Quick Read
- Como defeated Roma 2-1, moving into fourth place in Serie A.
- Coach Cesc Fabregas praised his team’s ‘epic’ performance but was disappointed by Roma’s coach refusing to shake his hand.
- Roma’s manager Gian Piero Gasperini criticized the officiating and perceived diving by Como players.
COMO, ITALY – Cesc Fabregas’ Como secured a vital 2-1 victory against AS Roma on Sunday, propelling the team into fourth place in the Serie A standings and intensifying the race for Champions League qualification. The win, however, was overshadowed by a notable post-match incident where Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini appeared to refuse a handshake with his Como counterpart.
Fabregas Praises ‘Epic’ Performance Amidst Controversy
Como head coach Cesc Fabregas described his team’s performance as “epic” following the hard-fought win. He emphasized the squad’s demonstrated identity and character, which he has been diligently building since taking charge. “It was a beautiful match and I enjoyed every moment of it,” Fabregas stated, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb. “You could say the victory was epic, but it cost a lot. It was a very intense game and yet from the first minute we always sought our own game. That gives enormous credit to this squad.” He highlighted that the team’s solidity, courage, and trust have taken months to develop, and games like this show it is becoming natural rather than forced.
Gasperini’s Grievances Over Refereeing and Diving
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini, speaking to DAZN after the match, focused his remarks on the contentious sending-off of his player Wesley. Gasperini expressed frustration with the current trends in football, particularly regarding diving and simulation. “I’ve said before that there’s no point commenting on this trend in football regarding diving. Como seem to thrive on these kinds of situations,” he commented. He also referenced an incident involving Donyell Malen at 1-1, suggesting it could have altered the game’s outcome. Gasperini indicated that his team struggled particularly after gaining a numerical advantage, implying that the circumstances of the match were not in their favor.
The Handshake Snub and Sportsmanship
Fabregas directly addressed Gasperini’s failure to shake his hand at the final whistle, calling it a question of respect. “In two years I do not think there has been a single occasion where I have not gone to shake a colleague’s hand, whether I have lost, been sent off, been angry or been happy,” the Como coach said. “When he left without doing so, it saddened me a little, but then I thought it was nothing.” Fabregas maintained a measured tone, stating he simply went to say hello, and was careful not to escalate the situation further.
Serie A Standings and Implications
The victory places Como fourth in Serie A with 51 points, level with Roma, and two points adrift of the top four positions, which guarantee Champions League qualification. Juventus’s earlier win meant that both Como and Roma are now chasing the final Champions League spots. With nine league games remaining, the stakes are high for both teams as they vie for European football next season. Fabregas, however, urged his team to remain humble and continue their work, emphasizing a step-by-step approach.
The clash between Como and Roma highlighted not only the intense competition for European places in Serie A but also the underlying tensions and differing philosophies among coaches regarding sportsmanship and the modern game.