Gasperini names unchanged Roma XI for Inter clash; Soulé preferred to Pisilli

Tensions boiled over at the final whistle of Manchester United v Roma, with contact between police and Giallorossi supporters after the match. Three people were arrested, and another Roma fan suffered a medical episode during the clashes. Doctors intervened and prevented the worst outcome. Some fans have denounced their treatment, saying: "Treated like animals", both before and after the match. The trouble started before kick-off, with further contact with police during pre-filtering and one Roma supporter arrested. Throughout the 90 minutes, the travelling fans reportedly faced constant provocation from the English supporters. After Manchester United's third goal, coins and pieces of sandwich were thrown from the stands towards the Roma section. The incidents overshadowed the fixture for the Giallorossi travelling support, with the complaints about police handling now likely to draw attention to how visiting fans are policed in England.

Roma threw away a commanding first-half lead at Old Trafford, collapsing after the interval to lose 3-2 to Manchester United and making their Champions League path considerably harder. Roma had looked superb in the first half, with Mora's inspiration producing a double burst of goals in 16 minutes: Soulé opened the scoring at 11', then Malen converted a penalty won by Soulé at 17'. It was the first time any side had scored at Old Trafford in such a short spell in European competition. Malen's penalty was his fourth goal in the Champions League. The 2-0 lead, built on dominant marking and strong midfield duels with Cristante and De Roon, should have seen Roma close out the tie. Instead, Bruno Fernandes levelled from a penalty early in the second half, after a retake was ordered because Cristante had entered the box before the whistle. Vasquez saved the original spot-kick, but the Portuguese forward scored from the repeat. Carrick's side then pushed forward, and Cunha scored twice in three minutes, at 83' and 86', to complete the turnaround. Mbeumo had also hit both posts with a single shot in the spell that followed Bruno Fernandes's goal. Gasperini had made changes that were meant to strengthen the side. He brought on Mora and sent in Pisilli, and the match then shifted. Baleba suffered a serious muscular injury for United, and Tielemans came on to change the game. Malen, exhausted, was replaced by Castro, and Balerdi's error gave Cunha the chance for the equaliser. The Roma coach had already chosen Vasquez over Gollini in goal, a surprise decision that was only partly rewarded. The result is the third comeback Roma have conceded in the Champions League, following two defeats and a draw. The article notes that Roma have been unable to cope with physical intensity and lacked enough quality on the bench given the absences. Roma remain a side still learning in Europe, and Gasperini needs time, patience and stronger players to move forward.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has complained that European football still awards soft penalties, speaking at his press conference after the Manchester United defeat. He said: "In Europa danno ancora i rigorini. È una cosa che dà fastidio" ("In Europe they still give these little penalties. It's something that bothers me"). Gasperini said that playing on these pitches means accepting some pressure, adding: "Su questi campi ci sta subire un po', non si possono giocare 90 minuti come il primo tempo ma potevamo fare di più." ("On these pitches it's understandable to suffer a bit, you can't play 90 minutes like the first half, but we could have done more.") He added: "Questi rigorini però si sperava non ci fossero più" ("We had hoped these little penalties were no longer around"). The comments follow Roma's 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Roma's penalty concessions were the subject of debate afterwards, with the match-day video review examining a penalty awarded against Roma for a challenge on Cunha. Bryan Cristante said the penalty was very doubtful and that Roma too often conceded late comebacks, adding that the club must understand where they go wrong. Fernandes said Roma had been fortunate on the penalty and hoped the win would give the team confidence, referring to the result as a victory.

Roma threw away a commanding first-half lead at Old Trafford, collapsing after the interval to lose 3-2 to Manchester United and making their Champions League path considerably harder. Roma had looked superb in the first half, with Mora's inspiration producing a double burst of goals in 16 minutes: Soulé opened the scoring at 11', then Malen converted a penalty won by Soulé at 17'. It was the first time any side had scored at Old Trafford in such a short spell in European competition. Malen's penalty was his fourth goal in the Champions League. The 2-0 lead, built on dominant marking and strong midfield duels with Cristante and De Roon, should have seen Roma close out the tie. Instead, Bruno Fernandes levelled from a penalty early in the second half, after a retake was ordered because Cristante had entered the box before the whistle. Vasquez saved the original spot-kick, but the Portuguese forward scored from the repeat. Carrick's side then pushed forward, and Cunha scored twice in three minutes, at 83' and 86', to complete the turnaround. Mbeumo had also hit both posts with a single shot in the spell that followed Bruno Fernandes's goal. Gasperini had made changes that were meant to strengthen the side. He brought on Mora and sent in Pisilli, and the match then shifted. Baleba suffered a serious muscular injury for United, and Tielemans came on to change the game. Malen, exhausted, was replaced by Castro, and Balerdi's error gave Cunha the chance for the equaliser. The Roma coach had already chosen Vasquez over Gollini in goal, a surprise decision that was only partly rewarded. The result is the third comeback Roma have conceded in the Champions League, following two defeats and a draw. The article notes that Roma have been unable to cope with physical intensity and lacked enough quality on the bench given the absences. Roma remain a side still learning in Europe, and Gasperini needs time, patience and stronger players to move forward.

Roma led Manchester United at Old Trafford through goals from Soulé and Malen, but collapsed in the second half and lost the match. Soulé gave Roma the lead around the tenth minute with a left-footed strike, and Malen doubled it from the spot before the break. United then won a penalty in the second half. Vásquez saved the initial spot-kick, but the referee ordered a retake because Cristante had his knee on the line when he cleared the rebound. Bruno Fernandes stepped up again and scored, and Roma's concentration went with it. Balerdi's slip allowed the equaliser, and another error led to United's third goal. Roma had dominated the first half, with Soulé and Malen putting them 2-0 up. The second half turned on the disputed penalty. Roma appeared to tire after that, and a thin bench did not help. Gasperini's side had been pushed back, and the closing stages followed a familiar pattern for the club in recent weeks. The ratings were: Vásquez 6, Mancini 5.5, Balerdi 4.5, Hermoso 6, Cristante 6, De Roon 5.5, Wesley 5.5, Mora 6.5, Soulé 6.5, Malen 6 and Gasperini 5.5. Ghilardi, who came on for Mancini in the 74th minute, was rated 5.5, and N'Dicka, on for Hermoso in the 75th, was rated 5.5. Lulli, on for Rensch after 22 minutes, was rated 5.5. Rensch was not rated after playing barely twenty minutes. Pisilli, on from the 45th minute, was rated 5, while Castro, who came on for Malen in the 77th minute, was rated 5.5. Vásquez saved the first penalty but could do nothing about the retake. Mancini was booked for the penalty concession and was reportedly unhappy with the decision. Mora's pass for Soulé and his contribution to the penalty earned him the highest rating of the night, despite a couple of light touches. Balerdi was the most heavily criticised. His rating reflected a double-edged performance: some anticipations raised the pressure, but he steered well for long periods before the late errors. Cristante was praised for his control in the first half and was described as losing some sharpness after the break. The match report ends with the group stage in mind, though the source does not state a next fixture. Roma's bench and fatigue remain the central talking points.

Roma threw away a first-half lead and lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Soulé gave Roma the lead with a delightful control and a cool left-foot finish in front of Lammens, and Malen doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. United fought back through Bruno Fernandes, whose penalty came after a contested decision by referee Gil Manzano, and then a Cunha double sealed the comeback. Roma dominated the first half but could not hold on after the break, as the home crowd swelled and United grew in confidence. The collapse came after the interval, when Roma lost possession, shape and composure. Vásquez saved Bruno Fernandes's first penalty, but the referee ordered it retaken and he could not stop the second. Mancini was involved in the contact with Cunha that led to the spot kick, which the report describes as a very debatable call. Balerdi had been outstanding for more than 80 minutes, dominating the defence with authority, precision and quick recoveries, before missing the ball at the centre of the box from a Bruno Fernandes cross, which gave Cunha the equaliser. Hermoso also struggled after the break, fading along with the rest of the back line. Rodrigo Mora was rated 7 for his vision and passing, and his interval withdrawal was felt keenly, with Roma losing quality, unpredictability and the ability to frighten United. Soulé was also rated 7 for his first-half display, though he faded in the second. Malen scored his penalty with composure but faded after the break. Cristante was rated 6.5 for a commanding first half, and Wesley was praised for his defensive covers, though he was too erratic going forward. Pisilli, who came on for Mora at 46 minutes, was rated 5 and was described as having failed to add quality or energy to midfield. Rensch played only 22 minutes and was not rated, as he was injured, and Lulli came on for him and was rated 5. Ghilardi replaced Mancini at 75 minutes and Ndicka replaced Hermoso at the same time, both rated 6, while Castro came on for Malen at 78 minutes and was rated 5.5. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a first half in which he was tireless but a second half in which he was overrun. Gasperini was rated 5. The report said Roma were a side of two faces and that the coach's changes did not work, with Mora's withdrawal costing the team offensive quality and the substitutions of Pisilli and Lulli failing to pay off. It said the recurring problem was that Roma fell apart as soon as they conceded, losing their identity and confidence once their opponents gained courage. The report concluded that Gasperini would have much to reflect on after a defeat that left a bitter taste.

Devis Vásquez is set to start in goal for Roma at Old Trafford against Manchester United in the Champions League after Pierluigi Gollini pulled out at the last minute. The Colombian goalkeeper, born in Barranquilla on 12 May 1998, is 195 cm tall and weighs 93 kg, and he will make his first official appearance in a Roma shirt in a demanding European fixture. With Mile Svilar and Gollini both sidelined, the opportunity comes suddenly and carries great responsibility. Vásquez came through the youth ranks in Colombia at Cortuluá, Patriotas Boyacá and La Equidad. He broke through in Paraguay with Guaraní, where he was a regular starter with 34 appearances and made his Copa Libertadores debut. AC Milan signed him outright in January 2023. He then went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, where he made 10 Championship appearances, and later to Ascoli in Serie B. His breakthrough in Serie A came with Empoli in 2024/25, when he played 32 matches and kept six clean sheets. He showed strong reflexes, quick reactions on the ground and a particular ability to save penalties. Roma signed him outright in summer 2025. After a short six-month loan at Beşiktaş in the first part of 2026, he returned to the squad of Gian Piero Gasperini to complete the goalkeeping department. For the Colombian, the Old Trafford fixture marks the moment he has been waiting for: his official debut in the giallorossi shirt in one of football's most celebrated stadiums.

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 led Manchester United at Old Trafford through goals from Soulé and Malen, but collapsed in the second half and lost the match. Soulé gave Roma the lead around the tenth minute with a left-footed strike, and Malen doubled it from the spot before the break. United then won a penalty in the second half. Vásquez saved the initial spot-kick, but the referee ordered a retake because Cristante had his knee on the line when he cleared the rebound. Bruno Fernandes stepped up again and scored, and Roma's concentration went with it. Balerdi's slip allowed the equaliser, and another error led to United's third goal. Roma had dominated the first half, with Soulé and Malen putting them 2-0 up. The second half turned on the disputed penalty. Roma appeared to tire after that, and a thin bench did not help. Gasperini's side had been pushed back, and the closing stages followed a familiar pattern for the club in recent weeks. The ratings were: Vásquez 6, Mancini 5.5, Balerdi 4.5, Hermoso 6, Cristante 6, De Roon 5.5, Wesley 5.5, Mora 6.5, Soulé 6.5, Malen 6 and Gasperini 5.5. Ghilardi, who came on for Mancini in the 74th minute, was rated 5.5, and N'Dicka, on for Hermoso in the 75th, was rated 5.5. Lulli, on for Rensch after 22 minutes, was rated 5.5. Rensch was not rated after playing barely twenty minutes. Pisilli, on from the 45th minute, was rated 5, while Castro, who came on for Malen in the 77th minute, was rated 5.5. Vásquez saved the first penalty but could do nothing about the retake. Mancini was booked for the penalty concession and was reportedly unhappy with the decision. Mora's pass for Soulé and his contribution to the penalty earned him the highest rating of the night, despite a couple of light touches. Balerdi was the most heavily criticised. His rating reflected a double-edged performance: some anticipations raised the pressure, but he steered well for long periods before the late errors. Cristante was praised for his control in the first half and was described as losing some sharpness after the break. The match report ends with the group stage in mind, though the source does not state a next fixture. Roma's bench and fatigue remain the central talking points.

Leonardo Balerdi's two errors in the final minutes turned a comfortable Roma lead at Old Trafford into a painful defeat, with United coming back to win after Roma had been 2-0 up. Roma had dominated the first half under Gian Piero Gasperini, going 2-0 up through Soulé and a Malen penalty, with Balerdi outstanding at the heart of the defence, making ferocious interceptions, playing the ball out with authority and dominating his area. The match then followed the pattern of the recent defeat to Real Madrid: Roma stopped running, suffered constantly and let United back into the game. The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute. Balerdi was well placed to win the ball, an ordinary play for a player who had been the best on the pitch until then, but he slipped and missed it, allowing Cunha to score the 2-2 equaliser. Three minutes later he was again at fault, with the ball for United's 3-2 goal coming through his mistake, the second consecutive error that completed the collapse. Cunha was sent off for a second yellow card shortly afterwards, but the damage was done and Roma lost three points. Balerdi had been in a race for a starting place with N'Dicka until the last moment, but Gasperini preferred him for his dynamism and pace. He was not at full fitness, having not played in the last 180 minutes because of a knee problem. Gasperini deployed him as the central figure of a three-man defence alongside Mancini and Hermoso, specifically to mark Matheus Cunha, who was playing as a number nine for Carrick. Balerdi had earlier been impressive in a double against Napoli, which had convinced Roma to prepare a buy-back option worth over €11 million with Marseille, and he had previously been on Juventus's transfer radar. The article describes the result as leaving Roma battered, with the lesson that dominating like giants is not enough; the side must learn not to fall asleep at the crucial moment.

Roma threw away a first-half lead and lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Soulé gave Roma the lead with a delightful control and a cool left-foot finish in front of Lammens, and Malen doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. United fought back through Bruno Fernandes, whose penalty came after a contested decision by referee Gil Manzano, and then a Cunha double sealed the comeback. Roma dominated the first half but could not hold on after the break, as the home crowd swelled and United grew in confidence. The collapse came after the interval, when Roma lost possession, shape and composure. Vásquez saved Bruno Fernandes's first penalty, but the referee ordered it retaken and he could not stop the second. Mancini was involved in the contact with Cunha that led to the spot kick, which the report describes as a very debatable call. Balerdi had been outstanding for more than 80 minutes, dominating the defence with authority, precision and quick recoveries, before missing the ball at the centre of the box from a Bruno Fernandes cross, which gave Cunha the equaliser. Hermoso also struggled after the break, fading along with the rest of the back line. Rodrigo Mora was rated 7 for his vision and passing, and his interval withdrawal was felt keenly, with Roma losing quality, unpredictability and the ability to frighten United. Soulé was also rated 7 for his first-half display, though he faded in the second. Malen scored his penalty with composure but faded after the break. Cristante was rated 6.5 for a commanding first half, and Wesley was praised for his defensive covers, though he was too erratic going forward. Pisilli, who came on for Mora at 46 minutes, was rated 5 and was described as having failed to add quality or energy to midfield. Rensch played only 22 minutes and was not rated, as he was injured, and Lulli came on for him and was rated 5. Ghilardi replaced Mancini at 75 minutes and Ndicka replaced Hermoso at the same time, both rated 6, while Castro came on for Malen at 78 minutes and was rated 5.5. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a first half in which he was tireless but a second half in which he was overrun. Gasperini was rated 5. The report said Roma were a side of two faces and that the coach's changes did not work, with Mora's withdrawal costing the team offensive quality and the substitutions of Pisilli and Lulli failing to pay off. It said the recurring problem was that Roma fell apart as soon as they conceded, losing their identity and confidence once their opponents gained courage. The report concluded that Gasperini would have much to reflect on after a defeat that left a bitter taste.