Malen Red Card Can't Break Roma in Resilient 0-0 Draw at Como
Roma secured a stubborn 0-0 draw away at Como on Monday, preserving their unbeaten opening to the Serie A campaign despite playing over a third of the match with a numerical disadvantage. The point takes Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to 14 points through six matchdays, keeping them within two points of league co-leaders Inter and Lazio. After controlling the first half without breaking the deadlock, the visitors spent the final 37 minutes maintaining defensive structure under sustained pressure.
Defensive Discipline Mitigates Mid-Game Numerical Disadvantage
Before the tactical balance shifted, Roma crafted the match’s best opening opportunities at Stadio Sinigaglia. Paulo Dybala drew close to breaking through Butez from inside the penalty area, while Lorenzo Pellegrini struck the woodwork with a powerful effort from distance. Roma’s organized high press limited the home side’s build-up options, leaving Como restricted to passive circulation without creating high-probability chances in the opening hour.
Como
clubThe contest changed shape early in the second half when Roma were forced into a deeper defensive block. Despite holding the ball, Como struggled to convert territorial control into clear openings against Gasperini’s compact 5-3-1 shape. Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini proved alert when called upon, gathering multiple low crosses into the box to neutralize Como’s late attacking thrusts.
The result marks a visible improvement in competitive output for Roma, who have gathered four more points against these exact league fixtures compared to the 2025/26 season. Having navigated trips to Atalanta, Inter, and Como without defeat, Roma’s revised baseline keeps match-going supporters positioned firmly in early scudetto contention before shifting focus toward European competition.
Gian Piero Gasperini
coachRed Card Incident: Malen Dismissed Early in Second Half
Forward Donyell Malen received a straight red card in the 53rd minute, reducing Roma to ten men for the remainder of the fixture. The sending-off forced an immediate tactical adjustment from Gasperini, who pulled back his line of engagement to protect the clean sheet.
Gian Piero Gasperini Praises Collective Resolve Under Pressure
Speaking after the final whistle, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini emphasized the mental growth shown by his squad when forced to defend deep for an extended period.
“I didn’t celebrate the draw itself, but rather the team’s spirit. It wasn’t easy to play a third of the game with ten men. We did it with clarity. Last year, we lost here with ten men. This year, it was a different feeling.”
Roma now turn their attention to mid-week continental action, traveling to face Real Madrid in a crucial UEFA Champions League group fixture.