Roma staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Como 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico on March 2, 2025, marking their fourth consecutive victory in Serie A and continuing their surge toward the upper echelons of the league standings. The win was particularly significant for head coach Claudio Ranieri, whose tactical decisions and strategic substitutions proved pivotal as the match unfolded.
The match commenced with Como surprising Roma by taking the lead just before halftime. Lucas Da Cunha capitalized on some indecision from Roma's back line, slipping past Gianluca Mancini to slot the ball past goalkeeper Mile Svilar. This goal came after several missed opportunities for Roma, who were struggling to find their rhythm. Marc Kempf had previously headed over from a corner, and Paulo Dybala had struck straight at Como's Jean Butez with his weaker foot.
Going down 1-0 at halftime, the mood shifted as Ranieri introduced substitutes Alexis Saelemaekers and Artem Dovbyk shortly after the break. Roma's adjustment aimed to bring fresh energy and creativity, but the match remained tense. Although Como appeared to continue their resilient performance, they found themselves facing adversity when Kempf received his second yellow card for bringing down Dybala, leaving them at a numerical disadvantage.
Saelemaekers, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes, turned the tide for Roma, scoring the equalizer. He combined effectively with Zeki Celik and took advantage of a fortunate deflection, lofting the ball over Butez to send the home crowd roaring. This goal not only breathed life back to Roma but also put Como under immense pressure, seeing them reduced to ten men.
Despite Como's numerical disadvantage, they remained competitive until the final minutes. Mergim Vojvoda almost leveled the score again, hitting the far post, and Patrick Cutrone saw his rebound parried away by Svilar even with the penalty area filled. This moment of near disaster only intensified Roma's urgency.
The match’s resolution came when Dovbyk, one of the substitutes, combined beautifully with Bryan Cristante and Devyne Rensch. A precise ball over the top allowed Rensch to volley across the area, where Dovbyk was perfectly positioned to prod home from close range, netting what turned out to be the winning goal.
Ranieri, reflecting on the match, stated, "I warned everyone: playing Como is like going to the dentist. We struggled a lot. During the match, I said to go slowly. It was good for us to get back to this match.” His remarks underscored the resilience required not only from his squad but also the tactical acumen needed to navigate the game successfully.
The victory saw Roma move up to eighth place, now just six points shy of the fourth position held by Juventus, bolstered by their excellent recent form which includes victories across the league, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Europa League. For Como, this defeat was unfortunate, as they have shown considerable improvement over recent games, including wins against Fiorentina and Napoli, yet they remain 13th, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Among the match's notable moments was the return of Dele Alli to competitive football as part of Como's matchday squad, marking his first involvement since February 2023. The 28-year-old, who has faced numerous personal challenges, was seen as part of Como's efforts to boost their attacking options under Fabregas.
With this victory, Roma not only continued their impressive winning streak but also demonstrated the importance of depth and adaptability within their squad. Ranieri’s decisions to utilize his bench effectively reinforced the notion of teamwork and collective responsibility, illustrating how substitutions could change the dynamics of the game significantly.
Looking forward, Roma's momentum could see them competing vigorously for European competition placements as they aim to maintain this upward trend. The next fixtures will be of utmost importance as they strive for consistency and continue to build on this success.