It was Cristante's first goal in the Champions League proper, 15 years since making his debut in the competition as a 16-year-old for Milan.
Fenerbahce draw with Roma on return to Champions League
Roma took the lead in Istanbul in the 39th minute when Donyell Malen rolled a pass to Bryan Cristante who beat Ederson with a bouncing finish.
Fenerbahce, back in the Champions League after an 18-year absence, rallied though and equalised three minutes after halftime when Mason Greenwood slipped a pass through to Archie Brown who clipped a finish over Mile Svilar.
Roma were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute when Karem Akturkoglu was penalised for a foul on Paulo Dybala but a VAR check ruled that the challenge had taken place outside the area.
Both sides went for the victory in a high-intensity second half and Fenerbahce came closest late on when Nathan Ake headed against the Roma crossbar.
