“It’s over now.” This is one of the thoughts expressed by Roma fans, on radio and social media, upon the news of Mile Svilar’s injury ahead of a series of tough matches: Como (A), Real Madrid (H), Genoa (H), Slovan Bratislava (H), Napoli (A), Cagliari (H), Udinese (A), Manchester United (A), and Sassuolo (CH).
The Giallorossi have played half of their scheduled matches: a draw (0-0), an undeserved defeat (3-4), and two convincing victories (2-0, 4-0). Gasperini immediately expressed his confidence in Gollini: “He even got called up to the national team. He’s a good goalkeeper, he’s matured.”
Roma have kept Gollini’s goal. In their four games without Svilar, the Giallorossi have kept three clean sheets against Como, Genoa, and Slovan Bratislava. The Roma defenders live to keep a clean sheet by attacking: “We’re a tough team, we want to play with great intensity and always implement the coach’s demands. That’s why it’s crucial to keep a clean sheet.”
Mario Hermoso scores and defends as the coach wants. Ghilardi also emphasized the importance of keeping a clean sheet: “It’s something we strive for, not to concede. We’ll try to continue like this.”
For Gollini, it’s impossible to concede if the opponents aren’t shooting towards his goal. The Giallorossi’s indecision, displayed against Real Madrid in the last two games, has been impossible to replicate.
In fact, against Genoa and Slovan Bratislava, Roma have only conceded one shot on target. Gasperini’s team is determined to maintain this solidity in Naples, a crucial match to stay within touching distance of the top of the table.
Shots on target conceded by Roma since Svilar’s absence
Shots on target conceded since svilar’s absence
- Como: 4 shots on target
- Real Madrid: 8 shots on target
- Genoa: 1 shot on target
- Slovan Bratislava: 0 shots on target