RomaSummary
Generated byRoma's Champions League campaign has taken a damaging turn after a collapse that will be difficult to shake off quickly. Leading 3-1 against Real Madrid with seven minutes remaining at the Stadio Olimpico, the side managed by Gian Piero Gasperini conceded three goals in the closing stages to lose 3-4, a result that exposed persistent defensive fragility and added Roma to a grim statistic: all four Italian clubs lost in the second matchday, a first in the competition's history.
The defeat hurt on multiple levels. Two players left the pitch injured during the match. Manu Koné was forced off in tears inside the first 20 minutes, and while Friday's medical tests confirmed the injury is less serious than feared, he will still miss several weeks. Paulo Dybala did not return for the second half, and his recovery timeline adds further uncertainty to a squad already stretched. Donyell Malen, who scored twice on the night, is suspended for the next league match.
Gasperini must now rebuild momentum with limited attacking options. Santiago Castro is expected to lead the line against Genoa, with Pisilli likely starting in midfield to cover for Koné. Roma sit third in Serie A with 14 points from six games, and Saturday's home fixture against Daniele De Rossi's Genoa offers a chance to steady the ship before the squad's problems deepen.
Roma Overview
