Squad Changes and Injury Concerns
AS Roma is set to face Como with a number of significant changes to their lineup, primarily due to injuries and player availability. The most impactful absence is that of first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has been ruled out for at least a month with a stress fracture in his hand [1]. This injury means Pierluigi Gollini is expected to step in and start in goal [2]. In midfield, Bryan Cristante is also sidelined due to injury and will likely be replaced by Marten de Roon [3]. On a more positive note for Roma, Lorenzo Pellegrini is available for selection, providing a boost to the squad [2]. Konstantinos Koulierakis is another player out due to a knock, further impacting defensive options [2]. These personnel shifts will test the depth of the AS Roma squad as they navigate their upcoming fixtures.
Managerial Outlook and Player Availability
Despite AS Roma’s more extensive experience in European competitions, coach Gasperini has expressed a belief that Roma and Como are currently on the same level [2]. This perspective sets the stage for what could be a closely contested match. Further squad adjustments are anticipated, particularly concerning players who recently returned from international duty. Paulo Dybala, who was not authorized by Roma to travel to Argentina for Messi’s farewell game, is expected to start against Como [4]. However, other Argentine internationals like Matias Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi are expected to start on the bench, with Rodrigo Mora and Evan Ndicka potentially starting in their places [3]. Nahuel Molina, who was serving a ban and did not travel for the international break, is also expected to start for AS Roma [3]. These strategic decisions by Gasperini highlight the careful management of player fatigue and form following the international window.
Recent Form and European Aspirations
AS Roma enters this fixture on the back of some mixed, but generally strong, results. Before the international break, they secured a 2-2 draw at home against Inter [4] and also managed a 1-1 Champions League draw away to Fenerbahce [1]. These results demonstrate their ability to compete at a high level, both domestically and in Europe. The team’s recent form suggests they are accustomed to the demands of European competition, a factor that could play a role against Como [5]. The upcoming match against Como will be crucial for maintaining momentum as they look ahead to their next Champions League fixture against Real Madrid.
What it means
AS Roma currently sits in a strong position in Serie A, placed 2nd with 13 points from 5 games, boasting an impressive record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses, with 14 goals scored and only 3 conceded. Their recent form, including a 2-2 draw against Inter and a 2-0 away win against Torino, indicates a resilient and high-scoring side. The upcoming fixture against Como, despite managerial comments about parity, is an opportunity to consolidate their league position. Following this, a significant challenge awaits in the Champions League against Real Madrid. Maintaining their current form will be vital to continue their strong start in Serie A and to perform well in the demanding European competition.
Sources
- Football Italia: Roma stunned as Svilar out for at least a month with stress fracture football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Gasperini: ‘Roma and Como same level, cannot predict Real Madrid choices’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Gasperini to leave Argentine duo on bench for Roma’s clash with Como football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Argentine stars set for Serie A showdown after Messi’s international farewell football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Fabregas: ‘Respect for Gasperini, Arteta strength paid off at Arsenal’ football-italia.net ↩
