Rensch: ‘Roma must be ready for Fenerbahce strong start’
ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 15: Devyne Rensch of AS Roma is challenged by Martin Baturina of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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).
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.
“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.”
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.”
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.
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