U20 USA international an option for Roma if Gollini misses Man United clash

EMPOLI, ITALY - OCTOBER 30: Goalkeeper Devis Vasquez of Empoli FC reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 30, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Pierluigi Gollini is increasingly doubtful for Roma’s clash with Manchester United because of back pain. However, Devis Vásquez is not the Giallorossi’s only option in goal, as Gian Piero Gasperini may consider 19-year-old Giorgio De Marzi, a USA U20 international, as an alternative.

Roma have been hit by a goalkeeper injury crisis just hours before their away Champions League game at Manchester United.

De Marzi or Vasquez for Roma if Gollini is ruled out?

Second-choice keeper Gollini has back pain and, according to the latest report from Sky Sport Italia, is increasingly unlikely to feature at Old Trafford tonight.

Coach Gasperini will decide at 18:00 CET [17:00 GMT], and if Gollini is ruled out, Roma will have only two options.

The third-choice keeper is Colombian Vasquez, who was reintroduced to Roma’s Champions League squad a few weeks ago after first-choice keeper Mile Svilar sustained a foot injury.

Sky, however, notes that last season Gasperini froze Vasquez out of the team, sending him on loan to Besiktas in the second half of the campaign.

This is why, as Sky and Sport Mediaset report, the Colombian won’t necessarily start in goal for the Giallorossi tonight if Gollini is ruled out.

Roma’s other option is 19-year-old Giorgio De Marzi, who, like Vasquez, hasn’t yet played a competitive match for Roma.

Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, De Marzi holds dual Italian-American citizenship as he was raised in San Cesareo, near Rome. He has one appearance for the U20 USA national team but no senior club experience, unlike Vasquez, a former Milan and Empoli goalkeeper.

De Marzi has been playing in the Roma youth sector since the age of 14 and was called up to the senior Roma team for the first time in December 2024, for an away game at Milan.