Fabregas previews Roma clash: Kean sidelined, Como to play their way

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.

Mile Svilar will be sidelined for at least a month after sustaining a stress fracture to the fifth toe during training, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed. The goalkeeper suffered the injury during what Gasperini described as a routine drill, with the fracture non-displaced but requiring an extended period to heal. Svilar is expected to return after the upcoming international break. With Svilar ruled out, Pierluigi Gollini stands ready to step in as Roma's first-choice goalkeeper. Gasperini expressed confidence in his backup's readiness to perform the role during the recovery period. Gasperini outlined the nature of the injury in detail: "He sustained a stress fracture during a push in training, nothing excessive really, to the fifth toe, in the lower part. This fracture formed, and while it is not displaced, it will require at least a month to heal."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has delivered a message to Roma's ownership about the conditions required to build a successful team. In his press conference, Gasperini stated: "To make a team great, I believe it is important to have a company with ownership that is very involved." The remarks come as Roma continue their 2026-27 campaign under the Friedkin Group, who took control of the club in August 2020. Gasperini's comments underline the importance of backing and engagement from the ownership structure as the club pursues its ambitions. In the same conference, Gasperini confirmed that goalkeeper Mile Svilar will be sidelined for approximately one month with a foot injury, with Pierluigi Gollini set to cover his absence. Defender Konstantinos Koulierakis is also out of contention during the upcoming international break.

Roma travel to Como on 11 October for the Serie A sixth-round fixture at 12.30 kickoff, with goalkeeper Mile Svilar sidelined by a training-ground injury that will keep him out for at least a month. Pierluigi Gollini will deputise in goal. Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for the match. Beyond Svilar, Bryan Cristante and Konstantinos Koulierakis are also absent through injury. The convoked players are: defenders Devyne Rensch, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi; midfielders Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora; forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out Mile Svilar, Bryan Cristante and Konstantinos Koulierakis for Roma's Serie A visit to Como on 11 October, following the international break. Svilar will not return until after November's pause, while Cristante is targeting the Genoa match. Koulierakis, the centre-back, faces no serious injury and could be available for Wednesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid. Italian goalkeeper Vasquez returns to the squad. Roma's full 24-player selection for Como reads: Vasquez, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini in goal; Devyne Rensch, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi in defence; Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora in midfield; and Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala in attack.

Mile Svilar's availability for Roma's Serie A fixture against Como on 11 October is uncertain after he sustained a finger injury during the match against Inter. The goalkeeper has not trained with the squad in recent days, and optimism has diminished as the match approaches. Pierluigi Gollini, who arrived in January 2025, stands ready to deputise. Since his arrival in the capital, Gollini has played only once — against Panathinaikos in the final matchday of last season's UEFA Europa League group phase. Gian Piero Gasperini will make his final decision at today's training session. Roma face tactical decisions elsewhere ahead of the 12:30 kickoff on matchday six. Behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, one of Rodrigo Mora, Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini will operate in the attacking midfield role. Marten de Roon will replace the injured Bryan Cristante in the centre of midfield, partnering Manu Koné. Wesley lines up at left back, with a contest between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli for the right flank. The back three consists of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The squad departs for Como today.