Como pulled off a stunning upset against Roma, defeating the prominent Serie A team 2-0 at home, with goals from Alessandro Gabrielloni and Nico Paz at the 93rd and 97th minutes respectively. This victory wasn't just about the points; it was about proving the spirit and resilience of Como, as team coach Cesc emphasized post-match.
"The important thing is the team, Gabrielloni's goal and the feeling of playing face to face against a great team. The boys and the city deserved an evening like this, because we worked on many things," Cesc stated proudly after the match. His words reflected the collective effort and ambition of the team to make their mark against formidable opponents.
The match started with some spirited exchanges, but it was clear early on the team from Como brought a certain hunger to the pitch, something acknowledged by Roma's coach Claudio Ranieri. He remarked on his team's shortcomings, saying, "They had more desire to win, we made a mistake at the time of the free kick, we can't make mistakes like this. Como did everything to win... we weren't good at creating those problems for them like we did in the first half."
Indeed, Como's determination was palpable, as they poured their heart and soul onto the field. Cesc noted, "Sometimes it's not a question of tactics but of resilience, desire, and nastiness. We are Como, and to get results against these teams, we have to do more than them." It’s this mentality of outworking the competition that's been foundational for the club's ambitions.
The first half showcased both teams aiming for control, with Roma trying to establish their attacking prowess. But as the game unfolded, fatigue appeared to set in for the visitors. Ranieri mentioned, “Tiredness? Probably, but I don't like making excuses.” This acknowledgment of physical and tactical limitations perhaps highlighted the gap between expectation and execution for Roma.
Como, on the other hand, appeared rejuvenated as the match progressed. The sense of community spirit echoed through the stands, driving the players to act on their probabilities whenever the opportunity arose. The vibrancy of support created by local fans uplifted the team, making it hard to overlook how significant this night was not just for the points earned but for the pride gained.
The late-game efforts by Como culminated with both Gabrielloni and Paz etching their names on the scoresheet, sending waves of joy through the club and their supporters. Cesc’s emphasis on creating this game day atmosphere every week is pivotal for Como. "We must continue like this," he affirmed, encouraging consistency moving forward.
On the other side, questions loom over Roma’s future matches as attention shifts to their readiness for the Italian Cup. Ranieri’s reflections reveal the need for adaptability and improvement. “It seems premature to me, it's a test... we have to react, now the Italian Cup is coming and we have to get through the round,” he asserted. A call for resilience echoed lines similar to Como’s mantra, mulling over how they can rebound from this setback.
The presence of former Premier League star Dele Alli caught the attention of many during the match, as he was spotted watching from the stands. Cesc shared his encounter with the player, hinting at possible training sessions after Christmas. Yet, for the moment, the focus remains on ensuring the home team's dazzling spirit becomes consistent—it’s the kind of atmosphere at Como they must cultivate week-in and week-out.
This remarkable victory serves as both motivation and as testimony to Como's ambition. With resilience, community support, and the right mindset, they aspire not only to secure points but to inspire joy and pride back to their beloved city.
