BETTING GUIDE: AS Roma vs Como, match preview, team news and betting tip
Reading Time: 5min | Sun. 14.12.25. | 14:35
Roma start the round in fourth place with 27 points, while Como sit sixth on 24, making this a classic “six-pointer” where momentum and tactical clarity could shape the trajectory of the season for both clubs
Roma and Como meet at the Stadio Olimpico, on Monday, in a pivotal Serie A encounter that carries significant implications for the top-four race.
With both sides firmly embedded in the European qualification picture, this clash represents more than just three points - it is a direct statement of credentials.
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Roma start the round in fourth place with 27 points, while Como sit sixth on 24, making this a classic “six-pointer” where momentum and tactical clarity could shape the trajectory of the season for both clubs.
Roma arrive under mild pressure after back-to-back league defeats without scoring, losing 1-0 to Napoli at home and then suffering the same scoreline away at Cagliari.
Those results exposed Roma’s ongoing attacking inconsistency, an issue that has lingered despite their strong league position.
However, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side responded impressively in Europe, producing a controlled and clinical 3-0 away win over Celtic in the Europa League.
That performance underlined Roma’s ability to reset quickly and showcased the structural discipline that has underpinned their season.
At home, Roma have collected 12 points from seven matches - solid but not dominant - meaning they cannot afford further slips, especially against a direct rival.
Como, meanwhile, come into this fixture having suffered their heaviest defeat of the campaign, a 4-0 loss away to Inter Milan that ended an impressive 11-match unbeaten run.
While that result was sobering, it should not overshadow what has been a remarkable start to life back in Serie A.
Under Cesc Fàbregas, Como have shown composure, tactical bravery, and technical quality, particularly in possession.
They are one of the few sides outside the traditional elite to consistently control games through ball dominance, averaging over 60% possession this season.
Still, their record against teams above them is telling - they have yet to beat any side currently ahead of them in the table, drawing with Napoli and losing to Bologna and Inter.
From a tactical standpoint, Roma are among the most structurally robust teams in Italy.
Gasperini has largely settled on a back-three system, morphing between a 3-5-2 and a 3-4-2-1 depending on personnel availability.
This structure prioritises defensive compactness and vertical efficiency rather than high-volume chance creation.
Roma boast the best defensive record in Serie A, conceding just eight goals so far, their tightest start to a league campaign in over a decade.
The wide centre-backs, typically Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso, are aggressive stepping into midfield, while the central defender anchors the line and protects space behind.
In possession, Roma build patiently before accelerating play through quick vertical passes into the half-spaces, often targeting runners arriving late rather than sustained wing play.
Roma’s attacking intentions, however, remain pragmatic. With strikers like Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala struggling with fitness and form, Roma often rely on Matías Soulé as their main offensive spark.
The Argentine leads the team in goals and assists and frequently drifts between the lines to create overloads.
Wing-backs provide width but are carefully managed, ensuring Roma rarely overcommit numbers forward.
The emphasis is on control, minimising transition exposure, and capitalising on isolated moments rather than overwhelming opponents.
Como present a contrasting tactical identity. Fàbregas has instilled a possession-first philosophy built around a 4-2-3-1 shape that prioritises short build-up, midfield rotations, and technical superiority in central zones.
Their double pivot helps circulate the ball calmly, while Nico Paz operates as the creative hub higher up the pitch.
Paz has been outstanding, leading Serie A in shots and contributing heavily in both goals and assists, making him Como’s primary attacking reference point.
Full-backs are encouraged to step high and wide, stretching opposition blocks and opening passing lanes inside.
However, Como’s bravery in possession can be a double-edged sword, particularly away from home.
Against Inter, their insistence on playing out under pressure led to repeated turnovers and a stretched defensive shape.
Roma are less aggressive than Inter but are extremely efficient at punishing positional errors.
Expect Roma to allow Como controlled possession in deeper zones before springing well-timed presses, forcing play wide and limiting Paz’s influence between the lines.
Como’s attacking intent will likely be more cautious here, with greater emphasis on rest defense and transitional balance.
Team news slightly favours Roma despite absences.
Zeki Çelik is suspended, while Evan Ndicka and Neil El Aynaoui may be unavailable due to AFCON duties, forcing some reshuffling in the back line.
Still, Roma retain defensive continuity and midfield depth through players like Bryan Cristante and Koné.
Up front, Gasperini must decide between Evan Ferguson and a false-nine option, depending on whether Roma prioritise physical presence or technical link-up play. Como, on the other hand, are missing key squad players such as Sergi Roberto and Edoardo Goldaniga, while Perrone is suspended.
These absences reduce their defensive rotation options and could impact their ability to maintain intensity late in the match.
Home and away form also leans Roma’s way. The Giallorossi have won three of their last four home matches and historically perform well at the Olimpico against Como, winning their last two home meetings.
Como’s only two defeats this season have come away from home, and while their away record is not disastrous, it has been far less convincing than their home form.
Notably, they have taken just nine points from 21 on the road and have struggled to impose their possession game against high-quality opposition away from Como.
Head-to-head history further strengthens Roma’s case. While Como won the reverse fixture 2-0 last season, the trend strongly favours the home side in this matchup.
Roma have won the majority of home meetings, and Como have beaten Roma away only once in history, a result dating back to 1950.
Recent encounters have also been low-margin affairs, aligning with Roma’s defensive identity.
Key Pointers;
Roma have three wins in their last four home matches.
Roma won their latest two home matches against Como.
Como are winless in four of their last five away matches.
Both of Como’s losses this season came in away outings.
Roma’s home advantage, superior defensive structure, and experience in managing high-stakes matches give them the edge. While Como’s possession quality may create spells of control, Roma’s tactical maturity and efficiency should be enough to grind out a narrow victory, most likely in a low-scoring contest.
Prediction; Roma to win.
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