Roma head into one of the biggest nights in recent memory carrying the mixed feelings of a hard-earned point from Como and a growing injury list that is testing Gasperini's squad depth. The 0-0 draw at the Sinigaglia was defined by Donyell Malen's red card early in the second half, which forced the side to defend with ten men for the final half-hour. They held firm, with goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, standing in for the injured Mile Svilar, producing a string of saves to deny Nico Paz and keep Como at bay. Gasperini was measured in his assessment, noting the team had genuine chances to win before the dismissal changed the dynamic entirely.

The Malen situation has since been resolved. The Giudice Sportivo handed the Dutch forward a one-match ban, meaning he serves his suspension in Serie A and remains available for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid at the Olimpico. That is significant, because Roma need him. Cristante remains sidelined, Svilar is out for around a month, and Rodrigo Mora has not featured in the last two matches, raising questions about his role under Gasperini.

The Real Madrid game carries its own emotional weight, with José Mourinho returning to the Olimpico as the opposition manager for the first time. Roma sit third in Serie A with 14 points and are eager to build momentum in Europe after drawing their Champions League opener against Fenerbahce.