Returning to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, Roma will travel to the Sukru Sarakoglu Stadium to face Fenerbahce on Thursday. It’s been a fantastic start to the season for Roma as they now look to transfer their hot domestic form to the continental arena.
Fenerbahce must go through a grueling qualifying campaign to return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2008/09 season. Ismail Kartal’s side defeated Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon to join arch-rivals Galatasaray in the main draw of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
The Turkish giants have added serious firepower to an already dangerous attack with the signings of former Roma star Romelu Lukaku and former Manchester United teenager Mason Greenwood. They will now face an equally strong Roma side, who last played in the Champions League in 2018/19.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have made a strong start to the Serie A season. After beating Fiorentina and Lecce 4-0, Roma completed a stunning comeback by defeating Atalanta 2-1 on Saturday.
Despite producing an impressive 2.94 xG and taking 39 shots, Roma trailed 1-0 in the 89th minute, with only Mario Hermoso and Matias Sule turning the game around in the dying moments. Buoyed by another high-scoring win, Roma will carry the momentum with them into a long-awaited return to the Champions League.
Game preview
Fenerbahce
The six qualifying games bring Fenerbahçe’s European appearance to 154 since their last appearance in the Champions League, including qualifying (72 wins, 42 draws, 40 losses). Needless to say, the 19-time Super League champions will be very motivated to impress in the opening game, which will also mark the first meeting between Fenerbahce and Roma.
Kartar’s side will have to defy a worrying historical trend if they are to take three points here, having lost five of their six Champions League games against their Italian rivals (W1). However, the home side’s morale took a hit last weekend when former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic guided Besiktas to a 2-1 victory at this venue.
Against this backdrop, Fenerbahce have an excellent European record at home. They have lost just five of their last 32 UEFA games in Istanbul (20 wins, 7 draws), which should inspire confidence in the Kartal camp. Additionally, the Golden Canaries have opened the scoring in four of their five home games this season, highlighting the potential for a fast start.
Romans
Gasperini’s ambitious players have been firing on all cylinders this season, with Donyell Mullen scoring five goals in the first two rounds of Serie A. Despite the draw against Atalanta, the Dutch striker is likely to lead the charge at the Estadio Suklusarakoglu, helping Roma become the first Italian team to win away against their Turkish opponents in the Champions League since November 2005 (D2, L3).
However, Gasperini must help Roma avoid another slow start to the Champions League. In fact, Roma have won just one of their last six first-day matches in Europe’s top leagues (D2, L3), beating CSKA Moscow 5-1 in 2014/15. There are few Serie A coaches better suited for the job, with the 68-year-old having lost just four of his past 23 group/league stage games (10 wins and 9 draws).
Another encouraging sign is Roma’s formidable scoring prowess. The Serie A heavyweights have scored at least two goals in eight consecutive matches across all competitions. What’s more, they came out victorious each time, making it worth watching ahead of this exciting showdown.
Team news
With Andersen Talisca departing, Lukaku could spearhead Fenerbahce’s attack on his former club, although Vidat Muric is more likely to get the nod. Former Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi must serve a red card suspension, while Jaden Osterwalder, who failed a medical in Roma at the end of August, remains on the sidelines with an Achilles tendon injury.
As for Roma, Lorenzo Pellegrini is the only high-profile absence. Gasperini is likely to field the same starting XI as last weekend against Atalanta, with Nahuel Molina expected to start on the right wing ahead of Emanuele Rulli.
Fenerbahce vs Roma potential starting lineup
Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Mudur, Skriniar, Ake, Brown; Kante, Uksek; Eden, Aktkoglu, Greenwood; Muric.
Roma (3-4-2-1): Sverral; Mancini, Endica, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, Cone, Wesley; Dybala, Moura; Mullen.
Fenerbahce vs Roma Prediction
Both teams have plenty of firepower and have performed well in front of goal early in the season. So we’re expecting a high-scoring match and the possibility of sharing the spoils in an interesting draw.
Prediction: Tie
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