Mario Hermoso Targets Champions League Win as Roma Face Fenerbahce
Mario Hermoso says Roma are ready to make a winning return to the Champions League when they face Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday.
The Giallorossi begin their first campaign in Europe’s top club competition for seven years at Chobani Stadium, with the Spanish centre-back targeting three points in a difficult away opener.
Roma carry Serie A momentum to Istanbul
Hermoso believes Roma’s strong domestic form must now be transferred to the continental stage. The 31-year-old pointed to the recent Serie A win over Atalanta as the performance level required against Fenerbahce.
- Roma arrive in Turkey after making a positive start in Serie A.
- They face Fenerbahce in their Champions League opener on Thursday.
- Hermoso wants the side to reproduce the intensity and control shown against Atalanta.
- The immediate target is a statement victory and three points in Istanbul.
“To play a great match, we have to understand our opponent’s strengths,” Hermoso said. “We need to keep a clean sheet and create the conditions for our forwards to score.”
Gasperini mindset praised
Hermoso credited coach Gian Piero Gasperini with raising Roma’s mentality since taking charge. He said the manager’s demanding, pressing-based system is particularly suited to European football.
“Since the coach came in, he has given all of us an elite mentality,” Hermoso said. “Gasperini’s football fits the European game, with its pressing and intensity.”
The defender added that a schedule featuring matches every three days matches Roma’s ambitions, as they look to compete regularly on major European nights rather than treat this campaign as a one-off.
What happens next
Roma must handle a hostile atmosphere in Istanbul, where Fenerbahce will have strong home backing. Hermoso insists the squad have the resilience to cope, but says defensive compactness will be vital if Roma are to give their attacking players the platform to decide the match.
Victory on Thursday would give Gasperini’s side an early boost in their first Champions League season since their seven-year absence.
