other comparisons with Fenerbahce. This creates a bit of novelty not only for us, but also for them.“After 34 games as a coach in the Champions League, Gasperini doesn't hide his satisfaction at rediscovering the atmosphere of this competition with Roma.“You're facing top teams in their league, with great players who can change the momentum of a match at any moment. The most important thing is to always be in the game, to have complete confidence in your own strengths. Substitutions and rotations are crucial with many games in quick succession. This year we have the opportunity and a larger number of players who can play consistently without any drop in performance.“The coach reassured us about the health and fitness of his players.“We're all fine. Winning like that in the final minutes against Atalanta certainly gave everyone great energy and strength. But now that's over, we've had a few days to recover. Apart from Pellegrini, who's still very close to returning, everyone else is available.“. Fenerbahçe will be without Asencio and Guendouzi. “Undoubtedly they are two very strong players, but Fenerbahce this year has a very large squad and remains competitive.”.