Squad Changes and Injury Updates
AS Roma is preparing for their upcoming Serie A fixture against Como with several key adjustments to the squad. Bryan Cristante is sidelined due to injury and is expected to be replaced by Marten de Roon in the starting lineup [1]. De Roon is anticipated to step into the midfield role, providing stability in Cristante’s absence. Further changes in the starting XI include Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo Mora, Evan Ndicka, and Paulo Dybala, all of whom are expected to feature from the start [1]. Dybala, despite not having played for Argentina since 2024, is fit and expected to be involved in upcoming team meetings [2]. Nahuel Molina was also suspended for the recent international break, ensuring he is fresh for club duties [2].
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini is also making strategic decisions regarding players who recently returned from international duty. Matias Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi, both of whom were part of the Argentina national team squad for Lionel Messi’s final camp, are expected to start on the bench against Como [1]. This decision likely aims to manage their workload and integrate them back into the club setup gradually. Santiago Castro was another player in Messi’s final camp, highlighting the international recognition some of Roma’s players are receiving [2].
Attacking Prowess and Transfer Rumours
AS Roma’s attack has been a significant factor in their strong start to the season, with Donyell Malen leading the charge. Malen has been in exceptional form, topping the Serie A scoring charts with an impressive six goals [3]. He has expressed his satisfaction with his current situation at the club, feeling trusted by both his coach and teammates [4]. This confidence is clearly translating into on-field performance, making him a crucial asset for Roma.
Beyond current squad members, AS Roma is also looking to bolster its attacking options for the future. There are ongoing rumours linking the club with a move for young Brazilian talent Endrick. Wesley, a figure associated with Roma, reportedly contacted Endrick to express a desire for him to join the club [5]. However, Endrick would face fierce competition for a starting spot in Roma’s attack, suggesting that any potential move would involve careful consideration of his role within the team [5]. Milan is also reportedly interested in Endrick, indicating a potential transfer battle for the highly-rated forward.
Managerial Insights and League Form
AS Roma’s strong start to the Serie A season has been a testament to their overall strategy and performance. The club is currently level on 13 points with Inter and Lazio at the top of the Serie A table after five rounds, demonstrating their ambition to compete for the Scudetto [3]. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has previously stated that the club’s plan was to win the Scudetto within three years, and he would welcome achieving it sooner [3].
Former manager Jose Mourinho recently reflected on his departure from Roma, stating his career with the club was effectively over after the 2023 Europa League final loss. He also clarified his non-involvement in the airport incident concerning referee Anthony Taylor and his family [6]. These past events, however, do not overshadow the current team’s focus and strong trajectory under Gasperini, as they aim to maintain their impressive league form following the international break.
What it means
AS Roma currently sits at the top of the Serie A table, having accumulated 13 points from five matches. Their impressive record of four wins and one draw, with 14 goals scored and only 3 conceded, highlights a dominant start to the season. The team’s recent form shows a mix of results, including a 2-2 draw against Inter and a 2-0 away win against Torino in Serie A, alongside a 1-1 draw in the Champions League against Fenerbahçe. This consistent performance places them in a strong position as they head into their next fixture. The upcoming match against Como, for which predict.game forecasts a 45.0% chance of a Roma win with a predicted score of 1-2, presents an opportunity for the club to solidify its lead at the top of the league. Maintaining this form will be crucial for their Scudetto aspirations, as they face a challenging schedule ahead.
Sources
- Football Italia: Gasperini to leave Argentine duo on bench for Roma’s clash with Como football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Lautaro, Paz and Serie A stars send messages to Messi after international retirement football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Gasperini: ‘Roma’s plan was to win the Scudetto in 3 years, we wouldn’t mind getting there sooner’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Today’s Papers – Milan want two new signings, Malen praises Gasperini football-italia.net ↩
- Marca: Roma 'llama' a Endrick... y el Milan sigue al acecho marca.com ↩
- Football Italia: Mourinho: Roma career was ‘dead’ after Europa League final, Airport fiasco ‘wasn’t my responsibility’ football-italia.net ↩
