Roma head into the post-international break period sitting top of Serie A on 13 points from five games, level with Inter, but the mood at Trigoria is tempered by a growing injury list and a punishing schedule on the horizon. The most pressing concern is Bryan Cristante, who has been ruled out with a knee problem that could keep him sidelined for up to three weeks. What began as a suspected minor inflammation has proven more serious, forcing Gian Piero Gasperini to rethink his midfield options ahead of back-to-back tests against Como and Real Madrid. Marten De Roon is the likeliest beneficiary, with his chance to justify Gasperini's faith now arriving sooner than expected. Giulio Pisilli offers another option in the middle of the park.

Attacker Donyell Malen is also a fitness doubt after missing Netherlands duty with a physical problem, adding further uncertainty to Gasperini's planning. On a more positive note, Lorenzo Pellegrini, fit again after a serious injury and yet to feature this season, could make his first start at Como. There is also a broader squad question around Rodrigo Mora, who has impressed for Portugal Under-21 but has yet to nail down a starting spot at club level, with Gasperini continuing to prefer Matias Soulé in that role. Roma travel to the Stadio G. Sinigaglia on October 11 knowing that how they manage this congested period could define their season.