In a thrilling encounter at the Via del Mare on April 19, 2025, Como took a crucial step towards securing their Serie A status by defeating Lecce 1-0. The match, pivotal for both teams, saw Assane Diao score the only goal of the game in the 34th minute, assisted by the ever-influential Nico Paz. This victory not only boosts Como's confidence but also deepens Lecce's relegation worries.
As the game kicked off at 15:00, fans were treated to an intense battle between two teams with contrasting aspirations. Lecce, desperate for points to escape the relegation zone, faced a Como side looking to solidify their place in the top flight of Italian football.
From the onset, Lecce seemed eager to take control, but it was Como who struck first. The 34th-minute goal came after a brilliant midfield play by Paz, who threaded a perfect pass to Diao. The Senegalese forward, who has been in fine form this season, raced towards goal and found the net, beating Lecce's goalkeeper, Wladimiro Falcone, at the near post. Although the goal was initially ruled offside, a VAR review overturned the decision, confirming Diao's seventh goal of the season and making him Como's top scorer.
Como's coach, Cesc Fabregas, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting the importance of the victory. "We need to secure mathematical safety from relegation, and today was a step in the right direction. It was a tough match, but the players showed great character," he said in a post-match interview.
In the first half, Lecce had their chances, with Krstovic finding the back of the net early on. However, his goal was disallowed for offside, a decision that left the home crowd frustrated. Lecce struggled to capitalize on their opportunities and failed to score, continuing a worrying trend where they have managed just two goals in their last seven home matches.
Defensively, Lecce's formation (4-3-3) featured Falcone in goal, with Guilbert, Baschirotto, Gaspar, and Gallo forming the backline. Coulibaly and Ramadani anchored the midfield, while N’Dry, Helgason, and Morente supported Krstovic in attack. Coach Marco Giampaolo had hoped for a turnaround after a series of poor performances, but the team could not find their rhythm against Como.
Como, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featured goalkeeper Butez and a solid defense consisting of Vojvoda, Goldaniga, Kempf, and Valle. In midfield, Da Cunha and Caqueret provided stability, while the attacking trio of Strefezza, Nico Paz, and Diao supported lone striker Douvikas. Fabregas praised his players for their determination, saying, "We controlled the game well and took our chances when they came. Nico and Assane were outstanding today."
The second half saw Lecce push for an equalizer, but Como's defense held firm, denying the home side any clear-cut chances. The introduction of Alberto Moreno for the injured Alex Valle was a tactical change aimed at boosting Lecce's attack, but it did little to alter the course of the match. A late scuffle between players and coaching staff added to the tension, resulting in yellow cards for Ikoné and Krstovic, the latter now suspended for the next match against Atalanta.
As the final whistle blew, Como celebrated a vital three points that could prove crucial in their fight against relegation. With this win, Como has now secured three consecutive victories in Serie A, a feat they haven't achieved since 1952. Meanwhile, Lecce's plight deepens, having collected only one point from their last seven outings, leaving them in a precarious position as the season approaches its climax.
Looking ahead, both teams have significant matches on the horizon. Como aims to continue their winning streak, while Lecce must regroup and find a way to score at home if they hope to avoid dropping to Serie B. The next few weeks will be critical as both teams navigate the challenges of the Serie A season.
For fans eager to catch the action, the match was broadcast live on DAZN, continuing the trend of making Serie A accessible to a wider audience. As the league intensifies, every match counts, and both Como and Lecce will need to bring their best to the pitch in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Como's victory over Lecce not only highlights the team's resurgence but also underscores the struggles faced by Lecce as they fight for survival in Italy's top division. With the stakes higher than ever, the drama of Serie A continues to unfold.
