Rodrigo Mora is expected to start behind Donyell Malen at Old Trafford, but Roma’s biggest selection question is in goal.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Pierluigi Gollini hurt his back during the final training session. A decision on whether he can play against Manchester United will be made late this afternoon.
With Mile Svilar already unavailable, Gian Piero Gasperini could be forced into a goalkeeper change for tonight’s Champions League match.
De Marzi or Vásquez if Gollini cannot play
Should Gollini fail to recover, Sky identifies Giorgio De Marzi and Devis Vásquez as the alternatives.
De Marzi, born in 2007, is an Italian-American goalkeeper who represents the United States at Under-19 level. Vásquez, formerly of Milan, was brought back into Roma’s UEFA squad following Svilar’s injury.
Neither is identified as the clear favourite in Sky’s report, leaving the decision dependent on Gollini’s late assessment.
Balerdi expected to start, Molina ahead of Lulli
In defence, Leonardo Balerdi is tipped to join Evan Ndicka and Mario Hermoso in the back three.
On the right, Nahuel Molina is ahead of Emanuele Lulli for a starting place, with Wesley expected to operate on the opposite flank.
The midfield pairing is likely to be Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon, giving Gasperini an experienced base for the trip to Old Trafford.
Mora and Soulé behind Malen
Further forward, Sky expects Mora to start alongside Matías Soulé, with Malen leading the line.
Gasperini confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Mora was fit. The Portuguese youngster now looks set to get his opportunity from the beginning as Roma look to carry their recent attacking form into Europe.
Roma’s predicted lineup
Roma (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Balerdi, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini.
Predicted lineup, not the confirmed starting XI. Source: Sky Sport Italia.
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