Roma’s resurgence under Claudio Ranieri showed no signs of slowing down as they secured a 2-1 victory over 10-man Como on Sunday, keeping their European ambitions alive in Serie A.
Second-half goals from substitutes Alexis Saelemaekers and Artem Dovbyk overturned a first-half deficit, pushing Roma up to eighth place in the standings. They now sit just four points behind Bologna, who occupy the Conference League qualification spot after their 2-1 win over Cagliari earlier in the day.
Since Ranieri’s arrival in November, Roma have transformed from relegation candidates to European contenders. Their latest victory marked their eighth win in 11 league matches, and they remain unbeaten in Serie A since mid-December.
The 73-year-old’s impressive work was recognised with the division’s Manager of the Month award for February.
Como took the lead at the Stadio Olimpico just before half-time through Lucas Da Cunha and looked capable of an upset.
However, their task became significantly harder in the 63rd minute when Marc Kempf received his second yellow card and was sent off.
Roma capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Saelemaekers equalising in the 72nd minute before Dovbyk netted the winner nine minutes from time.
Despite the defeat, Cesc Fabregas’ Como side showed plenty of fight and nearly salvaged a point when Mergim Vojvoda struck the post two minutes from time, only for Patrick Cutrone to fire the rebound straight at Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
Como, who have been in excellent form since the start of the year, remain in 13th place, six points clear of the relegation zone as they continue their battle for top-flight survival.
