Roma’s new era and the dream of Champions League glory

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Kathrine Kuhl of AS Roma runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Andreia Norton. — Kathrine Kuhl of AS Roma runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Andreia Norton of Benfica during the World Sevens Football on May 22, 2025 in Estoril, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/World Sevens Football via Getty Images)

Since joining AS Roma in January 2025, Danish international Kathrine Kühl has been settling into life in the Italian capital and preparing for a big season ahead.

With a new coach, fresh signings and the promise of a bold new playing style, Roma are entering an exciting new chapter. One that Kühl is eager to help shape.

“It’s exciting with a new coach, new players, and maybe even a new style of play,” Kühl said. “I’m looking forward to it. The development will be really good, and we have the potential to be a really good team but we need to work hard.”

The hard work has been tested immediately, as Roma are powering through the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign. Kühl knows that nothing comes easy at this level.

“If you’ve qualified for this round, you’re a really good team. We prepare for every match knowing it’s going to be hard. We have to perform well to beat this team and earn the three points.”

Champions League dreams in sight

For Kühl, the allure of Europe’s biggest competition is part of what drives her. She lights up when talking about the Champions League.

“The Champions League is always so fun,” she said with a smile. “These games are the games you play for. It is the dream play Champions League football.”

That dream is one of the biggest reasons why she chose Roma. Kühl was eager to be at a club competing at the highest level.

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The 22-year-old midfielder already has plenty of experience in high pressure matches. One of her standout memories is one most players dream of — playing in a UWCL semi final.

“My biggest experience was the semi-final at the Emirates with Arsenal in front of 60,000 people,” she recalled. “It was a really close game and I was lucky to come on. I remember it so clearly — it was an incredible feeling. I feel lucky to have that in my backpack. I’ve also experienced the disappointment of not qualifying the following season. Both sides stay with you.”

Now Kühl is ready to use these experiences to fuel her ambitions in Rome. As the club pushes for a place in the group stages she is focused, determined and eager for the challenge ahead..

“This is why we play, for nights like these.”

Roma off to a flying start in Champions League qualifiers

Roma’s UWCL journey is already underway and they’ve made the perfect start. They opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over WFC Aktobe on August 27th, showing both composure and attacking intent in their first competitive fixture of the season.

The win set up another convincing victory as Roma stormed to a 5-1 scoreline over Sparta Praha, moving them closer to the converted group stage. With momentum on their side, Kühl and her teammates will look to build on their early success and continue Roma’s European push.