Como powered to an impressive 4-1 victory over Udinese late Sunday night at the Stadio Sinigaglia, marking their most significant win since returning to Serie A this season. The triumph was particularly pivotal for Como, who are now three points clear of the relegation zone, with their determined performance demonstrating their intent to avoid relegation.
The match began on a high note for Como when Assane Diao found the net just five minutes after kickoff. Displaying confidence and poise, Diao capitalized on impressive setups, scoring his second goal within two games. Notably, he had also been the choice of manager Cesc Fabregas to lead the line on his second appearance for Como, having marked his debut with a goal against Milan last week.
Only two minutes from halftime, Gabriel Strefezza doubled Como's lead with a low shot following some lackluster defending from Udinese. According to Football Italia, the visitors struggled to clear the danger from Lucas Da Cunha’s corner, allowing Strefezza the chance to fire the ball through the crowded area and find the far corner of the net.
Udinese wasn’t ready to back down yet. They managed to pull one back early in the second half, thanks to Martín Payero’s well-placed finish from the edge of the penalty area. This re-ignited hope for the visitors as they sought to mount a comeback and leverage their offensive push following the dismissal of Como's Edoardo Goldaniga for two bookable offenses. Goldaniga's exit came shortly after Payero’s strike, as the referee deemed his challenge excessive.
Things took another twist when the numbers leveled out after Oumar Solet of Udinese was also shown red just six minutes later for two fouls committed one after the other. With both sides down to ten players, the game opened up, presenting opportunities for both teams. Yet, Como capitalized on the disarray and regained control of the match.
Como's lead was extended when Jaka Bijol of Udinese inadvertently turned the ball past his own goalkeeper, making it 3-1 with just 12 minutes left on the clock. The own goal seemed to cement Udinese’s fate and pointed to the defensive woes they faced throughout the match.
Completing the rout, Nico Paz, back from injury, rounded off Como’s outstanding display with yet another goal just before the final whistle. It showcased the teamwork and creativity of Como, emphasizing their attacking prowess as Paz steered the ball home from close range, assisted by Yannik Engelhardt.
Following this commanding victory, Como climbed from 17th place to 13th, lifting their spirits and gaining momentum as they push forward this season. Meanwhile, Udinese's loss meant they extended their winless streak to four consecutive matches, remaining stagnant at 10th place and missing out on the opportunity to leapfrog Roma.
Overall, it was a night to celebrate for Como, who not only showcased their capabilities but also sent a clear message to the other teams as they endeavor to solidify their position and steer clear from the dreaded relegation spots.