Devis Vásquez set for Roma debut at Old Trafford after Gollini withdrawal

A Roma fan was arrested after tension outside Old Trafford before the away section entered the stadium, with Roma supporters clashing with English police at the entrance. The away end then fell silent for fifteen minutes with banners turned upside down, before the ultras began singing and urging the team on. Roma were already 2-0 up against Manchester United by the 17th minute. The ultras' silent protest came during the Manchester United fixture, with the Roma section showing their displeasure at the policing before the game. Away from the stadium, the day passed without any clashes in the city. Over three thousand Roma supporters in the English city marched to the ground together without particular problems. The incident happened in the period before kick-off, when a group of Giallorossi fans came into contact with the English police. The away section remained silent for the first quarter of an hour, with the banners reversed, before the travelling support roared the team on as Roma took control of the match.

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico spoke to reporters at Old Trafford in the minutes before kickoff of Manchester United against Roma, a match in matchday four of the Champions League league phase. Asked how long the journey to the stadium had taken, D'Amico said: "More than expected, without escorts. These things happen..." On goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, D'Amico explained what happened: "This morning he had a strong backache. We tried to recover him, but nothing. We have confidence in Vasquez." Roma are therefore turning to Devis Vásquez between the posts, with the club's four goalkeepers now including him as an option for the fixture. Asked about what kind of goalkeeper Vásquez is and what guarantees he can offer, D'Amico said: "Certainly it is an opportunity. He is part of the four goalkeepers we have. He will play the match well, it will be a great opportunity and we are confident he can have a good game."

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has spoken ahead of his side's clash with Roma, saying the match means a great deal and that he has fond memories of playing against Roma in this competition over the years. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, Carrick said: "It means a lot, this competition is important. I have played against Roma a few times in this competition over the years and I have good memories. They were a very good team and they still are. We were very impressed watching their start to the season, which has been very positive. We know we have a tough game tonight." Carrick said his side wanted to produce a good performance and secure a good result for their own reasons. He praised Roma's approach, adding: "They play very intense football and ask a lot of questions. They press a lot and they are good on the ball. They are a complete team, and we have to do a lot and give our best to win the game." The comments underline the importance of the fixture for United, with Carrick stressing the quality of the opposition and the demands his side face on the night.

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico spoke to reporters at Old Trafford in the minutes before kickoff of Manchester United against Roma, a match in matchday four of the Champions League league phase. Asked how long the journey to the stadium had taken, D'Amico said: "More than expected, without escorts. These things happen..." On goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, D'Amico explained what happened: "This morning he had a strong backache. We tried to recover him, but nothing. We have confidence in Vasquez." Roma are therefore turning to Devis Vásquez between the posts, with the club's four goalkeepers now including him as an option for the fixture. Asked about what kind of goalkeeper Vásquez is and what guarantees he can offer, D'Amico said: "Certainly it is an opportunity. He is part of the four goalkeepers we have. He will play the match well, it will be a great opportunity and we are confident he can have a good game."

Roma director Tony D'Amico has confirmed that Pierluigi Gollini will miss the match against Manchester United because of a severe back pain he suffered this morning, with Devis Vásquez starting in goal instead. Speaking to SkySport before kickoff, D'Amico also explained that the team had arrived late because of traffic, and he was speaking in place of Gasperini. D'Amico said the club had tried to get Gollini fit in time. "This morning he had a strong back pain, we tried to recover him during the day but he could not make it. Vasquez plays, we have confidence in him." Asked what guarantees Vásquez could offer, he said: "It's an opportunity, also for him. He is part of the four goalkeepers we have available. These things happen. He will face a game, a beautiful one, with great serenity. It will be a great opportunity for him, we are calm that he can have a good game." On the delayed arrival, D'Amico was asked how long the journey from the hotel had taken. He replied: "More than expected, things happen. Without escort, but we are here."

Roma sporting director D'Amico has confirmed that Devis Vásquez will start the Champions League fixture against Manchester United, after Pierluigi Gollini was ruled out with a severe back problem. The director spoke ahead of the match, which is part of the fourth matchday of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. D'Amico said Gollini woke up that morning with a strong back pain. Roma tried to get him fit during the day, but he was unable to recover in time, which meant Vásquez would play. D'Amico added that the club has confidence in the goalkeeper. He also commented on the team's journey to the stadium, admitting the traffic had been heavier than expected: "Eh, più del previsto (ride ndr.). Cose che succedono, è andata così però ci siamo." In English, he said: "It took longer than expected. These things happen, that's how it went, but we are here." Asked what assurances Vásquez could offer in a night like this, D'Amico said: "Sicuramente è un'opportunità per lui. Con grande serenità affronterà la partita, sarà una grande opportunità per lui e siamo tranquilli che possa fare una buona gara." In English: "It is certainly an opportunity for him. He will face the match with great calm, it will be a great opportunity for him, and we are confident he can put in a good performance."

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico spoke to reporters at Old Trafford in the minutes before kickoff of Manchester United against Roma, a match in matchday four of the Champions League league phase. Asked how long the journey to the stadium had taken, D'Amico said: "More than expected, without escorts. These things happen..." On goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, D'Amico explained what happened: "This morning he had a strong backache. We tried to recover him, but nothing. We have confidence in Vasquez." Roma are therefore turning to Devis Vásquez between the posts, with the club's four goalkeepers now including him as an option for the fixture. Asked about what kind of goalkeeper Vásquez is and what guarantees he can offer, D'Amico said: "Certainly it is an opportunity. He is part of the four goalkeepers we have. He will play the match well, it will be a great opportunity and we are confident he can have a good game."

Roma director Tony D'Amico has confirmed that Pierluigi Gollini will miss the match against Manchester United because of a severe back pain he suffered this morning, with Devis Vásquez starting in goal instead. Speaking to SkySport before kickoff, D'Amico also explained that the team had arrived late because of traffic, and he was speaking in place of Gasperini. D'Amico said the club had tried to get Gollini fit in time. "This morning he had a strong back pain, we tried to recover him during the day but he could not make it. Vasquez plays, we have confidence in him." Asked what guarantees Vásquez could offer, he said: "It's an opportunity, also for him. He is part of the four goalkeepers we have available. These things happen. He will face a game, a beautiful one, with great serenity. It will be a great opportunity for him, we are calm that he can have a good game." On the delayed arrival, D'Amico was asked how long the journey from the hotel had taken. He replied: "More than expected, things happen. Without escort, but we are here."

Roma sporting director D'Amico has confirmed that Devis Vásquez will start the Champions League fixture against Manchester United, after Pierluigi Gollini was ruled out with a severe back problem. The director spoke ahead of the match, which is part of the fourth matchday of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. D'Amico said Gollini woke up that morning with a strong back pain. Roma tried to get him fit during the day, but he was unable to recover in time, which meant Vásquez would play. D'Amico added that the club has confidence in the goalkeeper. He also commented on the team's journey to the stadium, admitting the traffic had been heavier than expected: "Eh, più del previsto (ride ndr.). Cose che succedono, è andata così però ci siamo." In English, he said: "It took longer than expected. These things happen, that's how it went, but we are here." Asked what assurances Vásquez could offer in a night like this, D'Amico said: "Sicuramente è un'opportunità per lui. Con grande serenità affronterà la partita, sarà una grande opportunità per lui e siamo tranquilli che possa fare una buona gara." In English: "It is certainly an opportunity for him. He will face the match with great calm, it will be a great opportunity for him, and we are confident he can put in a good performance."

Former Roma midfielder Aleandro Rosi, speaking to Retesport ahead of Manchester United v Roma, said his own side of the past was stronger than the current squad and backed the Giallorossi to take maximum points at Old Trafford tonight. Rosi recalled a 2-1 Roma win at the Stadio Olimpico, adding that the team was a very strong group and that he still has fond memories of it. He also recalled what followed in Manchester, saying the side did not get ahead of itself, but that two or three important players were lost on the return and something went wrong during the warm-up. Asked whether his Roma was stronger than the current one, Rosi said there was no comparison, pointing to Totti, Vucinic, De Rossi and Pizarro. He said he would only take Svilar over his own goalkeeper, and named Mexes and Juan as the defenders of his era. He added that Roma are now one of the strongest sides in the league and that football has changed. On tonight's game, Rosi said Manchester United have nothing in common with the side Roma faced in his day. "I expect Roma to win tonight and take maximum points: these matches are fascinating, the giallorossi are well trained and they are clinical, so I expect a bold performance." He said he hopes the defeat to Real Madrid has taught this Roma side a lesson, adding that he would never have dropped defenders in that match, but that it should not teach anything to Gasperini. Rosi praised Konstantinos Koulierakis's team-mate Lulli, describing him as an excellent player and a simple lad with engine, speed and technical quality. "He is a quarter of midfield, he is humble, has big margins for improvement and deserves this stage, so I hope he continues like this. The hardest thing is not getting there but staying at those levels." He said he hopes Lulli plays tonight, adding that young players bring energy and carefree attitude, and that playing at Manchester will not be like facing Parma or Genoa in Serie A. He believes Gasperini may start Molina and one between Wesley and Lulli for balance. Rosi also spoke about Alberto Aquilani, whom he said he always supports, hoping he finds the right formula. He said Aquilani is struggling defensively and that Sassuolo must find another balance. Asked about his own future as a coach, Rosi said he remains attached to Perugia: "Maybe I could return as a coach, I live here now. I played six years, let's see what happens."

Giorgio De Marzi and Devis Vásquez could suddenly find themselves in the spotlight for Roma's Champions League night against Manchester United, after Pierluigi Gollini picked up an injury following Mile Svilar's absence. Coach Gasperini may be forced to turn to one of the two goalkeepers who have so far stayed on the margins of the project, an emergency that has several precedents in Roma's history. One of the most unusual cases dates back to 1993, when Patrizio Fimiani was called upon to guard Roma's goal in the two-legged Coppa Italia final against Torino. The experience was not a happy one: Roma lost 3-0 in the first leg, and in the return at the Olimpico they lost 5-2 despite almost completing a comeback. In the 2000s, the turn fell to Carlo Zotti and Gianluca Curci. Zotti, a product of the youth sector, started as third choice behind Pelizzoli and Lupatelli and made his Serie A debut in May 2003 against Torino. The 2004/05 season proved particularly difficult for him. He alternated good performances with several errors and eventually lost his place. The main beneficiary was Curci, initially third in the pecking order. After his Coppa Italia debut against Siena, he made his Serie A debut on 19 December 2004 against Parma. Pelizzoli was injured and Zotti accidentally cut himself with a bottle of perfume, forcing Roma to rely on the young keeper from the Primavera. The most famous precedent, however, is Julio Sergio. Arriving in the capital in 2006, the Brazilian spent over three years without playing a competitive match, so much so that Spalletti described him as "the best third-choice goalkeeper in the world". His breakthrough came on 30 August 2009 against Juventus, when Doni was injured and Artur's performances had failed to convince the coach, who opted for Julio Sergio. Roma lost 3-1, but the Brazilian subsequently won the starting place under Ranieri and became one of the key figures in the team that came close to the Scudetto in 2010, a fairytale culminating in decisive saves in the derbies against Lazio. Far less fortunate was the experience of Mauro Goicoechea. Arriving in 2012 as third choice behind Stekelenburg and Lobont, the Uruguayan made his debut on 31 October against Parma, coming on at half-time for the injured Dutchman. With Lobont also unavailable, Goicoechea found himself guarding the giallorossi goal. Zeman then chose to back him, giving him a permanent place in the starting line-up. The decision did not bring the hoped-for results and culminated in a disastrous blunder on 1 February 2013 against Cagliari. Roma lost 4-2 amid whistles at the Olimpico, and the following day Zeman was sacked. More recently, Daniel Fuzato, third choice behind Pau Lopez and Mirante, made his debut on 1 August 2020 against Juventus on the final matchday of the league season, taking advantage of Fonseca's rotation. The following season he saw more game time, defending the Roma goal in the 2-0 derby win over Lazio on 15 May 2021. Pau Lopez's injury brings back memories of another emergency Roma faced at Old Trafford. On 29 April 2021, in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United, the Spaniard had to leave the pitch in the 28th minute with a shoulder problem. Antonio Mirante came on in his place. Roma, 2-1 up at half-time, collapsed after the break, conceding five goals and losing 6-2. Five years on, Roma again risk finding themselves in an emergency between the posts in Manchester. Everything will depend on Gollini's condition, but for Vásquez or De Marzi the opportunity could come, one that was hard to imagine only a few hours ago.

Roma goalkeeping problems deepen as Pierluigi Gollini is doubtful for the Champions League fixture against Manchester United because of a back problem. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini must now weigh his alternatives, with Giorgio De Marzi and Devis Vásquez the two options if Gollini is ruled out. Neither has yet made a debut for the club. The situation follows the injury to Mile Svilar, which has left Roma short between the posts. Vásquez's route to a possible Champions League start has been rapid. He began the season on the fringes of Gasperini's plans but was recalled after Svilar's long absence. Vásquez was born in Barranquilla on 12 May 1998. Milan bought him from Paraguay's Guaraní in January 2023, but he never made a first-team appearance for the Rossoneri. A series of loans followed, first to Sheffield Wednesday in England and then to Ascoli in Serie B. His breakthrough came in the 2024/25 season, when he became Empoli's first-choice goalkeeper in Serie A. Roma signed him on a free transfer in summer 2025, after his Milan contract ended, on a deal running until 2027. At Roma, Svilar was the undisputed first choice and Gollini the second, leaving Vásquez without a single appearance. He moved to Beşiktaş in the winter transfer window of 2026, but his spell in Turkey also brought only one league appearance. He returned to Trigoria at the end of the season. Unable to find a new club in the summer, he was initially left out of Roma's Serie A squad. Svilar's injury changed that, and Vásquez was first added to the Serie A squad for the trip to Como and later to the Champions League list.