Roma's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Serie A visit to Como, where he announced that goalkeeper Mile Svilar will miss approximately four weeks after suffering a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot sustained in training a week ago. Pierluigi Gollini will take his place between the posts. Gasperini also revealed that Bryan Cristante remains sidelined through injury and that defender Konstantinos Koulierakis picked up a knock on international duty but is merely bruised and will return on Monday.
The injury to Svilar represents a significant blow for Roma as they resume their Serie A campaign after the international break. The fracture, which is non-displaced, may require a screw to be inserted, which would extend his recovery time, with Gasperini expecting to have him back after the next international window. Despite the setback, Gasperini expressed confidence in Gollini's readiness. "The only one to rotate him consistently is me," Gasperini said. "He is an excellent deputy and now has the opportunity to play many matches. When he was at Atalanta he became even the Nazionale's third-choice goalkeeper. He has always trained well and has value. He must have everyone's confidence but he is not a goalkeeper who has never played in his career."
Gasperini addressed the condition of his squad after the break, noting that Argentine players had arrived late and that some had featured less in the international window than others. He confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini has benefited from the rest and is fit to start. On Wesley, Gasperini stated the defender has played well, describing his performance against Inter as "extraordinary." The coach also provided an update on Marten de Roon, saying "He is fine. The break was useful for these players—for him, for Pellegrini. Molina also stayed, unfortunately Balerdi went away." With the schedule demanding nine matches in 27 days, Gasperini indicated he plans to rotate across all positions: "With a tour de force and hoping for no further injuries, it will be useful to use everyone. Everyone in the squad has my full confidence to play as happened last season."
On Como, Gasperini praised Fabregas's side for their results and tactical flexibility, noting they have switched from a three-man defence in their previous encounters. When asked about the importance of midfielder Rodrigo Mora, Gasperini explained that he has 18 outfield players available plus Gollini, of which 16 will play, underscoring that every squad member is equipped to be competitive.
Story Coverage5 sources on this story
Roma will be without goalkeeper Mile Svilar for approximately one month after he suffered a stress fracture to his foot during a training session, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed at his pre-match press conference on 10 October ahead of Sunday's Serie A clash at Como. The injury, sustained a week ago, is non-displaced but may require a screw to be inserted, which could extend his recovery period. TeleRadioStereo describes the injury as a fractured finger, while other outlets specify a stress fracture to the fifth toe. Svilar is expected to return after the November international break. Pierluigi Gollini will deputise in goal, with Gasperini praising his professionalism and experience despite limited recent playing time. Gasperini noted that Gollini was rotated consistently at Atalanta and even became Italy's third-choice goalkeeper, describing him as "an excellent second goalkeeper" who deserves everyone's confidence.
Bryan Cristante remains unavailable through a knee injury, while Konstantinos Koulierakis sustained a contusion on international duty but is expected to return to training on Monday. Lorenzo Pellegrini has recovered well during the break and is ready to start. Gasperini described Svilar's absence as "a heavy blow" and "a bad blow," but noted that long seasons inevitably bring unforeseen complications. He acknowledged Roma's demanding fixture schedule, confirming that nine matches must be played in 27 days, and stated his intention to rotate across all positions. With 18 outfield players plus Gollini available, Gasperini expressed confidence in his squad's depth and quality.
On Como, Gasperini praised their strength and results, acknowledging they form part of a competitive group alongside Juventus, Milan, Napoli and Atalanta chasing positions behind Inter. He highlighted Roma's positive performance against Inter as a foundation to build upon. Regarding the club's ownership, Gasperini reflected that proximity and involvement from ownership is important for building a great team, noting his conversations with Dan and Ryan Friedkin convinced him important work could be done at Roma.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“La Roma torna in campo dopo la lunga pausa per le nazionali e lo fa attesa da un big match importantissimo, in casa del Como di Fabregas. Una sfida molto attesa per la classifica e le ambizioni di entrambe le formazioni, a pochi giorni dalla suggestiva notte di Champions col Real Madrid. Alla…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.