Fenerbahce vs Roma: UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Match Preview

Fenerbahce vs Roma takes place in Istanbul on Thursday, 10 September 2026, with kick-off at 18:45 SAST. The UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 fixture brings both clubs back to the competition proper after lengthy absences.

Fenerbahce vs Roma opens the 2026/27 Champions League league phase for the Turkish and Italian sides at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex. Fenerbahçe came through three qualifying rounds to reach the league phase, while Roma qualified through their Serie A finish and arrive after winning their opening three league matches. The clubs have never met before in UEFA competition. For the wider season format and fixture calendar, see SportPesa South Africa’s 2026/27 UEFA Champions League guide.

Once the game starts, SP Score should carry the confirmed lineups, live score, match statistics and changing events.

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Fenerbahçe have two confirmed absences for Matchday 1. Mattéo Guendouzi is suspended, while Jayden Oosterwolde is unavailable with a hamstring injury. Marco Asensio has also been dealing with a thigh problem, and İsmail Kartal said before the match that the Spaniard’s injury was still ongoing.

Fenerbahçe still have a deep registered squad that includes Ederson, Milan Škriniar, Nathan Aké, Nélson Semedo, N’Golo Kanté, İsmail Yüksek, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Mason Greenwood and Vedat Muriqi.

Roma are in a healthier position. Gian Piero Gasperini said that everyone apart from Lorenzo Pellegrini was available for selection, with the midfielder close to returning but not yet ready. Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Mario Hermoso and Mile Svilar are among Roma’s current Champions League options.

This is the first competitive meeting between Fenerbahçe and Roma. UEFA notes that Fenerbahçe have won their last three home matches against Italian opposition without conceding, while Roma are unbeaten in their last five European away matches.

Fenerbahçe reached the league phase unbeaten in Champions League qualifying, progressing past Górnik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon. Their latest domestic match ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Beşiktaş. Roma arrive with three wins from three Serie A games, scoring ten goals and conceding once across victories over Fiorentina, Lecce and Atalanta.

Fenerbahçe’s squad gives İsmail Kartal several ways to build attacks. N’Golo Kanté and İsmail Yüksek provide midfield options, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Mason Greenwood and Vedat Muriqi can operate closer to goal. Milan Škriniar and Nathan Aké add experience in the defensive line.

Roma’s attacking threat includes Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné important in midfield. Gasperini’s side have started the Serie A season strongly and arrive in Istanbul after scoring four goals in each of their first two league games before the 2-1 win over Atalanta.

Kartal has highlighted Roma’s man-to-man pressure, physical approach and ability to attack quickly after winning the ball. Gasperini, meanwhile, has stressed that Roma must retain their own identity while respecting the quality in Fenerbahçe’s squad. Those comments give the preview a clearer tactical focus without turning it into a match prediction.

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SuperSport’s current schedule lists Fenerbahçe vs Roma live from 18:40 SAST on SuperSport Football Plus, with the match kicking off at 18:45. South African viewers should check the final SuperSport or DStv programme guide before kick-off in case of late channel changes.

For the changing score, confirmed lineups and match events, use SP Score. Fans can also check the SportPesa South Africa soccer markets for available UEFA Champions League selections. 18+ only. Bet responsibly. Odds and available markets may change.

READ ALSO: Serie A 2026/27 Season Preview: Can Inter Milan Defend the Scudetto?

Fenerbahçe vs Roma takes place on Thursday, 10 September 2026 in UEFA Champions League Matchday 1.

Kick-off is at 18:45 SAST.

The match is being played at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex in Istanbul, Turkey.

No. This is the first competitive meeting between Fenerbahçe and Roma.

Fenerbahçe are without suspended Mattéo Guendouzi and injured Jayden Oosterwolde, while Marco Asensio has been carrying a thigh problem. Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini is not yet ready to return.

SuperSport’s current schedule lists live coverage from 18:40 SAST on SuperSport Football Plus. Check the final DStv or SuperSport guide before kick-off.

Fenerbahce vs Roma opens both clubs’ 2026/27 Champions League league-phase campaigns in Istanbul on Thursday evening. Fenerbahçe reached Matchday 1 after an unbeaten qualifying run, while Roma arrive with three straight Serie A victories. The first-ever meeting between the clubs brings together two experienced European squads and two coaches with clear tactical identities. Follow SP Score for confirmed lineups, live scores and changing match information once the game begins.