Roma faces squad shortage during international break with only seven first-team players available

Devyne Rensch has been diagnosed with a right adductor muscle strain after leaving Roma's match against Manchester United after just 22 minutes. The right-back was visibly in pain and had to be replaced on the pitch, with Lulli coming on in his place. The initial assessment by Roma's medical staff revealed a muscle strain in the right adductor. The club will establish his recovery timetable shortly. Rensch is a current Roma defender, and Lulli's introduction means the squad will need to adjust while the extent of the injury becomes clear.

Devyne Rensch has suffered another muscular setback for Roma, the latest injury of the season, after he collapsed to the ground and had to leave the pitch in the 22nd minute of the first half. Lulli came on in his place. A few hours after the final whistle, the first diagnosis came through: a muscular strain to the right adductor. The Dutch defender will undergo instrumental tests in the coming hours to determine the extent of the injury. The feeling is that Rensch could be available again after the international break, which would mean he misses the match against Sassuolo. Roma had been riding a wave of enthusiasm when the problem struck, making it another frustrating blow in a campaign already disrupted by fitness issues.

Roma are two goals up at Old Trafford after 20 minutes of the Champions League league-phase match against Manchester United, but Gian Piero Gasperini has been dealt another injury blow. Devyne Rensch collapsed to the ground in the 20th minute with a muscle problem and was unable to continue. Emanuele Lulli came on in his place. The setback adds to Gasperini's growing list of injured players. Roma have made a strong start, and the loss of Rensch comes at a time when the squad is already stretched. His condition will be assessed in the coming days. The Dutch defender was forced off early in the first half after going down with what appeared to be a muscular problem. Roma's opening 20 minutes were described as extraordinary, with the Giallorossi already ahead by two goals before the injury took its toll.

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 threw away a two-goal lead at Old Trafford, losing 3-2 to Manchester United in another late collapse in the Champions League, following the 3-4 defeat by Real Madrid. Leggo describes the result as another painful late capitulation after Roma had led twice. Roma were dominant in the first half and went 2-0 up within 17 minutes, with Mora and Soulé making the difference. Soulé scored the opener, then won a penalty that Malen converted with real authority. Malen had two chances to make it 3-0, but first fell asleep in the area and then saw a fine save from Lammens. Soulé also tried again with a long-range effort that struck the woodwork. The second half changed everything. United, on the brink, came out with a different attitude and were helped by referee Gil Manzano. He first awarded a dubious penalty for a minimal touch on Mancini. He then ordered the spot-kick retaken after Vásquez, who was in goal following Gollini's injury in the final minutes, had saved the first attempt. Bruno Fernandes scored at the second attempt. From that moment Roma suffered, with Mbeumo also hitting both posts. Roma held firm until seven minutes from the end, when a shocking mistake from Balerdi opened the way for Cunha. Gasperini's side were running on empty, and three minutes later Cunha struck the decisive third goal with a powerful shot across goal into the near post, before being sent off. The defeat leaves Roma with another painful lesson in Europe, following the collapse against Real Madrid, and Old Trafford has once again proved a place of nightmares for the club. Leggo said the late loss is another large regret for the Giallorossi, who controlled much of the match before fading after the break.

Roma threw away a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford, with Manchester United coming back to win in another painful Champions League late collapse for the Giallorossi. The result echoed the earlier defeat to Real Madrid, and the Old Trafford venue has become a source of nightmares for the club. Roma dominated the first half and were ahead within 17 minutes. Mora found the net and Soulé was the difference-maker, first scoring the 0-1 and then winning a penalty that Malen struck masterfully. Malen had two chances to make it 0-3, but first fell asleep in the area and then was denied by a fine save from Lammens. Soulé also went close, with a long-range effort striking the post. In the second half, however, everything changed. United, on the brink, came out with a different intensity and were helped by referee Manzano. He first awarded a dubious penalty for a minimal touch by Mancini. He then ordered the spot-kick retaken after Vásquez, who was in goal following Gollini's last-minute injury, had saved the first attempt, and Bruno Fernandes scored at the second attempt. From that point Roma suffered, with Mbeumo also hitting both posts. Roma held firm until seven minutes from time, when a disastrous slip by Balerdi opened the way for Cunha. The Roma side was running on empty, and three minutes later Cunha made it 3-2 with a fierce strike on the near post before being sent off. Gasperini said: "Ci servirà da lezione", meaning the defeat will serve as a lesson for the club.

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 were dominant for 45 minutes at Manchester United before collapsing in the second half, a defeat that Italian newspapers describe as a painful one. It is the club's second Champions League blackout, following the defeat against Real Madrid, and a collapse that Gian Piero Gasperini will have to work on for a long time. Matías Soulé was named the best Roma player on the pitch, playing a perfect first half, opening the scoring and winning the penalty that made it 2-0. However, he faded in the second half, as did the rest of the team. Defender Leonardo Balerdi was rated the worst player on the pitch, with his error on United's equaliser to make it 2-2 weighing heavily on him. The collapse after such a strong start is seen as difficult to explain, and it puts a spotlight on the team's ability to hold a lead against top opposition. The Italian sports press rated the Roma players in a range of marks across five newspapers. Gazzetta dello Sport gave Soulé 6.5 and Balerdi 4, and Corriere dello Sport gave Soulé 7.5 and Balerdi 4. Il Messaggero gave Soulé 7 and Balerdi 5, while Il Tempo gave Soulé 7 and Balerdi 4.5. Corriere della Sera rated Soulé 7 and Balerdi 4.5, and Leggo gave Soulé 7 and Balerdi 4.5. Gasperini received marks between 5 and 6 across the papers. Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Vásquez started in goal, with Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso in defence, and Rensch, Cristante, de Roon and Wesley in midfield. Soulé and Mora played behind Malen. Rensch was replaced by Lulli at 21 minutes, Mora by Pisilli at half-time, and Mancini and Hermoso were replaced by Ghilardi and Ndicka at 75 minutes. Malen made way for Castro at 80 minutes.

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.