Como shocked Serie A fans on Sunday, claiming a stunning 2-0 victory over AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The match, held on December 14, 2024, highlighted Como's resurgence under the guidance of coach Cesc Fabregas, who recently faced criticism as his side struggled throughout the season. With fans rallying behind them, Como seized the moment to steal three points from the Giallorossi, who were coming off two consecutive victories.
Roma entered the match with optimism after recent wins against Lecce and SC Braga, showing glimpses of the potential coach Claudio Ranieri had been working to cultivate. Paulo Dybala took the field as Roma's false nine once again amid last-minute line-up changes caused by illness and injuries. The absence of Mats Hummels, Leandro Paredes, and Bryan Cristante seemed to set the stage for the Giallorossi to continue their winning streak. Instead, the match unfolded as one of frustration.
Despite their early promise, Roma struggled to find any finishing quality during the first half, which ended goalless. Dybala and others had their chances but failed to score. Manager Ranieri remarked on this, saying, "We were playing our game. We could have scored..." His recognition of the missed opportunities highlighted the increasing pressure on the Giallorossi, who will need to capitalize on chances if they are to secure their place in top-flight football.
Como came out to play with fierce determination, clearly outpacing Roma during the latter parts of the match. Against the backdrop of local fans pushing them forward, Como's game plan of defending steadfastly and counter-attacking paid dividends. The defining moment came late in the match when Como’s Alessandro Gabrielloni struck the first blow, toe-poking the ball past Roma keeper Mile Svilar from only meters away. This goal arrived deep in stoppage time, marking Gabrielloni’s debut goal for the team.
To rub salt in the wound for Roma, Nico Paz added a second goal shortly after, benefiting from chaos after Roma pushed their players forward. "Gabrielloni went on the counter... rolled across for Nico Paz to tap [it] to the empty net,” noted the match report. This sequence completely flipped the script on what had appeared to be Roma’s evening, leaving the team and their supporters stunned.
The reaction from Ranieri was predictably measured after the match, stating, "They had more desire to win the game," as he refused to lay blame on players publicly. He emphasized the need for his players to adapt to the flow of the game, noting their inability to do so during the latter part of the encounter. Despite acknowledging the effort put forth by his squad, he concluded with disappointment about their failure to secure even one point.
For Como, this victory not only reinstated confidence within their ranks but also provided much-needed momentum as they aim to escape the lower regions of the Serie A table. The team's performance featured contributions from multiple players but was rooted firmly in their collective desire and tactical execution.
On the side of Roma, the loss is particularly painful—highlighting their fragility as they hover just above the relegation zone. The Giallorossi’s record now stands as four victories against seven losses, as they sit precariously with just two points separating them from the drop zone. The match called attention to the urgency for Ranieri and his squad, with upcoming matches against Sampdoria and others looming large on the horizon.
Svilar, Roma's goalkeeper, was visibly frustrated after the match, calling out to teammates during gameplay and refusing to accept defeat quietly. His visible disappointment was palpable as he quickly acknowledged the fans who had traveled to support their team, only to quickly retreat to the locker rooms. This moment is but one of many as Roma continue to wrestle with inner turmoil this season.
Looking ahead, Roma will have to reassess their game strategy and performance levels as they prepare for their next match against Sampdoria. The hope is to turn their season around before it slips too far from their grasp. Meanwhile, Como will revel in their victory and aim to build on this momentum, hoping for more performances like this as they advance through the season.
This upset serves as both reminder and warning—while the beautiful game can frustrate the strongest of teams, it can also uplift the underdogs on their path to redemption.
