Gian Piero Gasperini admits he is eager and "curious" to see how Roma handle Europe's elite as the Giallorossi prepare to make their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League against Fenerbahce on Thursday.

Roma travel to Istanbul for their first fixture in Europe's premier club competition since the 2018-19 season, when they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Porto under Eusebio Di Francesco.

The Italian side arrive in Turkey brimming with confidence after opening their Serie A campaign with three consecutive victories. Their latest triumph was a dramatic comeback against Atalanta, where a late equaliser from Mario Hermoso was followed by Matias Soule's 93rd-minute winner, marking Roma's best league start since 2022-23.

"When you overturn a game where you are losing at the 88th minute and winning at the 93rd, it gives you a boost of energy," Gasperini told reporters. "However, this is a new competition for Roma, and we, too, are a little curious to measure ourselves up against the best teams in the world.

"We start in a fiery atmosphere and want to see from there what our character and level is. These are all top teams in their individual leagues and with extraordinary players. During a balanced match, they can change the result with a moment of inspiration.

"We must know that, be wary, but also have faith in our own abilities, and that we should know we can cause the same problems for our opponents."

Dybala and Malen Leading the Charge

Roma's flying start to the campaign has been underpinned by the explosive form of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Malen has notched five goals in three league appearances, while Dybala has registered four assists. Dybala also boasts a fine Champions League pedigree, having registered 12 goal involvements (11 goals, one assist) across his last 16 starts in the tournament.

"Dybala is already proving his consistency, because everyone always recognised his quality," Gasperini said. "But this season has started stronger than the last because he is extraordinarily consistent both in training and during matches, so these are the results."

The trip to Istanbul represents the first-ever competitive meeting between Roma and Fenerbahce. The Turkish giants are also ending a prolonged absence from the tournament, featuring in their first Champions League game since December 2008.

"Undoubtedly, it is the most important club competition, more prestigious even than the Club World Cup, that all the coaches and players want to participate in," Gasperini added.