Roma’s return to Serie A at Como may come with an unwelcome decision in goal, as Mile Svilar remains a major doubt for the match at the Stadio Sinigaglia.
The goalkeeper has been troubled by a finger problem which initially appeared manageable, but the pain has increased in recent days and confidence over his availability has diminished. Svilar will undergo a further test before Gian Piero Gasperini makes the final call, with the Roma coach due to speak to the media at 13:30.
It is a delicate moment in Roma’s season. The meeting with Como carries weight for the ambitions of both sides as the league resumes, while Real Madrid are due at the Olimpico on Wednesday. Roma are therefore unwilling to expose their first-choice goalkeeper to an unnecessary risk, even if Svilar is expected to try to play through the discomfort.
Gollini ready if Svilar cannot play
Pierluigi Gollini is prepared to step in should Svilar be ruled out. The former Atalanta goalkeeper has not yet featured for Roma in the league and his only appearance for the club came in last season’s Europa League, a 1-1 draw against Panathinaikos.
Gasperini retained Gollini last summer after Vasco Vasquez was frozen out of the squad. Any tensions from the past have been put aside, and Gollini remains an experienced and respected member of the dressing room.
Even so, losing Svilar would be a substantial setback for the Giallorossi. His final fitness test will determine whether Roma can rely on their established No. 1 in Como or must begin a demanding stretch of fixtures with Gollini between the posts.
