Squad Challenges Mount for Roma
AS Roma is currently navigating a challenging period marked by significant player absences due to both injuries and suspensions. Forward Donyell Malen received a straight red card for dangerous play in the recent Serie A fixture against Como 1907 and will be suspended for upcoming matches [1]. This dismissal occurred early in the second half, forcing Roma to play with 10 men for a substantial portion of the match [2]. The referee’s decision was upheld by experts, despite protests from Malen [1]. Paulo Dybala was forced to play as a sole striker following Malen’s exit [3].
Adding to the team’s woes, first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar has been ruled out for at least a month due to a stress fracture in his toe [4]. Pierluigi Gollini stepped in to replace Svilar, making his first Serie A appearance in two years [3]. Midfielder Bryan Cristante is also sidelined with a knee injury, making him a major doubt for the crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid [5]. In brighter news, Lorenzo Pellegrini made his return to the starting XI for the first time in six months, replacing Cristante in the lineup against Como [4]. Marten de Roon also made his first start for Roma following his transfer from Atalanta [6].
Recent Form and Tactical Adjustments
AS Roma’s recent Serie A encounter against Como 1907 resulted in the first goalless draw of the Italian season for the club [2]. This match saw Roma play with 10 men for 37 minutes after Donyell Malen’s red card [7]. Despite being a man down, Roma managed to hold Como, with Lorenzo Pellegrini hitting the post during the game [7]. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly protested the referee’s decision regarding Malen’s red card from the touchline [1].
Prior to this draw, Roma had shown a strong, attack-minded approach to the campaign [5]. They also secured a 1-1 Champions League draw away to Fenerbahce [8]. The team’s ability to adapt to adverse situations, such as playing with a numerical disadvantage, will be crucial in their upcoming fixtures. The return of experienced players like Pellegrini could provide much-needed stability and creativity in the midfield as they face a demanding schedule.
What it means
AS Roma currently sits in 3rd place in Serie A, having accumulated 14 points from 6 matches. Their record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 0 losses, with 14 goals scored and only 3 conceded, indicates a strong start to the season, particularly defensively. The recent 0-0 draw against Como 1907, despite playing with 10 men, highlights their resilience. However, the preceding 2-2 draw against Inter Milan and a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League suggest a slight dip in their winning momentum, with three draws in their last five competitive matches. The next fixture is a significant Champions League clash at home against Real Madrid on October 14th. This match will be a stern test of their squad depth and tactical adaptability, especially given the current injury crisis and Malen’s suspension. Their strong league position provides a good foundation, but maintaining form against top-tier opposition without key players will be challenging.
Sources
- Football Italia: Why Roma star Malen saw red against Como and what he said to the fourth official football-italia.net ↩
- The Guardian: European football: Lazio join Inter at top of Serie A as Roma held at Como theguardian.com ↩
- Football Italia: Gasperini defends Malen, hits out at freeze-frames, says Roma ‘very different’ from Mourinho era football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Serie A | Como 0-0 Roma: Giallorossi resist under siege after Malen sees red football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: D’Amico: ‘Como-Roma an advert for Italian football, faith in all players’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Serie A official line-ups: Como vs. Roma football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Fabregas: ‘Inter inspired Como on how to hurt Roma’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Roma stunned as Svilar out for at least a month with stress fracture football-italia.net ↩
