Roma have returned to the rhythm of Trigoria after the international break, with Sunday’s visit to Como now setting the next test in their Serie A campaign. The match at the Sinigaglia against Cesc Fabregas’s side arrives after an extended pause, and Gian Piero Gasperini used a joint training session with Eccellenza club Sorianese to restore match sharpness and assess the players coming back from injury and international duty.
Encouraging signs from the treatment room
The most positive development for Roma concerns the availability of Donyell Malen and Wesley. Both trained normally with the group after remaining in the capital during the break to complete their recoveries.
- Malen and Wesley had withdrawn from their respective national-team squads after suffering physical problems before the break.
- The pair used the pause to continue their rehabilitation at Trigoria.
- Manu Koné and Mora were also involved in training after returning from international commitments.
- The session against Sorianese gave the staff an opportunity to build fitness levels while checking the condition of returning players.
A midfield choice shaped by Cristante’s absence
The central issue ahead of Como is in midfield, where Bryan Cristante’s absence requires Gasperini to reshape his partnership. Marten de Roon is currently the leading candidate to start alongside Koné.
De Roon remained at Trigoria throughout the international window and has been able to work consistently with the squad. A start at the Sinigaglia would represent his first in the Roma shirt.
Niccolò Pisilli remains part of the coach’s calculations. Having played twice for Italy Under-21s as they secured qualification for the European Championship, he could either be considered from the opening minute or become an important option later in the contest.
International contingent back in Rome
Roma’s international returnees are now all back at Trigoria, allowing Gasperini to prepare with a complete group before the journey to Como.
- The final players to report back were Argentinians Matías Soulé, Castro and Leonardo Balerdi.
- They followed a recovery programme on the morning of the Sorianese training match.
- The lighter work was intended to help them manage both the exertion of international matches and the long journey back to Italy.
With the infirmary becoming less crowded and the international group reunited, Roma enter the Como fixture with more options than they had before the break. The remaining decision is how Gasperini balances freshness and continuity in midfield for a demanding Sunday afternoon on the lake.
