Roma Set to Rely on Third-Choice Goalkeeper Against Manchester United
AS Roma’s hopes for a crucial Champions League fixture against Manchester United have taken a hit with the news that goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini has not recovered from a back injury. As a result, Roma will have to field a third-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CEST).
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Concerns arose regarding Gollini’s fitness after he sustained a back problem during the last training session. Despite a late fitness test conducted at the team’s hotel in Manchester, the results were negative, ruling him out for the important clash.
Roma lose Gollini at Old Trafford
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Pierluigi Gollini of AS Roma reacts with Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between AS Roma and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio Olimpico on October 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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Gollini had been stepping in for first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who has been sidelined for over a month.
Sky Sport Italia, the Corriere dello Sport and more have confirmed that Gollini will not take part in tonight’s match at Old Trafford.
With Gollini out, coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces the challenge of selecting a third-choice goalkeeper for the match.
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Devis Vasquez goalkeeper of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images)
Reports indicate that Devis Vasquez is the leading candidate for the role, despite being initially left off the Champions League squad. He was added only after Svilar’s injury. Vasquez participated in just one competitive match last season for Besiktas against Karagumruk on April 27.
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Another possibility for Roma is 19-year-old Giorgio De Marzi, who represents the USA at the Under-20 level.
Additionally, there are rumors suggesting that Leonardo Balerdi and Rodrigo Mora may enter the starting line-up, aiming to exploit the weaknesses of a struggling Manchester United side.
Roma (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Balerdi, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen
