Gasperini: Champions League ranks above Club World Cup as Roma begin Fenerbahce test

Gian Piero Gasperini says the Champions League is the most important competition in club football, even placing it above the Club World Cup, as Roma prepare to return to Europe’s elite competition.

Roma begin their Champions League campaign away to Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday evening, with Gasperini looking forward to leading the club back into the tournament after a seven-year absence.

“Without a doubt, the Champions League is the most important club competition,” Roma manager Gasperini told Sky Italia. “It even has a greater status than the Club World Cup, and everyone, whether coaches or players, wants to take part in it.”

Gasperini said his squad was in good overall condition before the opening match, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only absentee.

“We are generally in good shape ahead of the match against Fenerbahce,” he added. “Pellegrini is the only player missing, but we are confident he will recover very soon. We are therefore ready for this new adventure.”

Paulo Dybala has made a strong start to the season, according to Gasperini, who believes the forward’s consistency has been the key factor.

“Dybala is showing that he can maintain his level,” Gasperini said. “Everyone has always known about his quality, but he has started this season more strongly than last season because he has shown exceptional consistency, both in training and in matches. These are the results.”