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The lights are on at the Sinigaglia as Como and Roma, currently fourth and fifth in the table with 51 points each, go head-to-head on the shores of Lake Como in what promises to be an exciting match. The Lariani come into the game on the back of a hard-fought victory away at Cagliari, while Roma, after last Sunday’s defeat in Genoa, took to the field on Thursday night in the European derby against Bologna, securing a 1-1 draw on the road.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are one of the strongest, most athletic, and best-organised teams in the league. Their 21 goals conceded – the same as Como – are the second-best defensive record in Serie A, behind only Milan’s 20. While Roma were solid defensively but less prolific in attack in the first half of the season, they addressed this in the winter transfer window by bringing in a top-quality player like Donyell Malen, who has already scored six goals in the league.
This match will also be a fascinating tactical battle between two sides with clearly defined playing styles, offering fast-paced, dynamic, and demanding football.
Here are the words of Como 1907 head coach Cesc Fàbregas ahead of Como-Roma:
“These are the kind of big matches that must be approached in the right way, always looking to give that little bit extra. You’re up against top coaches, top players and a very high tempo. We need to play with calmness and confidence, just as we always do, staying true to our identity. Then the pitch will speak for itself.
“I expect a proactive Como side, with clear ideas, strong mentality and courage. Roma will bring great intensity and press high, and they have very physical players. They know exactly the kind of football they want to play and they express it well. It should be a very good match.
“The stadium will be full and we’re very pleased about that. We know our supporters are always behind us, and I always tell the players that we must feed that energy as well. When the team and the fans are united, the energy multiplies, and in matches like these it can make a real difference. I believe that with our supporters behind us, we are stronger.”
Roma
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma have won only two of their last six league games, drawing with Napoli and Juventus while losing to Udinese and Genoa. Now they face Como, squeezed between two Europa League matches against Bologna – a period that will undoubtedly be physically demanding for the Giallorossi, who will also have to cope with several absences on Sunday. Suspended defender Ndicka will force Gasperini to adjust his usual three-man defence, while forwards Dovbyk, Dybala, and Ferguson are sidelined. Konè and Soulè may recover from injury, but are unlikely to start.
Despite these absences, Roma can rely on a deep squad, packed with quality in midfield and in the units supporting striker Donyell Malen. The Dutch forward has carried much of Roma’s attacking responsibility, combining physical strength with mobility to outmanoeuvre defenders and create space for the wingbacks – usually Wesley on the left and Celik or Rensch on the right – as well as the attacking midfielders. Behind him, options remain plentiful with Pellegrini, fresh off a goal against Bologna, alongside Zaragoza, Vaz, Venturino, and Pisilli.
Roma excel through intensity and physicality. They flood attacking plays with numbers, creating density and chaos in the opponent’s penalty area. Gasperini’s side rank fourth in Serie A for passes completed in the box and second for average shot distance, reflecting their forward-leaning approach, while also pressing effectively. They sit second in PPDA (behind only Como) and fifth for shots generated from pressing. Their set-piece threat is also significant, with eight goals from corners, the second-best in the league, demonstrating their physical prowess in these situations.
Previous encounters
There have been 13 previous encounters between Como and Roma on the shores of Lake Como: the record shows five wins for the BiancoBlu, four draws, and four wins for the Giallorossi.
In the last match between the two teams at the Sinigaglia stadium (in December 2024), the Lariani won three points thanks to goals from Alessandro Gabrielloni and Nico Paz, both in injury time.
Squad:
1 BUTEZ Jean
2 KEMPF Marc
3 VALLE Alex
5 GOLDANIGA Edoardo
6 CAQUERET Maxence
7 MORATA Alvaro
8 ROBERTO Sergi
10 PAZ Nicolas
11 DOUVIKAS Tasos
14 RAMON Jacobo
15 LAHDO Adrian
17 RODRIGUEZ Jesus
18 MORENO Alberto
19 KUHN Nicolas
20 BATURINA Martin
21 TORNQVIST Noel
22 VIGORITO Mauro
23 PERRONE Maximo
28 SMOLCIC Ivan
31 VOJVODA Mërgim
33 DA CUNHA Lucas
34 DIEGO CARLOS
38 DIAO Assane
44 ČAVLINA Nikola
77 VAN DER BREMPT Ignace
Match details
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Kick-off: 18:00 CEST
Stadium: Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
Referee: Massa
Assistants: Meli - Alassio
Where to watch
Italy: Sky Sport, Dazn
Balkans: Arena Sport
USA: CBS, DAZN
Latin America: ESPN & Disney +
South Korea: SPOTV
Rest of the world: Check local listings.