Roma 2026-27 Champions League squad guide starts with a clear truth: Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is back in Europe’s elite after seven years away, and the group of players he will rely on looks sharper and more balanced than the last time the Giallorossi reached this stage.
Quick overview for anyone scanning fast:
- Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini
- Format: League phase (8 matches, not traditional groups)
- Key new arrivals: Nahuel Molina, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Donyell Malen, Santiago Castro, Rodrigo Mora
- Core holdovers: Mile Svilar, Evan Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini, Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé
- Opening fixture: Fenerbahçe away on 10 September 2026
Roma finished third in Serie A last season to earn this return. The squad has been trimmed and upgraded specifically for the higher intensity of Champions League nights.
How the 2026-27 Champions League format works for Roma
UEFA’s expanded league phase means every team plays eight games — four home, four away — against a spread of opponents drawn from different pots. Top eight go straight to the round of 16. Places 9-24 enter play-offs. Everything else is out.
Roma’s path is demanding but not impossible. They face Real Madrid and Sporting CP at the Olimpico, travel to Old Trafford and the Parc des Princes, and bookend the campaign with Fenerbahçe and Lille. Full confirmed schedule:
| Matchday | Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 September 2026 | Fenerbahçe | Away |
| 2 | 14 October 2026 | Real Madrid | Home |
| 3 | 20 October 2026 | Slovan Bratislava | Home |
| 4 | 3 November 2026 | Manchester United | Away |
| 5 | 25 November 2026 | Paris Saint-Germain | Away |
| 6 | 8 December 2026 | Sporting CP | Home |
| 7 | 19 January 2027 | AEK Athens | Away |
| 8 | 27 January 2027 | Lille | Home |
Official fixtures and updates live on the AS Roma Champions League schedule page.
Goalkeepers and defence: the platform Gasperini needs
Roma 2026-27 Champions League squad guide Mile Svilar remains the clear first choice. The Serbian has grown into one of Serie A’s steadiest shot-stoppers. Pierluigi Gollini provides experienced backup.
At the back the picture is stronger than twelve months ago. Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini form the experienced spine. New signing Konstantinos Koulierakis adds height and recovery pace. Nahuel Molina arrives from Atlético Madrid to lock down the right flank. Devyne Rensch, Mario Hermoso and Wesley give Gasperini options across the back three or four depending on the opponent.
In my experience watching Gasperini sides, the defensive unit sets the tone. If these players stay healthy, Roma can frustrate bigger clubs.
Midfield: the engine room and the link to Manu Koné Champions League stats
Roma 2026-27 Champions League squad guide This is where the squad looks most interesting. Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini still provide leadership and set-piece threat. Neil El Aynaoui and Niccolò Pisilli offer energy and progression.
Then there is Manu Koné. The Frenchman has become a regular under Gasperini. His [Manu Koné Champions League stats](previous article) currently read zero appearances because Roma only just returned to the competition. That changes the moment the league phase begins. Koné’s physicality, duel-winning ability and progressive passing make him a natural fit for the nights against Real Madrid or Manchester United. Watch how many minutes he logs early — that will tell you a lot about Gasperini’s priorities.
Attack: goals from multiple sources
Paulo Dybala remains the creative fulcrum when fit. Matías Soulé continues to develop into a high-volume creator and scorer. New arrivals Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro give the side different striking profiles — Malen’s directness and Castro’s movement inside the box.
Roma 2026-27 Champions League squad guide The attack is no longer reliant on one or two players. That depth matters across eight European fixtures plus domestic games.
Step-by-step: How to follow the Roma 2026-27 Champions League squad week by week
- Check the official squad list on the club site before each matchday for any late absences or registrations.
- Track minutes played by the core group (Svilar, Ndicka, Mancini, Koné, Pellegrini, Dybala, Soulé). Consistency here usually signals form.
- Note tactical shifts — Gasperini often tweaks the back three or the midfield pivot depending on the opponent.
- Compare expected goals and progressive actions after three or four games rather than reacting to single results.
- Keep an eye on the transfer window aftermath. Any late departures or arrivals will reshape the depth chart quickly.
Common mistakes when assessing this Roma squad
Treating last season’s Europa League numbers as a direct predictor of Champions League performance is the classic error. The intensity jump is real.
Another frequent misstep: writing off the defence because of past high-scoring games. The additions of Koulierakis and Molina change the profile.
Over-focusing on star names while ignoring rotation is also common. Eight European matches plus Serie A means Gasperini will use the full squad. Players like Pisilli, Hermoso and Castro will see meaningful minutes.
What success looks like for this group
Roma 2026-27 Champions League squad guide Reaching the knockout stages would represent a strong return. Top-eight finish is ambitious but not unrealistic if the midfield stays intact and the new forwards settle quickly. Anything less than the play-off places would feel like a missed opportunity given the investment.
The squad is built for competitiveness rather than pure dominance. That is realistic for a club returning after a long absence.
Key Takeaways
- Roma return to the Champions League under Gasperini with a leaner, more balanced squad
- League phase fixtures include Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester United and Sporting CP
- Mile Svilar, Evan Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini and Manu Koné form the defensive and midfield core
- New signings Molina, Koulierakis, Malen and Castro add quality and depth
- Manu Koné enters the competition with a blank Champions League record that will fill quickly
- Depth across positions is better than in recent European campaigns
- Success starts with consistent defensive organisation and controlled transitions
- Follow official club and UEFA channels for the most accurate weekly updates
Roma’s 2026-27 Champions League campaign begins on 10 September in Istanbul. The squad looks ready for the step up. Track the minutes of the key men, especially in midfield, and the picture of how far this group can go will become clear within the first four matchdays.
FAQs
Who is the manager of Roma for the 2026-27 Champions League?
Gian Piero Gasperini is in charge after leading the club back into the competition.
What are Roma’s toughest fixtures in the league phase?
Real Madrid at home, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain away stand out as the highest-profile tests.
Where can I find the latest Roma Champions League squad updates?
The official AS Roma website and UEFA Champions League pages remain the most reliable sources for confirmed lists and changes.
