Sassuolo achieved an unexpected win against Como, capitalizing on two rapid counter-attacks that led to goals from Cristian Volpato and M’Bala Nzola. This defeat has severely impacted Como’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Como made several squad rotations following a thrilling 4-3 loss to Inter, which had placed them in fifth. These changes were also made in preparation for their Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against the same opponents. While Jayden Addai remained sidelined with a long-term injury, Alvaro Morata was given a rare start. Sassuolo, on the other hand, had Domenico Berardi and Josh Doig suspended after a heated match against Genoa. Further hampered by injuries to Darryl Bakola, Filippo Romagna, Daniel Boloca, Edoardo Pieragnolo, and Fali Cande, the team saw Stefano Turati make a surprise appearance in goal.
Early in the match, Sassuolo had a golden opportunity within the first 20 seconds. Kristian Thorstvedt’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected just wide by Jacobo Ramon.
Thorstvedt was again involved when he was brought down by Ramon just outside the area, resulting in a yellow card for the latter. Armand Laurienté’s subsequent free-kick was tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper.
Como nearly found the net when Alberto Moreno narrowly missed connecting with a cross from Nico Paz at the back post. Turati was then forced into a diving save to push a curling shot from Nico Paz around the post.
Como was caught out of position during a corner kick. Sassuolo launched a swift counter-attack, with Laurienté releasing M’Bala Nzola, whose perfectly weighted pass found Cristian Volpato. Volpato executed a delightful lob from distance to open the scoring.
Just two minutes later, Sassuolo repeated their successful formula. This time, Nzola latched onto a through ball from Laurienté and finished confidently past the advancing goalkeeper Butez from inside the box, marking his first Serie A goal for Sassuolo.
However, Como managed to pull a goal back with the final kick of the first half. Nico Paz delivered a looping, swerving header from an Ivan Smolcic cross into the far corner of the net from just inside the penalty area.
Cesc Fabregas made a triple substitution at halftime. Despite this, Como had a significant chance to equalize in the 69th minute. Nico Paz controlled a ball over the top, rounded Woyo Coulibaly, and attempted a lob from a difficult angle. Sassuolo’s goalkeeper Turati made a spectacular scramble to claw the ball off the line, with Morata poised to score from close range.
In the closing stages, Sassuolo’s defense made two crucial blocks. Jay Idzes denied Tasos Douvikas, and Thorstvedt blocked a shot from Mergim Vojvoda. Meanwhile, Andrea Pinamonti failed to capitalize on an error from Alberto Moreno.
Como has now secured only one point in their last three league matches, and their prospects of securing a Champions League spot have been seriously jeopardized by this defeat.
Sassuolo 2-1 Como
Goals: Volpato 42′ (S), Nzola 44′ (S), Nico Paz 45+2′ (C)