AS Roma faced yet another setback as they suffered a disappointing defeat against Como on December 15, 2024. The loss not only extended their woes on the road but also cast doubt on their preparations and player management under the guidance of veteran manager Claudio Ranieri.
Before the match kicked off at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, Ranieri addressed the challenges of managing player fatigue due to their hectic schedule. "Playing three games a week is tough," he stated, emphasizing the need for tactical adjustments. He made the notable decision to rest key players like Gianluca Mancini, citing the latter's fatigue, and brought players such as Le Fée and Celik to the starting lineup.
Roma started the first half with promise, exhibiting moments of attacking flair and generating several opportunities. Yet, as the game progressed, it became evident they struggled to maintain their intensity. According to Ranieri, "We played well, even if we were a bit too sluggish, but we created some good goalscoring opportunities." Roma appeared to control the match early on, but complacency began to creep through.
Things changed significantly after halftime. Como, displaying greater determination and tactical awareness, matched Roma's play style and adjusted effectively. They capitalized on defensive lapses, which led to them scoring the opening goal from a free kick: "We made a mistake with their free kick... we left a midfielder to defend against a striker, and that's something you should avoid," Ranieri noted, reflecting on the defensive errors made by his team.
The shift in momentum became apparent as Como showcased their tenacity, which contrasted with Roma's gradual decline. Ranieri voiced his disappointment, stating, "We didn’t do a good job of creating the same chances we had in the first half." It was as if Roma failed to adapt to the changing dynamics of the game, which left the manager regretting their missed opportunities.
Fatigue was another factor discussed post-match. Ranieri acknowledged, "Possibly, due to the commitments we’ve had to deal with." Yet he hesitated to blame their lagging performance solely on exhaustion. "I don’t like to make excuses - we should’ve shown the same desire as them. I told the guys who came on... we had to up the intensity," he elaborated, showing his frustration with the team's response to Como's challenges.
The defeat is particularly concerning, as it marks AS Roma’s continued struggles away from home, exacerbated by what had previously been considered one of their stronger points under Ranieri's leadership. The occurrence of significant lapses during the second half is indicative of underlying issues the team may need to address. Paulo Roberto Falcao weighed in on the matter, expressing his confidence in Ranieri’s capabilities: "I think by appointing Ranieri Roma made the right choice. I have total faith in what you’re doing." This confidence is significant, as fans and pundits alike share hopes for improvement.
Artem Dovbyk, who was brought on as a substitute, lacked full match fitness, which also hampered Roma’s offensive efforts. Ranieri acknowledged Dovbyk wasn't 100% fit, yet he attempted to give him game time, reasoning, "We made so many passes up front... but there was never anyone to convert them." The lack of finishing was echoed by numerous failed attempts to capitalize on their earlier momentum.
Despite the mounting frustrations, Ranieri remained cautiously optimistic about the team's future, particularly with the Coppa Italia on the horizon. He stressed the necessity for his players to bounce back, stating, "This match will serve as a lesson for us." It’s evident the team must regroup if they are to make headway and avoid similar pitfalls going forward.
AS Roma has the potential to rectify these issues, and the focus on recovery and reassessment will be pivotal as they prepare for upcoming matches. While this defeat was certainly tough to swallow, it’s also seen as an opportunity to learn and grow as they navigate the remainder of the season.
