Roma Hold Como to 0-0 Draw After Malen Sees Red

AS Roma escaped with a 0-0 draw against Como 1907 in Serie A on October 11, 2026, at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium in Italy, surviving more than 30 minutes with 10 players after Donyell Malen received a straight red card. Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini delivered several important saves as Como pressed for a late winner.

The result marked Serie A's first goalless draw of the season, according to Football Italia. Roma faced sustained pressure after Malen's dismissal, while Como failed to convert several opportunities into a decisive goal.

Roma entered the match without first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who was sidelined for at least a month with a fractured toe. Gollini made his first Serie A appearance in two years, while Lorenzo Pellegrini replaced the injured Bryan Cristante. Como were also missing Moise Kean, who sustained an injury while on international duty.

Both teams had secured Champions League qualification the previous season and were seeking another strong domestic campaign. Como also needed a response after a surprising 2-0 defeat to Frosinone.

Roma threatened early through Paulo Dybala, who sent a finish straight at Jean Butez following a Malen knockdown. Pellegrini came closest to opening the scoring in the 11th minute, striking the base of the post from the edge of the penalty area.

Como created chances of their own, with Maxence Caqueret shooting narrowly wide after an awkward clearance from Gianluca Mancini. Malen also rounded Butez after receiving a long pass from Pellegrini but could not score from the tight angle.

Gollini then denied Caqueret after Yan Couto played a through ball, keeping Roma level before halftime. Another contentious moment followed when Wesley clipped Assane Diao's heel as the Como forward ran toward goal. The referee allowed play to continue, prompting a strong reaction from Como manager Cesc Fabregas.

Shortly after the restart, Malen was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Bruno Kaiki. The Roma forward lunged into the tackle after a heavy touch, going over the ball and making contact with Kaiki's ankle with his studs. The dismissal left Roma defending with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.

Como immediately sought to exploit their numerical advantage. Maxi Perrone sent a shot over the bar from 12 yards, while Tasos Douvikas struck the side netting. Later, Gollini tipped a Nico Paz effort over the crossbar and rushed off his line to deny the Argentina international again.

Referee Michael Fabbri also had to leave the field after sustaining a knee injury in the 67th minute. Fourth official Simone Sozza replaced him for the final 20 minutes.

Roma endured further pressure in the closing stages, with Mancini blocking an effort from Trevoh Chalobah. Douvikas then sent an angled drive narrowly past the far post during stoppage time, leaving Como unable to find a breakthrough.

Before the match, Fabregas had discussed the importance of allowing managers time to develop their ideas, pointing to Mikel Arteta's work at Arsenal and praising Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini's attacking philosophy and long coaching career.

Fabregas also addressed Como's adjustment to competing in the Champions League for the first time in the club's recent rise. Como had opened their European campaign with a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig and were scheduled to face Feyenoord in their second fixture on Wednesday.