Fabregas praises Gasperini's Roma ahead of Como clash

Mile Svilar will miss approximately one month with a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot sustained in training, forcing Gasperini to turn to Pierluigi Gollini as Roma's goalkeeper for upcoming fixtures. The Belgian sustained the injury during a save in a training session and will miss Roma's big matches against Como, Real Madrid, Napoli and Manchester United before the mid-November international break. In a social media statement, Svilar wrote: "I didn't need this right now, but it's part of the game. I'm already focused on my recovery and determined to come back stronger than ever. In the meantime, forza Roma always. Confidence in the process." Gasperini confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Como fixture that Svilar's injury requires a month to heal, with doctors still deciding whether to insert a screw, which could extend the timeline further. Addressing Gollini's readiness, Gasperini said: "He's a player who has played consistently with me throughout his career. I found him here after he moved around a bit. He's an excellent second goalkeeper and now will have the opportunity to play with continuity. He's always trained well and must have everyone's confidence." For Roma's trip to Como, Gasperini is weighing his final team selections with Matías Soulé favoured over Lorenzo Pellegrini for the attacking midfield slot, according to Romanews.eu. Rodrigo Mora is not among the main candidates for a starting place. The tactical approach reflects Gasperini's analysis of Fabregas's Como side, which operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The need for greater width could favour Soulé's inclusion. Radio commentary indicated concern over the defensive implications. Andrea Pugliese noted: "Not having Svilar for a month will be heavy. The hope is he returns at his best and can perform well—you have to regain match rhythm. Roma is Europe's best defence after Arsenal right now, and this will drop significantly." Fabrizio Aspri added that Gasperini had wished for Vasquez as second goalkeeper but judged him unprepared, while Gollini has been out of action for some time.

Cesc Fabregas spoke in a press conference on the eve of Como's match against Roma on 11 October, offering substantial praise for the opposition and their head coach. Fabregas described Roma as "a very proactive, very offensive squad that allows itself many attacking players up front" and spoke of his respect for Gasperini's tactical approach. "A great squad and a great coach," Fabregas said. "He has managed for 30 years. If you look at his way of playing it is to be admired. Enormous respect. He has his own way of playing, changes little and really believes in what he does." The Como manager also discussed how both teams favour an attacking style. "We want both to be offensive, with movement. I like watching their matches," he noted. Fabregas acknowledged the challenges Roma present: they field many young players developed under Gasperini's guidance, and their attacking intent creates a tactical clash that should produce an engaging contest. On Como's injury situation, Fabregas revealed that forward Kean will be sidelined for a week to 10 days after suffering a knock during international duty against Belgium. "He took an important blow against Belgium," Fabregas explained. "Communication between the federation and the club—as happens for everyone—could be better. He played 90 minutes, with an injury identified after yesterday's scan. When he returns, he returns." Kean played the full match before the injury was confirmed by medical assessment.

Como manager Cesc Fabregas held a pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's fixture against Roma at the Sinigaglia, kick-off 12:30. Fabregas gave Roma significant credit, saying: "A grandissima squadra and a great coach. Great respect for what they do, we will try to play a big match and play as we know how." Kean will miss the match after sustaining an injury during international duty. Fabregas explained: "He will have a week or 10 days of stop, he took an important blow against Belgium. After the MRI yesterday, with 90 minutes played, when he returns, he returns." The Como boss was asked whether Kean could partner Douvikas in attack but ruled it out for now, despite speaking with Mancini about the possibility. "I don't see it at the moment," Fabrekas said. "Ovviamente it is a solution in more." Fabregas reflected on Como's recent form following their loss to Frosinone before the international break. "It was a match that made people think," he said. "All matches must be tried to win, there is never a perfect time. We didn't play a great match, knowing some things that would have done us a lot of good. But we had confrontations after." Looking ahead to a congested fixture schedule, Fabregas signalled increased rotation. He noted the logistical challenges: "The return from Holland at 2–3 in the morning—we've never done that and I can't explain how it will go. When it really happens maybe I'll adopt another plan." He added that every player will have opportunities, as Como have double-strength options in practically every position.