Prediction: Roma vs Como

Both teams are pushing hard for Champions League qualification, with the Giallorossi holding a narrow three-point advantage over their visitors in what promises to be a tense battle.

Roma

After briefly sitting at the summit in late November, Roma have since endured back-to-back league defeats without scoring, as a mounting striker crisis continues to bite. A 1-0 reverse at home to reigning champions Napoli was followed by another single-goal loss away to Cagliari, where Zeki Celik’s dismissal proved decisive.

Those setbacks have seen Roma slip further from the title race, and their attacking woes are clear: of all sides in the top half, Gasperini’s men have scored the fewest goals—just 15 overall, with only seven coming at home. Injuries and poor form have plagued forwards Artem Dovbyk, Paulo Dybala, and Evan Ferguson, leaving the burden on a defense that remains imperious.

Indeed, Roma boast the tightest back line in Serie A, conceding only eight goals so far—their best record at this stage for 12 years. That solidity was on display again in Thursday’s Europa League clash, as they swept Celtic aside 3-0 in Glasgow, with Ferguson netting twice to revive hopes of a turnaround. Now sitting just one point shy of automatic qualification in Europe, Roma return to domestic duty needing a statement win.

Team News

Gasperini rotated heavily in midweek, but regular starters Manu Kone and Bryan Cristante should return. Celik is suspended, meaning Wesley or Devyne Rensch will likely start at right wing-back in the coach’s favored 3-4-2-1 setup.

AFCON-bound Evan Ndicka and Neil El Aynaoui may feature one last time before departing, while Dovbyk remains unavailable. Up front, Ferguson is expected to lead the line, though Dybala—hampered by fitness issues and stuck on one goal in 14 appearances—could operate as a false nine.

Como

Como’s only top-flight away win against Roma came back in April 1950, and their most recent meeting ended in a 2-1 defeat last season. Yet the Lariani have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence since returning to Serie A last year, collecting 24 points from 14 games—their best-ever start—and sitting above heavyweights like Lazio and Juventus.

Fabregas’s side arrived at San Siro last week unbeaten in 11 matches, but Inter Milan ruthlessly ended that streak with a 4-0 demolition, the first time Como had conceded more than once in a game this season. That result leaves them three points behind Roma in a crowded race for Europe, and Monday’s clash offers a chance to prove they belong among the elite.

Known for their possession-heavy approach, Como average over 60% of the ball in Serie A and tried to go toe-to-toe with Inter. Whether they adopt the same bold strategy against Gasperini’s disciplined Roma remains to be seen.

Team News

Nico Paz remains the visitors’ talisman, having scored five goals and provided five assists, while also leading Serie A for shots taken with 51. He will support Tasos Douvikas in attack, as Alvaro Morata is sidelined with a thigh injury.

Sergi Roberto and Edoardo Goldaniga are also out, and Maximo Perrone serves a suspension, leaving Fabregas short of options in midfield.

Head-to-Head

Roma have historically dominated this fixture, winning 11 of the 17 meetings between the two clubs. Como’s solitary Serie A victory in Rome came more than seven decades ago, in April 1950, and they have not beaten the Giallorossi since.

Last season’s encounter ended 2-1 in Roma’s favor, continuing a long-standing trend that strongly favors the hosts.

Conclusion

Como’s possession game will pose questions, but their poor away record—just nine points from 21—and the psychological blow of last week’s defeat suggest a difficult evening ahead.

Roma, who have drawn none of their last 20 Serie A matches, are expected to maintain that streak with a gritty, single-goal win that keeps their top-four ambitions alive.