Roma Unveil 22-Man Squad for Slovan Bratislava Clash as Gasperini Shuffles Options

FolioPitch.com – 20 October 2026 | Gian Piero Gasperini has named a 22-man matchday squad for Roma‘s third Champions League league-phase fixture against Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday evening, and the headline news is that Official Roma confirm 22-man squad list for Slovan Bratislava in Champions League duty without three key figures: goalkeeper Mile Svilar, midfielder Manu Kone and forward Paulo Dybala.

The Giallorossi enter the contest with a single point from their opening two European outings, having drawn 1-1 away at Fenerbahce on matchday one before suffering a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid last week, a game in which they led 3-1 with ten minutes remaining before collapsing late on Jose Mourinho’s return to the capital. That result was followed by a morale-boosting 2-0 home win over Genoa, achieved without top scorer Donyell Malen, who was suspended.

Malen’s return is a significant boost for Gasperini, and the Dutch forward is expected to slot straight back into the starting line-up at centre-forward, displacing Santiago Castro. The attacking trident is likely to feature Matias Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini supporting Malen, with the latter continuing in a creative role behind the main striker.

As Official Roma confirm 22-man squad list for Slovan Bratislava in Champions League selections, the absences of Svilar (fractured finger), Kone (hamstring) and Dybala (calf) leave Gasperini without three important performers. Pierluigi Gollini, who started at the weekend, is expected to continue between the posts, while Marten De Roon and Niccolo Pisilli are set to anchor the midfield once more.

Bryan Cristante has been included in the squad after a spell on the sidelines since the September-October international break, though Gasperini hinted in his pre-match press conference that Sunday’s Serie A meeting with Napoli is a more realistic target for the midfielder’s return to the starting XI. The coach’s cautious approach suggests Cristante will be used sparingly, if at all, against the Slovakian champions.

The full squad list, as Official Roma confirm 22-man squad list for Slovan Bratislava in Champions League documentation shows, is as follows:

• Goalkeepers: Vasquez, De Marzi, Gollini
• Defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, Ndicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli, Ghilardi
• Midfielders: Cristante, Pellegrini, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio, Mora
• Forwards: Castro, Malen, Soule

Slovan Bratislava, coached by Yaya Toure, arrive at the Olimpico as underdogs but will be hoping to exploit any uncertainty in a Roma side that has shown vulnerability in European competition this season. The Giallorossi’s defensive record in the Champions League has been concerning, having conceded four against Madrid, and Gasperini will demand greater concentration from his backline, which could feature the likes of Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso.

The match represents a crucial opportunity for Roma to claim their first win of the league phase and climb the table. With fixtures coming thick and fast, Gasperini’s squad rotation will be tested, particularly with the upcoming trip to Napoli on the horizon. The return of Malen provides a timely attacking fillip, while the continued absence of Dybala and Kone places additional responsibility on the shoulders of Pellegrini and De Roon.

As Official Roma confirm 22-man squad list for Slovan Bratislava in Champions League participation, the focus now shifts to whether this group has the depth and resilience to secure a much-needed three points. The Olimpico faithful will expect nothing less than a commanding performance against a Slovan side that has yet to register a point in the competition.

In conclusion, Roma’s 22-man squad for the Slovan Bratislava clash reflects both the challenges and the opportunities facing Gasperini. The absence of key players is a concern, but the return of Malen and the potential inclusion of Cristante offer hope. With a demanding schedule ahead, Tuesday’s match is a pivotal moment in Roma’s Champions League campaign, and the coach will be looking for a response from his players after the heartbreak against Real Madrid. The Giallorossi must turn their domestic form into European success, starting with a victory over Yaya Toure’s side.