Gasperini: ‘Roma and Como same level, cannot predict Real Madrid choices’
ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, looks on before the Serie A match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on September 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gian Piero Gasperini feels Roma and Como are ‘on the same level’ going into Sunday’s showdown, but injuries are taking their toll. ‘I cannot predict who’ll play against Real Madrid.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday at 11.30 UK time (12.30 CEST).
The press conference started with surprisingly bad news, as there had been reports of a minor injury to goalkeeper Mile Svilar, but Gasperini revealed it was a stress fracture that will require at least a month on the sidelines.
That gives the gloves to Pierluigi Gollini, who only ever made one appearance in the Giallorossi jersey in the Europa League last season, and hasn’t played in Serie A since October 2024.
Konstantinos Koulierakis has also been ruled out by a knock when playing for Greece against Germany, but Lorenzo Pellegrini is available at long last.
Gasperini counts Roma problems
“We start from where we left off,” insisted Gasperini after the long break for international duty.
“This is a team feeling confident and in good shape. Tomorrow will be an important match. Como deserve all the praise they receive, as we are talking about a team competing with the top clubs.
“Inter remain a little above the rest, but our performance against them was positive, and we must build on that. I feel that Como are on the same level as us, Juventus, Milan and Atalanta, that group challenging for something just behind Inter.”
Notably, Gasperini did not mention Lazio, who are currently joint leaders of Serie A after five rounds alongside Inter and Roma.
The start to the season has felt like building momentum around the Giallorossi, but the coach insists there is no need to convince fans.
“If anything, it’s the opposite, the fans have enormous passion that is contagious for me and the team. Playing with this enthusiasm and a packed stadium every time can only be favourable and positive.”
Gasperini is at pains to point out that Roma still have limited resources, especially now they are in the Champions League and have a huge game coming up.
“Tomorrow we have 18 outfield players and 16 of them will play. I hope this message can get across, because at this moment I cannot predict who will play against Real Madrid, let alone Genoa, Bratislava and so on.
“We are talking about something entirely unpredictable. I just hope not to have any more injuries.”
For the first time in many years, there is some genuine discussion of a Scudetto challenge at Roma, a club without a Serie A victory since 2001.
“When you ask me why Roma don’t win trophies, that’s a very long and complicated response, so I will give you the freedom to consider it,” said the coach.
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