AS Roma secured a pivotal 1-0 victory over a determined Como side at the Stadio Olimpico in the late fixture of Serie A's 15th round. The hard-fought win allows the Giallorossi to keep pace with the league leaders and maintains their strong position in the intense race for a Champions League spot. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men were made to work relentlessly against a newly promoted opponent who demonstrated tenacity and quality throughout the 90 minutes.
First-Half Frustration Met By Como's Resilience
Aiming to consolidate their standing, Roma fielded a formidable lineup, seeking to dominate proceedings early on. They certainly controlled possession and engineered the majority of the early scoring chances. Dynamic forward Evan Ferguson and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini tested Como's resolve with dangerous attempts, but they continuously ran into an inspired performance from Como goalkeeper Jean Butez. The Belgian shot-stopper was a colossal figure between the posts, denying Roma with a series of crucial saves.
The most glaring opportunity for the home side came just before the break in the 42nd minute when Ferguson failed to convert a close-range effort, leaving the Olimpico faithful sighing in collective frustration. Meanwhile, Como, despite being pinned back, showed their counter-attacking threat. However, their efforts were hampered by bad fortune when striker Assane Diao sustained an injury in the 37th minute, forcing coach Moreno Longo to introduce Tasos Douvikas earlier than planned.
Wesley's Breakthrough Moment Shifts The Tide
The deadlock was finally broken in the second half, providing much-needed relief to the tense atmosphere. In the 60th minute, Roma's persistent pressure paid off through a moment of attacking brilliance. Receiving a subtle yet incisive pass from Matias Soule, the Brazilian forward Wesley expertly timed his run into the penalty area. He then unleashed a powerful and precise diagonal shot that finally bypassed the impressive Butez, putting Roma ahead 1-0. This breakthrough served as the crucial turning point, injecting confidence into the Giallorossi camp.
Como's Late Surge And Svilar's Heroics
Conceding the goal did not dampen Como’s fighting spirit; instead, it spurred them into a vigorous counter-offensive. Coach Longo immediately altered his strategy with attacking substitutions, bringing on fresh legs in Stefan Posch and Nicolas Kühn, intent on finding an equalizer. The visiting side subsequently spent the latter quarter of the match creating continuous danger around the Roma goal.
The tension peaked in the 75th minute when Stefan Posch, proving to be an instant threat, unleashed a thunderous shot aiming for the top corner. It took a spectacular, fingertip save from Roma’s goalkeeper Mile Svilar to keep the narrow lead intact. The drama intensified deep into stoppage time. In the 90+2 minute, Posch once again found himself with a golden opportunity from close range, but his effort agonizingly skewed wide of the post.
The closing moments were defined by frayed nerves, resulting in several yellow cards for both teams. Roma retreated into a disciplined counter-attacking posture, nearly sealing the deal in the 90+3 minute when Leon Bailey's powerful long-range strike was tipped over the bar by the ever-alert Butez.
A Defining Victory In The Season's Narrative
The final whistle confirmed AS Roma’s gritty 1-0 victory. This result, achieved through patience and a moment of individual brilliance, secures three vital points for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. They continue their solid momentum in the hunt for a top-four finish, demonstrating their capability to grind out results even when facing stubborn opposition. For Como, while they leave Rome empty-handed, their determined performance against one of the league’s giants sends a clear message: they will be no pushovers this season.