Roma left Como with a point and a renewed sense of their own resilience, after a match split sharply between an outstanding opening half-hour and a long defensive resistance following Donyell Malen’s dismissal.
For the first 30 minutes, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side produced one of the most authoritative spells seen in Serie A this season. Como, so often praised for their composure and ambition under Cesc Fabregas, were forced backwards and denied the rhythm that normally defines their football. Roma pressed high, won challenges, doubled up effectively and repeatedly stepped in ahead of their opponents.
Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini had the clearest openings of that early phase. Dybala was presented with a chance from an area in which he is usually decisive, while Pellegrini struck the post. Roma’s control came from several sources: Manu Koné’s energy, Marten de Roon’s experience and positional intelligence, and the range of Wesley, Nahuel Molina and Dybala in switching play. At the back, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini brought force and aggression to the contest.
Roma’s game changed after Malen’s red card
The balance shifted completely when Malen was sent off. There was also debate over Wesley escaping a yellow card earlier in the match, but the dismissal left Roma to protect their result for the remainder of the afternoon.
From that point, Como had most of the ball and Roma spent long stretches close to their own penalty area. Yet possession did not become a route to clear chances. Fabregas’ team circulated the ball patiently but could not find a decisive opening against a Roma side that had abandoned the flowing football of the opening spell for clearances, duels and collective defending.
Como’s attacking figures were unable to make a decisive impact. Nico Paz appeared affected by the international break and long-distance travel, while Martin Baturina entered too late to alter the pattern. Tasos Douvikas was largely contained by the Roma defence.
Roma’s closing approach was far removed from their early authority, but it underlined another useful quality in Gasperini’s developing side: the willingness to suffer together. The visitors no longer looked to build moves from the back; they focused on keeping danger away from their goal and eventually secured the draw through discipline and determination.
Pellegrini offers Gasperini another option
Pellegrini’s performance was another encouraging note for Roma. Gasperini deployed the captain on the left, rather than in his most familiar role, and the midfielder responded with a lively display that included his effort against the post.
His return to prominence gives Roma an additional player of quality for both midfield and attacking areas. The choice to use him wide may also carry a message for the club’s hierarchy, with John Galantic and the Friedkin ownership facing decisions around the squad.
The match therefore became a compact summary of Roma’s current moment: capable of imposing themselves on an admired opponent when the conditions allow, but also increasingly equipped to defend a result when the afternoon turns against them.
