Abstract: A method to enter a metal slab (2) into a roll stand (10) and a rolling unit to enhance the entry of the slab into the roll gap (13) between the working cylinders (1, 1') of the rolling mill. At least one of the last rollers (45) of the table (3), located immediately upstream of the roll stand (10) in the direction of entry, is mounted for vertical movement with respect to the table (3) and is subject to a lifting load at least equal to the weight of the nose (22) of the slab (2) in such a manner that, at the end of its forward motion towards the roll stand, the said nose (22) is supported by the movable roller (45), which thus is applied perfectly against the lower surface (20) of the slab and is rotary-driven in the direction of entry so as to exert on the slab (2) a thrust load, which is added to the load exerted at least by the first driven roller ( 32) of the table (3) to enhance the introduction of the slab (2) into the roll gap (13).