Como came from behind to beat AS Roma 2-1, moving back into the Serie A top four in the process. It was a result that further deepened Roma’s miserable run of form ahead of a crucial Europa League second leg next week.
Roma made a bright start and took the lead inside ten minutes. Stephan El Shaarawy was tripped in the box by Diego Carlos, and Donyell Malen stepped up to confidently convert the penalty, taking his Serie A tally to seven goals for the season.
Como controlled much of the first half without really testing the Roma goalkeeper. Fàbregas responded at half time by introducing striker Anastasios Douvikas. The Greek forward made an immediate impact, timing his run perfectly to latch onto a through ball and drill a powerful effort through the keeper’s legs to level things up.
Roma’s afternoon then went from bad to worse when Wesley França was shown a second yellow card, leaving his side with ten men for the final stages.
Despite sustained pressure, Roma held firm until Diego Carlos, who had given away the early penalty, made amends by sweeping home on the rebound to give Como a deserved winner.
Roma have now won just two of their last ten matches in all competitions, and face Bologna in the Europa League second leg on Thursday in dire form.
