Devyne Rensch warns Roma ‘must be ready’ for the atmosphere put on by Fenerbahce fans in tonight’s Champions League opener.
It kicks off at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul at 17.45 UK time (18.45 CEST).
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Santiago Castro of Roma celebrates with teammates after the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on September 05, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi return to the Champions League after an absence of seven years, having finished third in Serie A last season.
They started this term strongly too, winning all three domestic matches, including a dramatic comeback from 1-0 down at the 87th minute to beat Atalanta.
Rensch ready for Fenerbahce
ATHENS, GREECE – JANUARY 29: Devyne Rensch of AS Roma applauds the fans after the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Panathinaikos FC and AS Roma at Spyros Louis on January 29, 2026 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
“I hope for a good match, there’s no doubt Fenerbahce are a good team, they are very strong, both in attack and the back, so we must be ready. It’s a fiery stadium, so they will start strong, and we need to be ready,” Rensch told Sky Sport Italia.
Roma earned their place in the Champions League thanks to the all-attack style of coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who of course won the Europa League with Atalanta.
“Gasperini’s style of football is what I like, what the players like, he always plays to win. We really enjoy it.”
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of Roma, looks on before the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on September 05, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Dutch contingent has been bolstered this summer, as after Donyell Malen, they also brought in Marten de Roon from Atalanta.
“I played with De Roon already for the national team, I’m happy he has arrived here, I think he can help Roma both on and off the field.”
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Donyell Malen of Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on September 05, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lorenzo Pellegrini is the only remaining absentee, but rather than Nahuel Molina getting his first start since arriving from Atletico Madrid, Rensch was chosen on the right flank.
There were only some doubts between Matias Soulé and Rodrigo Mora in the starting XI with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen.
About the Author
