Roma return from the long international break with their wide players carrying a weight that would have been hard to imagine a season ago. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side go to Como at the top of Serie A, level in the early role of Inter’s principal challengers with Cesc Fabregas’ team, and the work on the flanks has become one of the clearest explanations for that rise.
The decision
Gasperini is expected to begin at Como with Nahuel Molina on the right and Wesley on the left. It is a selection based on more than their availability: the Argentine and the Brazilian remained at Trigoria throughout a three-week pause, while young Lulli is due back on Thursday after Italy Under-21 duty and would still have time to prepare.
The coach’s preference is also connected to the opponent. Como are likely to use Martin Baturina and Assane Diao in their attacking wide roles. Both can be dangerous when carrying the ball, and Roma will aim to make them work in their own half as well. If those players are repeatedly drawn into defensive duties, their sharpness in the final third may be reduced.
There is no rigid division between the two Roma flanks under Gasperini. Wesley is most at home on the right but has played more often on the left since arriving in the capital. Molina, too, has already featured on either side, as Rensch has done regularly during Gasperini’s 16 months in charge.
That flexibility could again be used during the match at Como. Even if Molina and Wesley start in the expected positions, Roma may switch them as the game develops, changing the reference points for Como’s defence and looking for a different route into the attack. Wesley is the more natural runner in support of Roma’s forward play, while Molina may be asked to provide a steadier defensive balance.
Sunday’s picture
The progress of Roma’s wing play is stark when set against last season. Wesley was the only player in the role to offer consistent conviction, while Mehmet Celik was valued for reliability but had limitations in other aspects of the game. This time, Lulli has emerged during the campaign and Molina has gradually found his physical rhythm, adding both quality and support in advanced areas.
Through the opening six league rounds, Roma’s wide players have created 24 chances: 13 from Wesley, seven from Molina and four from Lulli. Only Inter have produced more from the flanks, with Federico Dimarco and the early-season arrival Diouf combining for 26 opportunities.
It leaves Roma close behind the champions in an area where they had previously lacked influence. Against Como, the selection on the wings will therefore be part of a wider attempt to protect their place at the summit while sustaining the attacking supply that has become one of Gasperini’s strongest resources.
