Vierchowod on Como–Roma: 'I hope for a draw'

Como and Roma meet at the Sinigaglia in a fixture carrying major implications for both clubs' league positions and ambitions. Ahead of the match, Como director Carlalberto Ludi outlined his side's approach and acknowledged Roma's quality as opponents. Ludi explained Como's tactical philosophy and the significance of the fixture. "Our game is about having quality and keeping possession, trying to dominate play and unsettle the opposition," he said. "The arrival of Caqueret fits this approach, though Baturina does it very well too. This is a very significant match for us against a very strong team. We hope to face it with our spirit, courage and identity." On the international break, Ludi expressed pride in Como's contribution to their national teams while acknowledging frustration over player absences. "The relationship with the national teams is excellent, but any club cannot be happy when a player returns with a small injury and has to miss a few days. We are proud to have brought 15–16 players to their respective national teams. There is total alignment and constructivity with the federation, though we are obviously disappointed not to have Kean available today." Ludi framed the encounter as a clash of contrasting but methodologically deep projects. "I expect an extremely identity-driven match, a beautiful snapshot of this Serie A. Two different but profound projects, interesting from a tactical standpoint. I expect a courageous team wanting to impose rhythm and play. We hope to make these fans and this wonderful setting happy," he concluded.

Como host Roma at the Sinigaglia on the resumption of the Serie A season in a high-quality fixture between two sides separated by the league table. Gasperini's men travel north with Como hoping to close the gap. Como defender Yan Couto spoke to DAZN shortly before kickoff about the challenge ahead. "I am very happy to be here and in this squad," he said. "I expect a very difficult match, but we have prepared ourselves to play a great game. I am finding again that confidence I have not had for some time."

Marten de Roon will make his first Roma start in midfield alongside Manu Koné in today's match at Como, with Bryan Cristante unavailable. The Dutch midfielder, signed from Atalanta, spoke to DAZN before kickoff about the opportunity and his readiness after the international break. De Roon acknowledged the challenge of regaining match fitness but stressed that only playing would help him find his rhythm. He said: "It is always nice, especially to play as a starter for Roma. We prepared very well, the break was long but we trained well. I have regained condition to play, it won't be easy to find rhythm at first but the only way to do it is by playing. I will try to prove I am still a footballer and that Roma can also win against Como." On goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, who is also making his Roma debut, De Roon offered reassurance: "I saw him calm, goalkeepers prepare alone. He knows the environment, has played many matches and is an experienced guy. In my opinion he will be very ready."

Como and Roma meet in a high-quality fixture on 11 October as both sides look to test their ambitions early in the season. Gasperini's Roma face significant absences: Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar are unavailable, with Marten de Roon and Pierluigi Gollini stepping in. Como manager Cesc Fabregas is without Kean, his backup striker. Pellegrini returns to Roma's lineup after six months out, wearing the captain's armband on the trequarti alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. The fixture is early enough in the campaign to offer limited guidance on league position, but Gasperini will use it to gauge the squad's form and competitive level. Roma field a 3-4-2-1: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, de Roon, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Pellegrini; Malen. Substitutes: Vasquez, De Marzi, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Rensch, Lulli, Pisilli, Soulé, Castro, Mora. Como line up in 4-2-3-1: Butez; Couto, Ramon, Chalobah, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Diao, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.

Lorenzo Pellegrini will start for Roma in the Serie A match against Como on 11 October, marking his first time in the team's opening formation for six months. Gian Piero Gasperini's side travel to the Giuseppe Sinigaglia for the sixth-round lunch kick-off, where they face Cesc Fabregas's Como side. The appointment comes during the international break window and presents Roma with a challenging away fixture. Gasperini must manage two significant absences: Mile Svilar is sidelined by a fracture to the fifth digit of his hand, and Bryan Cristante is unavailable. Pierluigi Gollini takes the goalkeeping role in Svilar's place. Wesley and Donyell Malen have recovered from their previous issues and are available. Marten de Roon is set to partner Manu Koné in midfield following Cristante's absence. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Pellegrini; Malen. The referee is Fabbri from Ravenna, with Imperiale and Baccini as assistants, Sozza as fourth official, Gariglio on VAR and Abisso as assistant VAR. Como deploy a 4-2-3-1: Butez; Couto, Ramon, Chalobah, Valle; Milla, Da Cunha; Diao, Nico Paz, Baturina; Douvikas, under manager Fabregas.

Fabio Capello has highlighted Donyell Malen as the key threat for Como ahead of Roma's Serie A sixth-round fixture at 12:30 on 11 October. The former Roma manager analysed the forward's qualities in La Gazzetta dello Sport, warning Como's defenders that Malen will be extremely difficult to contain. "The centre-back who faces Malen—Ramon or Chalobah—must be completely focused and very reactive, because today the Dutchman is unmarked," Capello said. "He has everything: a sense of goal, speed in ball control, power. He is never still. He is also clever, knows how to exploit any ball. In the box he reminds me of Paolo Rossi, with a more powerful physique. Some movements could evoke Ronaldo the phenomenon, though he himself was far more powerful. Above all, Malen always shoots and from every position. Great job by Gasperini to transform him into a centre-forward. When Roma has the ball, he always puts the attackers in motion."