Roma’s midfield shortage opens a door for Santiago Castro against Genoa

Roma’s stretched midfield could give Santiago Castro a chance against Genoa, with Gian Piero Gasperini describing the situation as an “emergency”. Manu Kone is recovering from a first-degree injury, Paulo Dybala has calf-muscle fatigue and Bryan Cristante is being targeted for a return against Napoli or the fixture after that.

Gasperini said Kone’s MRI showed a first-degree injury and that the midfielder needs time to recover. He hopes Kone will be back before the international break. Dybala’s issue is fatigue, and the coach hopes he can play next week.

Lorenzo Pellegrini can fill a deeper midfield role, Gasperini said, while Roma work to bring Cristante back. Castro, meanwhile, has already shown he can perform in Serie A. “Tomorrow will definitely be a good opportunity for him,” Gasperini said. That presents a chance for the forward, though Gasperini did not confirm his place in the starting side.

The absences arrive during a packed stretch. Roma’s meeting with Genoa is their third game in a week, and Gasperini said Tuesday’s match will be their fourth in ten days. Roma have also had to manage the demands of facing Inter and Real Madrid, as well as spending much of their recent game in Como with ten men. Gasperini said a squad needs at least 20 players capable of contributing, particularly when injuries and suspensions meet a busy schedule.

Roma also need a response to the psychological hit of their defeat by Real Madrid. Gasperini said the team’s organisation fell apart when the score reached 3-2. He rejected fitness as the reason for late setbacks, instead pointing to resolve and the need to respond better in decisive moments. Roma handled those moments in wins over Parma and Atalanta, he said, but not against Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid.

Genoa bring a different challenge. Gasperini described them as organised, difficult to break down, strong at covering spaces and capable of pressing. They arrive 17th in Serie A with four points from six matches.

Roma host Genoa on Saturday, 17 October, at 20:45 CEST. Gasperini’s immediate task is to get a solid team performance from the players available—and give those stepping in the confidence to make an impact.