Roma need a first Champions League win without Dybala against Slovan

Paulo Dybala will miss Roma’s meeting with Slovan Bratislava for several weeks, leaving Gian Piero Gasperini without the forward as his side chase their first Champions League win of the league phase.

Roma have taken one point from their opening two matches: a draw with Fenerbahce followed by a defeat to Real Madrid. Slovan are the next chance to start building the points total Gasperini says is needed for qualification. He said teams have reached the target with around 10 or 11 points in each of the last three seasons, and Roma’s plan is to win their home games while recognising the difficulty of away fixtures.

Gasperini described Slovan as “dynamic” and physically well prepared, with some good players. He said they may not be among the competition’s top sides, but Roma will not underestimate them because they need to win.

Dybala’s absence is longer than the coach had hoped. Tests the day before his press conference found a small lesion, and Gasperini said the forward needs “a few weeks more”. Bryan Cristante is also out with a knee injury. Gasperini hopes to have him back for Roma’s trip to Napoli on Saturday, October 24.

Lorenzo Pellegrini offers one midfield option while Cristante is unavailable. Recently returned to availability, he came off the bench against Genoa and helped Roma secure the three points. Forza Roma reported that Pellegrini is in contention to start against Slovan. Gasperini said he can play further forward or as a holding midfielder.

Roma also have M. Bah and M. Kone out through injury, goalkeeper Mile Svilar sidelined with a toe injury, and Donyell Malen suspended. Gasperini said Santiago Castro and Malen have the qualities to play together, but he has not decided whether that would be from the start or during a match. He does not want to alter an attack that is working simply to fit them in; Malen’s suspension rules him out against Slovan.

The fixture is a chance for Roma to respond to their opening results and begin the home-win approach Gasperini believes is central to qualification. Roma arrive third in Serie A with 17 points from seven games, unbeaten at 5-2-0 with a +13 goal difference. Their next league assignment after Slovan is the visit to Napoli, where Gasperini hopes Cristante will be available.