Rensch: 'Roma must be ready for Fenerbahce strong start'
Quick summary
Roma defender Rensch says his side must be prepared for Fenerbahce's aggressive opening in their upcoming European fixture.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceDevyne 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).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Como-RB Leipzig on the Liveblog.
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 87 th 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.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Roma player Rensch has spoken to the media ahead of the club's European match against Fenerbahce, warning that the Turkish side will come out firing and that Roma must match that intensity from the first whistle. His comments suggest awareness of Fenerbahce's tendency to start matches at a high tempo. The fixture represents an important European test for Roma as they look to assert themselves on the continental stage.
Chance analysis
Rensch's framing is notable for what it reveals about the tactical challenge Roma expect. By publicly flagging Fenerbahce's fast starts, he is putting Roma on alert to avoid the slow openings that have cost them in previous European outings. For Roma supporters, the takeaway is that the coaching staff is treating this tie with full respect rather than complacency. For Fenerbahce, the comments are essentially a compliment — their reputation for aggressive beginnings is being acknowledged by an opponent who clearly plans to neutralise it early.
Roma likely to prioritise defensive solidity in the opening phase against Fenerbahce, potentially leading to a tighter first-half tempo.