Gasperini rallies Roma ahead of Como trip, drawing energy from stadium atmosphere

Tension has escalated between Como manager Cesc Fabregas and Italy's national team medical staff over Moise Kean's availability, just hours before Como's match against Roma at the Sinigaglia. Kean, Como's striker, is currently sidelined by a strong tibia contusion sustained during international duty and will miss the Roma fixture. Fabregas opened the dispute in his pre-match press conference, criticizing the coordination between the federation and clubs. He stated that Kean suffered the injury in Italy's first match against Belgium but then played a full 90 minutes against France despite the damage. The Como boss argued that communication between the federation and clubs needs improvement, adding that Kean will require around ten days of rest and will miss Roma. "When he returns, he returns," Fabregas said. Italy's medical team responded swiftly through Dr Angelo De Carli, the national team's medical chief, via La Gazzetta dello Sport. De Carli defended the federation's handling of player welfare: "To monitor the conditions of the called-up players, the national team's medical staff keeps the club doctors constantly updated, with whom it has frequent contacts before, during and after the retreat. This was done regularly during this break window as well."

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.

Como manager Cesc Fabregas spoke at a press conference on the eve of tomorrow's fixture against Roma, scheduled for 12.30. Fabregas expressed his admiration for Roma and their head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, calling them "a very great squad and a great manager". He outlined his tactical approach: "An important match against a very great squad and a great manager. Great respect for what they do, we will try to play a great match and to play as we know how." Fabregas highlighted Roma's attacking ambitions and their system under Gasperini. "I think Roma is a very attacking squad, very offensive, that allows itself so many offensive players up front. It has a lot of young people, Gasperini has developed the careers of so many players. We both want to be offensive, with movement. I like to watch their matches. The manager has been coaching for 30 years, if you look at his way of playing it is to admire. Enormous respect. He has his way of playing, changes little and truly believes in what he does." Fabregas also addressed the absence of Moise Kean, Como's striker, who suffered an injury during international duty. "He will have a week or 10 days of stop, he took an important blow against Belgium. Then the communication between Federation and club, as happens for everyone, could be better. He played 90 minutes, with an injury after yesterday's scan. When he returns, he will return." Kean played the full 90 minutes for his country despite the injury sustained against Belgium.

Roma prepare to face Como after the international break with Gian Piero Gasperini contending with significant absences. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar is sidelined and will miss the entire run of matches until the next international pause, while Bryan Cristante remains injured. Konstantinos Koulierakis is also unavailable due to a contusion, leaving the manager stretched in key areas as the campaign resumes and the title race intensifies. The tactical picture remains fluid across the available reports. Pierluigi Gollini will deputise in goal, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the defensive line in a three-man system. Marten de Roon is expected to start in midfield, while Lorenzo Pellegrini is favoured over both Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield slots. The formation varies between configurations, with some reports suggesting a 3-4-2-1 shape featuring Paulo Dybala and Pellegrini behind Donyell Malen, while others propose a 3-4-1-2 with Pellegrini in a deeper midfield role supporting Dybala and Malen in attack. Nahuel Molina and Wesley feature as wing-backs across most predictions, with Manu Koné anchoring the midfield. The competing lineups reflect ongoing debate among observers about Gasperini's preferred balance between defensive security and attacking thrust, particularly given the personnel constraints imposed by injury.

Pierluigi Gollini steps into Roma's first-choice goalkeeper role today at Como after Mile Svilar suffered a stress fracture to his little toe. Svilar is not expected to return before 21 November, when Roma face Parma after the next international break, leaving Gollini to provide continuity through a demanding fixture run rather than a short-term stand-in. Gian Piero Gasperini has shown no hesitation in backing his goalkeeper. At the pre-match press conference, the head coach said: "He has always trained well and must have everyone's confidence." The choice carries weight because Gollini and Gasperini worked together at Atalanta, giving the goalkeeper an existing understanding of the coach's tactical demands. For Roma's defence — Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso and others — the transition will demand new communication patterns, adjusted timing on exits and altered management of space, since Gasperini asks his goalkeepers to operate deep in their half and accept frequent individual duels. Gollini's last Serie A appearance came on 5 October 2024, when he defended Genoa's goal against Atalanta under Gasperini. He joined Roma in January 2025 and has since played just one official match—against Panathinaikos in European competition—where he was exposed for the Greek goal. Svilar had kept him almost entirely out of the picture until now. Roma enter a sequence of nine matches in 27 days, with league and Champions League fixtures interlocking without respite. This is no brief absence for Gollini to manage; he must guarantee security to a squad accustomed to Svilar as a core reference point. The real test begins today at Como. Gollini has long awaited his chance, though likely not imagined it would arrive at the most congested point of autumn, with Roma losing their number one at precisely the wrong moment.

Roma travel to Como for a Serie A clash with Champions League implications after the international break, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini facing a significant injury crisis. Mile Svilar will miss all matches until the next break, forcing Pierluigi Gollini into goal. Bryan Cristante and Konstantinos Koulierakis are also unavailable, with Marten de Roon stepping in to cover the midfielder's absence. Lorenzo Pellegrini appears to have won the main selection battle, with the attacking midfielder preferred over both Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé for a central attacking role. The squad selections reveal competing tactical approaches across Italian newspapers. The Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera both favour a 3-4-2-1 shape with Pellegrini partnering Paulo Dybala in a two-man attacking unit behind Donyell Malen as the striker, and Nahuel Molina at right-back. The Corriere dello Sport and Il Messaggero lean toward a 3-4-1-2 with Pellegrini sitting deeper in the number-ten role, though they differ on the fullback choice—the Corriere prefer Emanuele Lulli, while the Messaggero backs Molina. Tuttosport aligns with the Gazzetta formation. The defensive spine remains constant across all predicted lineups: Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso at centre-back, with Wesley at left-back and Manu Koné alongside de Roon in midfield. The uncertainty centres on Molina's selection at right-back, with Lulli still hopeful of inclusion, and the precise attacking configuration behind the striker—whether Pellegrini operates in a two-man partnership or drops into midfield cover.

Roma prepare to face Como after the international break with Gian Piero Gasperini contending with significant absences. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar is sidelined and will miss the entire run of matches until the next international pause, while Bryan Cristante remains injured. Konstantinos Koulierakis is also unavailable due to a contusion, leaving the manager stretched in key areas as the campaign resumes and the title race intensifies. The tactical picture remains fluid across the available reports. Pierluigi Gollini will deputise in goal, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the defensive line in a three-man system. Marten de Roon is expected to start in midfield, while Lorenzo Pellegrini is favoured over both Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield slots. The formation varies between configurations, with some reports suggesting a 3-4-2-1 shape featuring Paulo Dybala and Pellegrini behind Donyell Malen, while others propose a 3-4-1-2 with Pellegrini in a deeper midfield role supporting Dybala and Malen in attack. Nahuel Molina and Wesley feature as wing-backs across most predictions, with Manu Koné anchoring the midfield. The competing lineups reflect ongoing debate among observers about Gasperini's preferred balance between defensive security and attacking thrust, particularly given the personnel constraints imposed by injury.

Roma travel to Como for a Serie A clash with Champions League implications after the international break, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini facing a significant injury crisis. Mile Svilar will miss all matches until the next break, forcing Pierluigi Gollini into goal. Bryan Cristante and Konstantinos Koulierakis are also unavailable, with Marten de Roon stepping in to cover the midfielder's absence. Lorenzo Pellegrini appears to have won the main selection battle, with the attacking midfielder preferred over both Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé for a central attacking role. The squad selections reveal competing tactical approaches across Italian newspapers. The Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera both favour a 3-4-2-1 shape with Pellegrini partnering Paulo Dybala in a two-man attacking unit behind Donyell Malen as the striker, and Nahuel Molina at right-back. The Corriere dello Sport and Il Messaggero lean toward a 3-4-1-2 with Pellegrini sitting deeper in the number-ten role, though they differ on the fullback choice—the Corriere prefer Emanuele Lulli, while the Messaggero backs Molina. Tuttosport aligns with the Gazzetta formation. The defensive spine remains constant across all predicted lineups: Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso at centre-back, with Wesley at left-back and Manu Koné alongside de Roon in midfield. The uncertainty centres on Molina's selection at right-back, with Lulli still hopeful of inclusion, and the precise attacking configuration behind the striker—whether Pellegrini operates in a two-man partnership or drops into midfield cover.

Como and Roma meet at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 12:30 on Saturday in one of Serie A's most tactically intriguing fixtures, pitting Cesc Fabregas's approach against Gian Piero Gasperini's high-intensity system. The match centres on a duel between two Argentine left-footers: Como's Nico Paz, who scored for Argentina in a farewell tribute to Lionel Messi, and Roma's Paulo Dybala, set to lead the attack alongside Donyell Malen. Fabregas said ahead of the tie: "We respect Roma but we will not change our way of thinking—we will play with our faces open." Roma's preparation has been disrupted by injury to Mile Svilar. The Serbian goalkeeper has suffered a stress fracture to the fifth metatarsal on his right foot and will miss approximately one month, ruling him out of a crucial run of fixtures spanning Serie A and the Champions League, including matches against Real Madrid, Napoli and Manchester United. Pierluigi Gollini will make his first start in Serie A, stepping in after a long spell without competitive action. Gasperini must also contend with the absence of Bryan Cristante in midfield. Como face their own forward problems: Moise Kean has been sidelined by an injury sustained during international duty with Italy and will be unavailable for around ten days. Fabregas responded sharply to the situation, saying: "Moise will be out for 10 days. He took a blow in the first match against Belgium and then returned to play another match as an injured player for the full 90 minutes. Communication between the clubs and the Italian Football Federation should improve." The two managers have faced each other three times in the past year, deploying five different formations across those meetings.

Roma prepare to face Como after the international break with Gian Piero Gasperini contending with significant absences. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar is sidelined and will miss the entire run of matches until the next international pause, while Bryan Cristante remains injured. Konstantinos Koulierakis is also unavailable due to a contusion, leaving the manager stretched in key areas as the campaign resumes and the title race intensifies. The tactical picture remains fluid across the available reports. Pierluigi Gollini will deputise in goal, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the defensive line in a three-man system. Marten de Roon is expected to start in midfield, while Lorenzo Pellegrini is favoured over both Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield slots. The formation varies between configurations, with some reports suggesting a 3-4-2-1 shape featuring Paulo Dybala and Pellegrini behind Donyell Malen, while others propose a 3-4-1-2 with Pellegrini in a deeper midfield role supporting Dybala and Malen in attack. Nahuel Molina and Wesley feature as wing-backs across most predictions, with Manu Koné anchoring the midfield. The competing lineups reflect ongoing debate among observers about Gasperini's preferred balance between defensive security and attacking thrust, particularly given the personnel constraints imposed by injury.

Roma travel to Como for a Serie A clash with Champions League implications after the international break, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini facing a significant injury crisis. Mile Svilar will miss all matches until the next break, forcing Pierluigi Gollini into goal. Bryan Cristante and Konstantinos Koulierakis are also unavailable, with Marten de Roon stepping in to cover the midfielder's absence. Lorenzo Pellegrini appears to have won the main selection battle, with the attacking midfielder preferred over both Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé for a central attacking role. The squad selections reveal competing tactical approaches across Italian newspapers. The Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera both favour a 3-4-2-1 shape with Pellegrini partnering Paulo Dybala in a two-man attacking unit behind Donyell Malen as the striker, and Nahuel Molina at right-back. The Corriere dello Sport and Il Messaggero lean toward a 3-4-1-2 with Pellegrini sitting deeper in the number-ten role, though they differ on the fullback choice—the Corriere prefer Emanuele Lulli, while the Messaggero backs Molina. Tuttosport aligns with the Gazzetta formation. The defensive spine remains constant across all predicted lineups: Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso at centre-back, with Wesley at left-back and Manu Koné alongside de Roon in midfield. The uncertainty centres on Molina's selection at right-back, with Lulli still hopeful of inclusion, and the precise attacking configuration behind the striker—whether Pellegrini operates in a two-man partnership or drops into midfield cover.

Lorenzo Pellegrini holds a slight edge over Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora in Gasperini's selection for today's match at Como, with the attacking midfielder spot the key tactical question before the side faces Real Madrid. Gasperini is ready to rotate his offensive resources across the trequarti, where Pellegrini is favoured alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in a fluid attacking setup. At centre-back, Evan N'Dicka is the preferred option over Leonardo Balerdi, while Konstantinos Koulierakis is unavailable after suffering a contusion on international duty but will return to the squad from tomorrow onwards. On the flanks, Gasperini intends to keep faith with the pairing of Nahuel Molina and Wesley.