Gasperini: Roma must focus on improving themselves, not rivals

As Roma prepare for Sunday's trip to Como, former manager Rafa Benitez has outlined the match as a crucial test in the title race. Benitez described Roma as "the expression of Gasp: football at full pace, high pressing, immediate vertical passes", singling out the squad for praise ahead of a fixture he believes will offer significant pointers in the race to stay alongside the defending champions. Como striker Moise Kean returned early from international duty with a muscular strain, missing Turkey's match, but optimism is growing at the club that he will be available by Sunday; he will be managed carefully in the coming days. Nico Paz is also expected back at Mozzate on Thursday from Argentina. Legend Giuseppe Giannini analysed Como's tactical approach, identifying how Roma might exploit it. "The team of Fabregas has a purely Spanish style of play, based on ball possession and a dense network of passes," Giannini said. "And it is precisely in the nature of the Giallorossi to break up the opposition's play and launch the counter-attack." He highlighted Manu Koné's growing importance to the side's balance and tactical system, noting that his recent brace against Inter has added a new dimension to his threat in the penalty area. Benitez reserved specific praise for four Roma players: "Malen is devastating, Dybala has returned to his levels, Koné demolishes and pushes, Rodrigo Mora comes in and breaks the game. When they are well, you struggle to contain them."

Como versus Roma is the standout fixture of Serie A's sixth round, marking the league's return after the international break. Both clubs rank among the three finest teams in Italian football, a narrative that extends beyond the fan base into wider football circles. Rafa Benítez told Gazzetta dello Sport he expects the match to be spectacular and tactically rich, with potential to establish which team can credibly challenge the defending champions alongside Inter. Benítez framed Como's manager Fabregas and Roma's Gasperini as operators separated by age but united in their pursuit of beautiful football. He singled out Como's young talent—Nico Paz, Baturina (described as "delicious"), the 21-year-old Ramon for his natural defending, and the 25-year-old Da Cunha—as genuine prospects. On Roma, he highlighted the club's high-pressing football and immediate verticality under Gasperini, crediting Malen's explosive output within the tactical framework and Dybala's return to form. Benítez stated: "The match will be spectacular, contested, full of tactical solutions and inventions. Not merely about Fabregas and Gasp, but also performers who captivate the crowd. It won't be a knockout tie, but the anti-Inter candidate could emerge from it. They are the two best-positioned to stand alongside the Italian champions. Strong sides, different yet equal in their pursuit of spectacle, guided by coaches distant in age but close in aesthetic vision." He added that Koné destroys and drives in midfield while Rodrigo Mora provides impact as an impact substitute: "When they play well, you struggle to contain them."

Donyell Malen and Wesley have recovered from injury and will be available for Roma's trip to Como on Sunday, bringing a significant boost to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the campaign resumes after the international break. Both players showed positive signs in training on 6 October, taking part in sessions alongside their teammates, and are now considered fit for selection. Malen's return is particularly important for Gasperini, who will be able to rely on his attacking reference point after the physical problem that sidelined him before the break. The forward is heading towards a central attacking role in the Sinigaglia fixture. Wesley, the Brazilian defender, has used the pause to recover and is also back in full availability for the coach as the league campaign restarts.