Como director of sport Carlalberto Ludi believes Nico Paz will inherit the Argentina Number 10 shirt from Lionel Messi, while the club aims to ‘prove we’re on the same level as Roma’ this weekend.

The rivals for a top four finish go head-to-head at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday at 11.30 UK time (12.30 CEST).

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Roma are joint top with Inter and Lazio, while Como trail after their surprising defeat to Frosinone.

Ludi faith in Como and Nico Paz

SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Carlalberto Ludi, Sporting Director of Como 1907 looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We want to continue growing, improving, and when you change seven or eight players in a group of 23, it takes time to create that new identity,” Ludi told Sky Sport Italia.

“It might be similar to the previous identity, but still needs to be built and honed going into an incredible tour de force of fixtures.”

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Considering both qualified for the Champions League last season and have reinforced with investment, can this be a potential Scudetto showdown?

“It is first of all a stimulating challenge. Extremely difficult against one of the strongest teams in Serie A. Roma are candidates to be competitive to the very end, and we want to prove that we can be at their level too.”

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 28: Mika Godts of Belgium is tackled by Lucas Da Cunha and Pierre Kalulu of France during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and France at Stade Roi Baudouin on September 28, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

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The break for international duty saw debuts for several players in the side, including Lucas Da Cunha representing France, three years after he joined the Lariani in Serie B.

“Seeing Da Cunha play for France was not to be taken for granted, but he fully deserved it. Tasos Douvikas was also a protagonist for Greece, we have several more players on international duty, it’s thanks to them and also Cesc Fabregas for getting the best out of their talent.”

These are all additional strains that Como did not have to deal with last year, going from no European competition straight into the Champions League.

COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 10: Cesc Fabregas, Manager of Como 1907, celebrates after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Como 1907 and RB Leipzig at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

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“We knew this was the challenge this season, being competitive every three days, physically and mentally, but Cesc is pushing them hard and we are sure that he’ll get the team ready,” added Ludi.

“We want to fly high, pushed on by the enthusiasm of the fans and the success we’re achieving, and that will boost our confidence, but these lads are too humble to risk getting big-headed.

“Como can only focus on hard work and growth, that’s it.”

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 06: Nico Paz of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Lionel Messi during the International Friendly match between Argentina and Benin at Estadio Monumental Antonio V. Liberti on October 06, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lionel Messi is making his final appearance for Argentina following his announcement of international retirement on 31 August. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

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Messi played his final match for Argentina last night and the debate is on for who will inherit the iconic Number 10 jersey.

Nico Paz certainly put his hat in the ring with another spectacular goal.

“Nico Paz is world class, both in terms of his work ethic and his talent. He knows a player needs to deserve it every day, but he has what it takes certainly to take that role, and I wish him the brightest possible future.”