On Sunday, March 2, at the Stadio Olimpico, two of the most in-form teams in Serie A will face off for Matchday 27: Claudio Ranieri’s Roma and Cesc Fabregas’ Como. This match is far from ordinary, as the Giallorossi, unexpectedly back in the race for a European spot, have turned their season around precisely after their 2-0 defeat at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia on December 15. Since that match, Ranieri’s squad has strung together 10 consecutive positive results in Serie A (7 wins and 3 draws), climbing the table and closing in on teams that have drastically slowed down, such as Milan and Fiorentina. In addition to their strong league performances, Roma has also reached the Europa League Round of 16, where they will face a tough two-legged tie against Real Sociedad (first leg next Thursday at the Olimpico). On the other hand, the Como seen in recent Serie A rounds is vastly different from the one that, despite everything, managed to beat Roma 2-0 in December. Fabregas' side, which spent over €57 million in the winter transfer window, comes into this match off two prestigious wins against Fiorentina and Napoli, fueled by the excellent form of Assane Diao (5 goals in 8 Serie A appearances) and the undeniable class of Nico Paz (6 goals and 5 assists). Sitting 7 points clear of the relegation zone, Como has the advantage of playing with little pressure and will do everything possible to disrupt Roma’s European ambitions.

Roma's Shape and Key Statistics

Roma is enjoying a golden period under Claudio Ranieri, having won three consecutive Serie A matches against Venezia, Parma, and Monza, scoring 6 goals and conceding none. At home, the Giallorossi’s last defeat dates back to December 2 (2-0 against Atalanta). Since then, they have recorded 9 wins and 1 draw at the Olimpico across all competitions.

Looking at their overall home form in Serie A, Roma has collected 25 out of their 40 total points at the Olimpico (8 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses). Additionally, they boast one of the best defensive records at home, having conceded only 12 goals in 13 matches. Playing at the Olimpico is undoubtedly a major advantage ahead of this clash with Como.

Como's Shape and Key Statistics

Como secured an impressive victory against Napoli (2-1) in their last league outing, with Assane Diao netting his third consecutive Serie A goal. With 6 goals this season (5 for Como and 1 for Real Betis), the Spanish forward is the youngest player in Europe’s top five leagues to have scored more than 5 goals this season.

Despite Como’s recent positive form, their away performances remain a concern. They have picked up just 10 points away from home (2 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses), scoring 11 goals and conceding 13 in 13 matches. Their win against Fiorentina on Matchday 25 ended a dismal run of 8 consecutive away games without a victory.

Roma vs Como Prediction and Tactical Overview

With the Europa League Round of 16 first leg approaching, Claudio Ranieri may opt to rest some key players. However, given Roma's current league position, squad rotation is likely to be minimal. One certainty is the presence of Paulo Dybala, who has been in excellent form with 2 goals and 1 assist in his last two matches.

Cesc Fabregas, on the other hand, is expected to maintain his fluid attacking trio, seen in their wins against Fiorentina and Napoli, featuring Diao, Nico Paz, and Strefezza interchanging positions to create problems for Roma’s defense. In goal, Jean Butez, a January signing from Antwerp, is set to start again after delivering a match-winning performance against Napoli.

Given Roma’s strong home record and Como’s inconsistent away form, the BetMines algorithm prediction for Roma vs Como strongly favors a home win. 

• BetMines algorithm prediction for the Roma vs Como match predicts the 1 sign at 65%
• BetMines algorithm prediction for the Roma vs Como match predicts the X sign at 21%
• BetMines algorithm prediction for the Roma vs Como match predicts the 2 sign at 15%

Roma vs Como Predicted Lineups

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Koné, Paredes, Pellegrini, Angelino; Dybala, Shomurodov. Coach: Ranieri

COMO (4-3-3): Butez; Smolcic, Goldaniga, Kempf, Valle; Caqueret, Perrone, Da Cunha; Paz, Diao, Strefezza. Coach: Fabregas