Roma are facing a critical goalkeeping situation ahead of their Champions League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Second-choice keeper Pierluigi Gollini is increasingly doubtful for the crucial away fixture, suffering from back pain.
The potential absence of Gollini compounds an already challenging situation for the Giallorossi, as first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar is currently sidelined with a foot injury. This leaves coach Gian Piero Gasperini with a difficult decision to make regarding who will start in goal against the English giants.
Goalkeeping Crisis Deepens
Gasperini is expected to make a final decision on Gollini’s availability at 18:00 CET. Should Gollini be ruled out, Roma will be left with two less experienced options to deputise in one of European football’s biggest competitions.
The primary alternatives are Devis Vásquez and 19-year-old Giorgio De Marzi. Vásquez, a Colombian, was recently reintroduced to Roma’s Champions League squad. However, his potential inclusion comes with a caveat, as coach Gasperini previously sent him on loan to Besiktas last season, suggesting he may not be the automatic choice.
Potential Replacements
The other option, Giorgio De Marzi, is a USA U20 international who holds dual Italian-American citizenship. While De Marzi has been part of the Roma youth setup since the age of 14 and was called up to the senior team in December 2024, he has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the club. His lack of senior club experience, unlike Vásquez who previously played for Milan and Empoli, adds another layer of uncertainty to Roma’s goalkeeping predicament for the high-stakes Champions League encounter.