Como 0–0 Roma: Ten-Man Visitors Hold On as Gollini Impresses

Roma survive Malen's red card to secure a point at Como

Roma held Como to a 0–0 draw at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on 11 October 2026, despite playing with ten men for much of the second half. The visitors began brightly, with Paulo Dybala threatening early and Lorenzo Pellegrini striking the post in the 11th minute. Como also created opportunities, particularly through Nico Paz, but Pierluigi Gollini was alert in the Roma goal. The decisive incident arrived in the 53rd minute when Donyell Malen received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Kaiki. With a numerical advantage, Como increased their attacking pressure. Cesc Fàbregas introduced additional attacking options, while Gian Piero Gasperini responded by reinforcing Roma's defence. The hosts continued to threaten but could not find a breakthrough, leaving both teams with a point.

How Gollini replaced injured goalkeeper Mile Svilar

Pierluigi Gollini started in goal for Roma because first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar was unavailable through injury. The replacement goalkeeper produced a confident performance, making important saves against Nico Paz and helping Roma preserve a clean sheet under sustained second-half pressure. Gollini's contribution became particularly significant after Malen's dismissal, when Como began creating more opportunities around the Roma penalty area. His performance demonstrated the importance of squad depth during a demanding period for Gasperini's team. The result also provided encouragement ahead of Roma's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid on 14 October, although Svilar's recovery remains a separate concern.

Why Como could not capitalise on their numerical advantage

Como enjoyed greater attacking freedom after Malen's dismissal but struggled to turn possession and pressure into a decisive goal. Nico Paz tested Gollini, while the hosts also threatened through their substitutes and wide attacking players. Roma responded with a more compact defensive structure, protecting central areas and limiting the quality of Como's final opportunities. Gasperini introduced Leonardo Balerdi and later Devyne Rensch as Roma prioritised defensive stability. Como continued pushing forward during the closing stages, but the visitors maintained their organisation and protected the clean sheet. The result was frustrating for the hosts, who had opportunities to claim all three points, but it also reflected Roma's ability to adapt after losing a player.

What the draw means for Roma and Como

Roma remained unbeaten after six Serie A matches, moving to 14 points, while Como reached 11 points. For Roma, the result highlighted both the consequences of Malen's dismissal and the importance of Gollini's performance in Svilar's absence. The visitors demonstrated defensive resilience, but their attacking plans were significantly disrupted by the red card. Como, meanwhile, showed that they could create opportunities against strong opposition but lacked the finishing touch required to take advantage of their extra player. Roma now turn their attention to Real Madrid in the Champions League on 14 October, with squad availability and recovery likely to influence Gasperini's selections.