Gollini impresses, Mancini and N'Dicka immovable: Roma hold Como 0–0 despite Malen's red card

Donyell Malen's dismissal in Roma's draw at Como has become a focal point of debate, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini arguing that referee Fabbri should have blown for a foul before the contact that led to the red card. Gasperini said: "Basta con i fotogrammi" (enough with the stills), emphasizing a straightforward point: had Fabbri whistled for a foul first, nothing would have happened. The decision proved costly, denying Roma the chance to return from Como with three points. Malen faces a one-match ban, possibly two. The dismissal has invited comparison to a second-round match between Como and Parma, where Caqueret committed what the article describes as a far graver foul but received only a yellow card from Colli. The inconsistency highlights what appears to be a disparity in officiating standards. Como manager Fabregas made no public comment on that incident. Roma delivered a spirited performance despite the numerical disadvantage, competing on level terms and holding firm to the final whistle. The focus now shifts to their next fixture: a meeting with Real Madrid.

Como manager Cesc Fabregas reflected on his side's 0–0 draw against Roma, describing it as an unusual stalemate between two attacking teams. Speaking to DAZN after the match, Fabregas said: "Sometimes football cannot be explained. We are two offensive and propositive teams, a 0–0 is not normal. Perhaps after the red card the match changed, but it was a beautiful game between two teams that respected each other. Both wanted victory. To play against Roma you need plenty of personality, then tactics come in. We had the courage to play, especially 11 against 11 I think it's one of the best performances Como have put in against Roma since I've been here." Fabregas acknowledged regret over Como's failure to capitalise on their numerical advantage late in the contest. "We are in a growth process and did not know how to manage our superiority," he explained. "It required more patience and faster ball circulation. We did not concede any counterattacks with the extra man and that is not a given—when you push forward you risk being exposed defensively and it did not happen." He praised his team's defensive discipline, noting that they created chances for Douvikas, Diao and Nico Paz, though none found the net. On his tactical setup, Fabregas defended his choice to select Caqueret over Baturina. "Sometimes players deserve something. Today Caqueret deserved to play, it was my feeling. I must keep Max in, he is not on the Champions League list. Today was a very important match and I saw him playing very well." Fabregas also drew lessons from Inter's performance against Roma's coach Gasperini: "The best team for me, Inzaghi's Inter, did poorly against Gasperini; from there I must draw conclusions and start preparing matches. In this sense the squad pleased me a lot." On N'Dicka's defensive prowess, Fabregas observed: "N'Dicka is a general. I watch many Roma matches and, always being the last man against strong attackers, if you are not a phenomenon you cannot play like that." He also defended the red card decision as subjective: "It is a personal opinion, I can think different things too, they are points of view. As a player I was sent off in the same manner with a very similar foul; it depends on the dynamic. For me Wesley's red card against Diao was clearer. N'Dicka would never have taken him down, no doubt about it."

Yan Couto spoke to DAZN after a draw between his Como side and Roma, highlighting the opposition's defensive organisation. "Happy with this first clean sheet," Couto said. "Both teams could have scored, we played well in the first half, it was a balanced match. We learn a lot from these games against strong opponents. Roma defended well in the second half in 10." The Como defender explained his tactical positioning during the contest. "Today there was one-on-one defending to do. I was lower to defend and with my movements we could come out of the pressure. I had to attract the man and create space for my teammates," he said. Couto also reflected on his recent performances at Como after two difficult years in Germany. "I feel confidence from everyone, I'm happy to be here after two complicated years in Germany. I'm arriving at the level where I want to be. We've already grown a lot and I'm learning to know my teammates better," he explained. Couto clarified his individual battle during the match, noting that his primary focus was defending against Pellegrini in the first half rather than Wesley, Roma's left-back. "I didn't defend much against Wesley but against Pellegrini in the first half. We expected them to press high. Sometimes I was too close to Ramon and we spoke about that thing. Wesley attacked and defended well like me, it was a nice match," Couto said. The performance represented another opportunity for Couto to build his confidence as he continues his development at Como.

Donyell Malen has issued a public apology following his red card in Roma's match against Como. The Dutch forward was sent off in the second half for a foul on Kaiki at the Sinigaglia stadium. Malen posted on social media: "I apologise to the squad and the fans." The decision sparked debate, particularly because Roma had protested moments earlier for a foul committed against Malen himself that went unpunished. Rather than seeking justification or blaming others, Malen accepted responsibility for the incident. The gesture carries weight at Roma, especially for a player who has quickly endeared himself to supporters and become one of the main attacking references in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. The dismissal will carry immediate consequences: Malen will miss Roma's next fixture against Genoa before becoming available again. The incident underlines his importance to the team and the standards the club expects from its key players. Malen's response reflects a direct approach—addressing teammates and supporters without excuses or deflection. He will be suspended for the Genoa match, after which he aims to return and resume the goalscoring form that has already made a significant mark on his Roma career.

Donyell Malen has issued a public apology following his dismissal in Roma's match at Como, where he was sent off in the 55th minute for a foul on Kaiki. The Dutch forward has taken full responsibility for the incident, despite the decision remaining contentious—a foul against him had occurred moments before his own red card. Speaking via social media, Malen said: "I apologise to the squad and the fans." He has resisted pointing blame elsewhere, choosing instead to own the outcome entirely. The gesture has resonated with Roma's supporters, who have backed him since his arrival. Malen has significantly rewritten both his own story and Roma's trajectory at the club, and continues to inspire hope. He will miss the upcoming fixture against Genoa as a result of the suspension, but is expected to return to the scoring form that has defined his contribution.

Donyell Malen's dismissal in Roma's draw at Como has become a focal point of debate, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini arguing that referee Fabbri should have blown for a foul before the contact that led to the red card. Gasperini said: "Basta con i fotogrammi" (enough with the stills), emphasizing a straightforward point: had Fabbri whistled for a foul first, nothing would have happened. The decision proved costly, denying Roma the chance to return from Como with three points. Malen faces a one-match ban, possibly two. The dismissal has invited comparison to a second-round match between Como and Parma, where Caqueret committed what the article describes as a far graver foul but received only a yellow card from Colli. The inconsistency highlights what appears to be a disparity in officiating standards. Como manager Fabregas made no public comment on that incident. Roma delivered a spirited performance despite the numerical disadvantage, competing on level terms and holding firm to the final whistle. The focus now shifts to their next fixture: a meeting with Real Madrid.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his post-match press conference following Roma's 0–0 draw at Como in Serie A matchday six, where Donyell Malen was sent off in the first half. Gasperini defended his forward's dismissal, saying: "Saying that Malen plays violent football is hard to sustain. He had momentum after being held back and also touched the ball. What is ugly is the jump, but there is no intent on Malen's part. Certainly it was an episode that marred the match. It was a beautiful game and it became less so. Football is not made of stills but of actions, otherwise you can justify everything. There is no will nor determination to hurt from Malen. It's time to stop with the stills—they distort reality. We have suffered this for years, finally this year we see truer football. Please, let's not go backwards." Despite playing two-thirds of the match in numerical inferiority, Roma held firm defensively. Gasperini praised Paulo Dybala's performance in the second half after Malen's exit: "I believe Dybala was extraordinary once we went down to 10 in the second half, cleaning up difficult situations. I believe he, like his teammates, played a match of great substance. I don't recall him losing balls, a shame only for that situation in the first half when he could have scored. But today too it was an extraordinary performance." On his team selection, Gasperini explained he considered bringing Santiago Castro on for Dybala after Malen's dismissal but changed his mind: "Once Malen came off that was the ideal solution on the pitch. Dybala convinced me as we went along, he started to gather several balls, give us the chance to breathe and get out. There were a few situations where a counterattack could almost have started. He was the one slightly more penalized because he had to move between Como's two centre-backs but he did it with great intelligence and true quality as a footballer who knows the game." Gasperini also credited goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini's contribution: "Gollini was undoubtedly strong, also in distribution with both feet and hands. The squad put him in this situation, he was attentive and precise. The squad put him in the best conditions. He is a goalkeeper who will know how to replace Svilar very well." Looking ahead to Roma's next fixture against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Gasperini acknowledged the scale of the challenge: "Real Madrid is a squad of incredible champions, both on the pitch and on the bench. We face one of the best teams in absolute terms, among the strongest in Europe, which made an extraordinary market. Mourinho left a memory and extraordinary affection at Roma, but now our squad is another type—very different from the one that played with Mourinho, which is giving me great satisfaction."

Pierluigi Gollini spoke to DAZN after Roma's draw with Como, reflecting on his first Serie A appearance in two years. On the Wesley-Diao contact at the end of the first half, Gollini said: "From where I was I didn't see anything, I'm seeing it all now. They collide..." Asked about his performance after such a lengthy absence from Serie A competition, he acknowledged the challenge: "I approached it maybe with different tension than usual—not playing for so long, anyone feels it. It was difficult." Gollini was keen to praise his teammate and direct competitor for the goalkeeper position. "I want to tell Svilar to stay calm and recover to the maximum. We're all waiting for him. He's a great professional and a great person; we have a strong relationship. For me today is a reward. Everything I've achieved in my career I've earned through work and hard graft, trying to be ready. There's a circle in life—when you behave well and act professionally, the wheel turns in the end," he said. Svilar reportedly told him recently in Rome to "go out and enjoy your moment," and Gollini stressed: "I'm here to give Roma a hand when needed." Gollini highlighted the mental side of his performance despite the long layoff. "Who wouldn't have doubts after two years without a Serie A match? I played the match this week at a mental level. I felt great mentally and good in the match—I entered an optimal state and felt fluid despite not playing for so long. Mental state makes the difference, then everything else follows. The optimal psychological state helped me deliver the performance." He also praised his positioning and decision-making, noting his timing on exits had been sharp throughout the fixture.

Pierluigi Gollini addressed his outing in Como–Roma, Serie A matchday six, speaking about a disputed incident involving Diao and reflecting on his return to top-flight football after two years away. On the incident in question, Gollini said: "I didn't see anything from my position. I'm watching it for the first time on screen now." Gollini returned to Serie A action for the first time in two years, an assignment he approached with unusual tension. He praised Mile Svilar's professionalism and their relationship, urging patience for his recovery. "My performance today is a reward because everything I have achieved in my career I've earned through hard work on the pitch every day, hammering and hammering and making sure I'm ready. Things don't always go well, but it's a circle—when someone behaves well and is a professional, good things arrive," Gollini explained. He stressed his commitment to Roma, saying he has a career built on consistency and that his presence at the club exists for a reason. Develar contacted Gollini before the match. "He told me, 'Go on, it's your moment and enjoy it.' He's a great player—there's little to say; he's proven it over these two years. I care about him and I'm here to help Roma when needed," Gollini said. He acknowledged the difficulty of stepping in after such a lengthy absence and expressed confidence that professionalism and dedication yield positive outcomes.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his post-match press conference following Roma's 0–0 draw at Como in Serie A matchday six, where Donyell Malen was sent off in the first half. Gasperini defended his forward's dismissal, saying: "Saying that Malen plays violent football is hard to sustain. He had momentum after being held back and also touched the ball. What is ugly is the jump, but there is no intent on Malen's part. Certainly it was an episode that marred the match. It was a beautiful game and it became less so. Football is not made of stills but of actions, otherwise you can justify everything. There is no will nor determination to hurt from Malen. It's time to stop with the stills—they distort reality. We have suffered this for years, finally this year we see truer football. Please, let's not go backwards." Despite playing two-thirds of the match in numerical inferiority, Roma held firm defensively. Gasperini praised Paulo Dybala's performance in the second half after Malen's exit: "I believe Dybala was extraordinary once we went down to 10 in the second half, cleaning up difficult situations. I believe he, like his teammates, played a match of great substance. I don't recall him losing balls, a shame only for that situation in the first half when he could have scored. But today too it was an extraordinary performance." On his team selection, Gasperini explained he considered bringing Santiago Castro on for Dybala after Malen's dismissal but changed his mind: "Once Malen came off that was the ideal solution on the pitch. Dybala convinced me as we went along, he started to gather several balls, give us the chance to breathe and get out. There were a few situations where a counterattack could almost have started. He was the one slightly more penalized because he had to move between Como's two centre-backs but he did it with great intelligence and true quality as a footballer who knows the game." Gasperini also credited goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini's contribution: "Gollini was undoubtedly strong, also in distribution with both feet and hands. The squad put him in this situation, he was attentive and precise. The squad put him in the best conditions. He is a goalkeeper who will know how to replace Svilar very well." Looking ahead to Roma's next fixture against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Gasperini acknowledged the scale of the challenge: "Real Madrid is a squad of incredible champions, both on the pitch and on the bench. We face one of the best teams in absolute terms, among the strongest in Europe, which made an extraordinary market. Mourinho left a memory and extraordinary affection at Roma, but now our squad is another type—very different from the one that played with Mourinho, which is giving me great satisfaction."

Pierluigi Gollini spoke to DAZN after Roma's draw with Como, reflecting on his first Serie A appearance in two years. On the Wesley-Diao contact at the end of the first half, Gollini said: "From where I was I didn't see anything, I'm seeing it all now. They collide..." Asked about his performance after such a lengthy absence from Serie A competition, he acknowledged the challenge: "I approached it maybe with different tension than usual—not playing for so long, anyone feels it. It was difficult." Gollini was keen to praise his teammate and direct competitor for the goalkeeper position. "I want to tell Svilar to stay calm and recover to the maximum. We're all waiting for him. He's a great professional and a great person; we have a strong relationship. For me today is a reward. Everything I've achieved in my career I've earned through work and hard graft, trying to be ready. There's a circle in life—when you behave well and act professionally, the wheel turns in the end," he said. Svilar reportedly told him recently in Rome to "go out and enjoy your moment," and Gollini stressed: "I'm here to give Roma a hand when needed." Gollini highlighted the mental side of his performance despite the long layoff. "Who wouldn't have doubts after two years without a Serie A match? I played the match this week at a mental level. I felt great mentally and good in the match—I entered an optimal state and felt fluid despite not playing for so long. Mental state makes the difference, then everything else follows. The optimal psychological state helped me deliver the performance." He also praised his positioning and decision-making, noting his timing on exits had been sharp throughout the fixture.

Pierluigi Gollini addressed his outing in Como–Roma, Serie A matchday six, speaking about a disputed incident involving Diao and reflecting on his return to top-flight football after two years away. On the incident in question, Gollini said: "I didn't see anything from my position. I'm watching it for the first time on screen now." Gollini returned to Serie A action for the first time in two years, an assignment he approached with unusual tension. He praised Mile Svilar's professionalism and their relationship, urging patience for his recovery. "My performance today is a reward because everything I have achieved in my career I've earned through hard work on the pitch every day, hammering and hammering and making sure I'm ready. Things don't always go well, but it's a circle—when someone behaves well and is a professional, good things arrive," Gollini explained. He stressed his commitment to Roma, saying he has a career built on consistency and that his presence at the club exists for a reason. Develar contacted Gollini before the match. "He told me, 'Go on, it's your moment and enjoy it.' He's a great player—there's little to say; he's proven it over these two years. I care about him and I'm here to help Roma when needed," Gollini said. He acknowledged the difficulty of stepping in after such a lengthy absence and expressed confidence that professionalism and dedication yield positive outcomes.