Pierluigi Gollini delivered a Man of the Match performance in Roma's visit to Como, easing fears that had gripped the club since Mile Svilar's injury sidelined the goalkeeper for a month. With nine Serie A fixtures still to play before the next international break, concern had mounted over a goalkeeper who had barely featured in recent months and had been absent from the league for over two years. Gollini answered with more than saves; he transmitted security to his teammates from the opening moments.
Within seven minutes, his decisive early exit to meet Nico Paz's attempted chip allayed those doubts immediately. Throughout the match, Gollini remained alert and reactive: a low claim on Caqueret in the first half, tipping Paz's effort over the bar in the 72nd minute, and another anticipatory intervention five minutes later. His composure particularly shone in his distribution and decision-making when to leave his line—qualities that often reveal the mental state of a goalkeeper returning from an extended absence. He showed no hesitation or nervousness, choosing correctly almost every time he abandoned the goal line. Gollini maintained this concentration even as Donyell Malen's expulsion forced Roma into a prolonged period of defensive strain.
The article cautions against swinging from complete distrust to exultation after a single 90-minute showing, as it would have been unfair to judge Gollini inadequate before he had played at all. Gian Piero Gasperini, who knows Gollini from their time together at Atalanta, understands his qualities and must now help him rediscover the consistency that only competitive football can restore. Svilar remains the undisputed first choice and his return will be essential. Yet Como has underscored a simpler truth: possessing an extraordinary number one does not necessarily mean the backup is unreliable.
Eight further matches lie ahead before the next break—Real Madrid, Genoa, Slovan Bratislava, Napoli, Cagliari, Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo—in which continuity, reliability and concentration will determine whether this was merely a fine afternoon by the lake or the start of a convincing run.
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Roma's goalkeeper situation has undergone a significant shift following Mile Svilar's injury sustained during a training session on 2 October. All outlets confirm that Svilar will miss approximately one month—nine Serie A fixtures over 28 days until the November international break—and will not return to action before then. The outlets differ slightly on the precise nature of the injury: most refer to a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, though one outlet describes it as a finger fracture. The medical staff are still evaluating whether inserting a screw will be necessary, though Roma's medical experts have indicated that surgical intervention offers the fastest recovery path, potentially allowing Svilar to return after the international window. Svilar himself posted on social media: "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."
Pierluigi Gollini will start against Como in Svilar's absence, marking his return to Serie A action after nearly two years away from the league. The 30-year-old last played Serie A football on 5 October 2024 for Genoa against Atalanta, and his only Roma appearance in the past 18 months came in a Europa League fixture against Panathinaikos. Gollini delivered a Man of the Match performance at Como, demonstrating composure throughout—claiming low shots, tipping efforts over the bar, and making decisive exits from his line without hesitation or nervousness. After the match, Gollini reflected on his two-year absence: "Who wouldn't have doubts after two years without a league match? I played the match in my head this week. In the game I felt good, fluent despite the length of time away. Mental state makes the difference." He credited training alongside Svilar with raising his standards and expressed gratitude for Svilar's encouragement before the game, recalling that his colleague told him: "It's your moment, enjoy it."
Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who managed Gollini during four successful years at Atalanta, defended his goalkeeper's readiness, stating: "He is an excellent backup goalkeeper and now has the opportunity to play many matches. He has always trained well and has value. He must have everyone's confidence." Gasperini also confirmed that defender Konstantinos Koulierakis picked up a knock during international duty and will not be available for Como but should return shortly, while midfielder Bryan Cristante remains sidelined through injury. Devis Vasquez has been reintegrated into Roma's Serie A and UEFA squad lists to provide backup goalkeeping cover. The demanding schedule ahead—with nine fixtures in 27 days before the next international break—means Gollini will face significant minutes at a critical stage of the season.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“Il panico per l’infortunio di Mile Svilar aveva già prodotto le prime sentenze. Un mese senza uno dei migliori portieri del campionato, nove partite ancora da affrontare prima della sosta e la prospettiva di affidarsi a Pierluigi Gollini, praticamente inutilizzato negli ultimi mesi e assente in…”
Read the full article in Italian at TeleRadioStereo.