Head coach Ismail Kartal of Fenerbahce looks on during the Turkish Super League 2026/27 match between Fenerbahce SK and Besiktas JK at Ulker Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on September 5, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
It kicks off at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on Thursday at 17.45 UK time (18.45 CEST).
The Giallorossi return to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, but having won their last eight Serie A matches in a row under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Fenerbahce study Roma weakness
“We have almost completed our work of analysing every detail of Roma’s approach,” explained Fenerbahce boss Kartal in his press conference.
“They are going through an excellent period of form and have probably the strongest squad in their history, guided by a specialist like Gasperini.
“We studied an ad hoc tactical set-up for tomorrow to oppose their system and take advantage of their weaknesses.”
Gasperini’s style of football is well known, starting from the three-man defence and tendency to attack the wings, above all thanks to his nine years with Atalanta.
That approach allowed him to win the Europa League and reach the Champions League quarter-final.
“Roma are a solid side who press all over the field, but their approach means that they leave spaces and take risks in certain zones,” continued the Fenerbahce coach.
“We won’t play just on the transitions, but will try to punish them in those weak spots.”
Fenerbahce cannot count on suspended Matteo Guendouzi, as the former Lazio midfielder was banned for insulting the Lyon fans in the play-off.
Marco Asensio is also out with a hamstring injury, while Mert Hakan Yandas, Jayden Oosterwolde, Abdou Aziz Fall and Amara Diouf are all sidelined.
“We are very happy to bring this club back into the Champions League after an 18-year absence. It is something we achieved together and the first match requires the maximum strategic approach,” concluded Kartal.
“The fans are fundamental and will be our 12th man, so I ask them to support us from start to finish, because together we can face anyone.”
Fenerbahce lost their most recent match at the weekend, falling 2-1 at home to Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas.
Familiar faces to Serie A fans include ex-Inter defender Milan Skriniar, former Sassuolo man Mert Muldur, ex-Lazio striker Vedat Muriqi and of course former Roma, Inter and Napoli centre-forward Romelu Lukaku.