Roma's European campaign suffered a damaging blow on Tuesday as they let a two-goal lead slip at Old Trafford, losing 3-2 to Manchester United in the Champions League. The defeat was the second time this season Gasperini's side have been pegged back from a winning position in Europe, raising serious questions about their ability to manage games once they have control. It leaves Roma on four points in the Champions League table, a position that demands improvement if they are to progress through the league phase.

The loss was compounded by a growing injury list. Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini missed the match with a back problem, forcing Devis Vasquez into a debut appearance at Old Trafford. With Mile Svilar already sidelined, Roma are now operating without their first-choice and second-choice goalkeepers, a situation Gasperini will need to resolve quickly. Paulo Dybala and Mousa Koné also remain unavailable, further stretching the squad's depth.

Despite the European setback, Roma's domestic form remains strong. Ten games into the Serie A season, they sit third with 24 points, one behind leaders Inter. The 5-2 win at Udinese last weekend underlined their attacking quality, with Rodrigo Mora continuing to impress after scoring his second goal in consecutive matches. Gasperini's side host a struggling Sassuolo on Saturday, a fixture that offers a chance to refocus and maintain pressure at the top of the table.