sports
Fàbregas outwits Gasperini to take controversial Como a step closer to Champions League
The club by the lake are far from universally popular but the Como manager’s clever tactics brought a key win over Roma
TL;DR
- Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso attended Como's match against Roma, a key game in the race for European qualification.
- Como secured a 2-1 victory over Roma with goals from Donyell Malen (penalty) and Tasos Douvikas, while Diego Carlos scored the rebound for Como.
- Cesc Fàbregas's tactical approach proved effective against Gian Piero Gasperini's man-to-man assignments and intense pressing.
- Como's rapid ascent from the fourth tier to potential Champions League qualification has drawn criticism due to their billionaire owners' significant investment.
- Fàbregas acknowledged the difficulty in signing Italian players, citing their presence at top clubs and prioritizing academy development.
- Roma's Wesley was sent off for a second yellow card, which Como exploited to gain an advantage.
- The win moved Como three points clear of Roma in fourth place with nine games remaining.
- Gasperini refused to shake Fàbregas's hand after the match, citing a lack of respect for Como's on-pitch and bench behavior.