Roma are in a strong run of form but managing a mounting injury list that threatens to test Gasperini's squad depth at a critical moment. Back-to-back victories, a 2-0 win over Genoa in Serie A followed by a commanding 4-0 dismantling of Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, have lifted the mood at the club and restored confidence after the painful late collapse against Real Madrid. The win in Europe was particularly significant, giving Roma their first Champions League victory of the season and moving them to four points in the phase league.

The concern now centres on fitness. Paulo Dybala remains sidelined with a muscular injury sustained against Real Madrid, and reports indicate his recovery is taking longer than Gasperini initially suggested, with a return unlikely before the November international break. More worrying is the news that Lorenzo Pellegrini picked up a fresh injury against Slovan Bratislava. The latest updates confirm the problem is serious, involving a lesion that will keep him out for several weeks.

With Manu Koné also unavailable, Gasperini is short of options in attacking midfield. Niccolò Pisilli has stepped up impressively, scoring against Slovan and emerging as a versatile option capable of filling multiple roles. Santiago Castro also impressed with a goal against Genoa. Roma sit third in Serie A on 17 points and travel to Napoli on Saturday, where the squad's depth will face its sternest test yet.