Fenerbahce are set to face Roma at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on Thursday at 17.45 UK time (18.45 CEST), with the Giallorossi returning to the Champions League after a seven-year absence. Under coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma have won their last eight Serie A matches in a row, and their style of football is well known for starting with a three-man defence and attacking the wings.
Gasperini's approach has allowed him to win the Europa League and reach the Champions League quarter-final, and Fenerbahce coach Kartal has been analysing every detail of Roma's approach. "We have almost completed our work of analysing every detail of Roma's approach," Kartal explained in his press conference. "They are going through an excellent period of form and have probably the strongest squad in their history, guided by a specialist like Gasperini."
Fenerbahce will be without suspended Matteo Guendouzi, who was banned for insulting the Lyon fans in the play-off, and Marco Asensio is also out injured. The Turkish side will need to rely on their fans to support them from start to finish, as Kartal concluded, "The fans are fundamental and will be our 12th man, so I ask them to support us from start to finish, because together we can face anyone."
Fenerbahce lost their most recent match at the weekend, falling 2-1 at home to Vincenzo Italiano's Besiktas, and will need to regroup and prepare for the challenge of facing Roma.