Roma may have to face a demanding stretch without Bryan Cristante, with the midfielder expecting to miss the trip to Como and potentially the following meeting with Real Madrid because of a knee problem.
Key takeaways
- Cristante has suffered a knee issue and considers the next match unlikely to be within reach.
- The Italian midfielder could also be unavailable for Roma’s encounter with Real Madrid.
- Roma see Como as a direct rival in a long Serie A campaign.
- Cristante believes consistency will be central to repeating last season’s strong work.
- He praised Italy’s younger players after their positive international performances.
A missing reference point for Roma
Cristante’s absence would leave Roma without one of the players who gives the side balance. Speaking at the Adidas “Meet 4 Real” event, he confirmed that the injury concerns his knee and said he would work to return as quickly as possible, while acknowledging that the immediate fixture appears a difficult target.
The Como match carries significance beyond a single Sunday afternoon. Roma want to build on the opening phase of their season, and Cristante described continuity as the essential ingredient if the club are to reproduce, or improve upon, last year’s campaign.
He said the squad began this season from a more settled and solid foundation. That stability, in his view, helped create a shared desire among the players to remain together, repeat their previous achievements and push further.
Roma’s trip to Como will be followed by the challenge of Real Madrid, and Cristante placed both fixtures in their proper context. Como are regarded as a direct competitor, while Real Madrid remain a distinct occasion in any season. He stressed, however, that the championship remains at an early stage and that there is still a long road ahead.
International break and a hoped-for November return
Cristante missed Italy’s recent commitments, but he was encouraged by what he saw from the national side. He accepted that a team containing many young players could experience some early difficulties, yet felt the newer generation had performed very well and offered Italy a strong future.
There are, he added, several players capable of developing further and making an impact for the Azzurri. Roma will hope that Cristante can soon resume his own role in the season, with November identified as a possible point for his return to the group.
He also spoke warmly of the prospect of meeting José Mourinho again, saying it is always a pleasure to see his former coach after the positive moments they shared together.
For now, Roma must prepare for Como without certainty over one of their most reliable midfield presences. The knee will determine the timetable; the league calendar is already asking the rest of the squad to preserve the continuity Cristante believes is so important.
