Como and Roma will face off this Sunday in a crucial Serie A match with Champions League qualification implications, and the assignment has gone to veteran referee Davide Massa. The announcement comes as Daniele Doveri is set to move down to Serie B following his officiating of the Derby della Madonnina. The Italian Referees Association (AIA) confirmed the assignments for Week 29 of Serie A action on Monday.
The match at the Stadio Sinigaglia is particularly significant as both Como and Roma are currently vying for a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League. The teams are closely matched in the league table, making this a pivotal encounter. Massa, a 44-year-old international referee, brings a wealth of experience to the fixture, having officiated 12 Serie A matches, 6 Champions League games, 2 Europa League matches, and 1 Serie B match this season, according to Calcio Como.
This will be Massa’s 34th match officiating Roma, tying Lazio for the team he’s overseen most frequently. However, the Giallorossi haven’t secured a victory in any of the last nine matches officiated by Massa, a drought stretching back to a 2-1 win over Inter Milan on October 1, 2022, as reported by Forza Roma. His overall record with Roma stands at 10 wins, 11 losses, and 12 draws.
The full officiating crew for Como-Roma will include assistants Meli and Alassio, with Sozza serving as the fourth official. Fabbri will be on VAR duty, supported by AVar Gariglio.
Elsewhere in Serie A, Gianluca Manganiello will seize charge of the match between league leaders Inter and Atalanta, another key contest in the race for European places. This match promises to be a compelling clash between two of the league’s top teams.
The change for Doveri marks a significant shift in the officiating landscape. While the specifics surrounding his move to Serie B weren’t detailed in available reports, it represents a demotion after overseeing the high-profile Derby della Madonnina.
For Roma, the appointment of Massa presents a challenge. The team will be looking to break their losing streak under his guidance, hoping to secure a vital three points in their pursuit of Champions League football. The match against Como is a direct head-to-head battle for positioning, and the outcome will have significant implications for the final standings.
Como, under the management of Césc Fàbregas, has recently closed the gap with Roma, adding further intensity to this weekend’s encounter. The team will be aiming to capitalize on their home advantage and deliver a strong performance against a Roma side also preparing for their Europa League quarterfinal match against Bologna.
The stakes are high for both clubs as they navigate a congested Serie A table. A win for either side could propel them closer to their Champions League ambitions, while a slip-up could prove costly in the final stretch of the season. Fans can expect a fiercely contested match with a significant bearing on the future of both Como and Roma.
The match between Como and Roma is scheduled for Sunday at 18:00 local time (16:00 UTC). Fans can follow the match and receive updates through official league channels and sports news outlets.
What are your predictions for the Como-Roma match? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
