Roma – Como: Gasperini tactically nullifies Fàbregas with the intensity of man-oriented marking (1-0)

Roma and Como faced each other in Round 15 of Serie A, in a matchup marked by the meeting of two coaches from different generations and with completely different styles, both offensively and defensively. In the match, the intensity of Roma’s man-oriented marking prevailed over Como’s technical imposition of a light, relational and hybrid style of play.

Tactical analysis and match report by Marcus Arboés.

Gasperini’s team came into the match after two consecutive defeats in the Italian league, but regained momentum with a big away win over Celtic in the Europa League. With a full squad and now playing at home, Roma lined up with Svilar in goal; Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso in defense; Wesley and Rensch as wingbacks; Manu Koné and Cristante as holding midfielders; in attack, Pellegrini on the left, Soulé on the right and Ferguson as the number nine.

Como, on the other hand, arrived on a twelve-match unbeaten run, highlighted by a big win over Internazionale in the previous round. In addition, Fàbregas had three absences: Goldaniga and Morata through injury, and Máximo Perrone due to suspension. As a result, Como were set up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 outline: Butez in goal; Smolcic and Alex Valle as fullbacks, Jacobo Ramón and Kempf as center backs; Lucas da Cunha and Caqueret as holding midfielders, Nico Paz as a number ten on the right and Baturina starting from the left; up front, two natural wingers rotating positions, Assane Diao and Addai.

A clash of different styles

Roma earned their victory with plenty of merit, but their . . .