A first-half penalty converted by Lucas Da Cunha gives Como a second straight win and clean sheet, strengthening their grip on a European place.
Como continued their impressive run with a narrow but deserved 1-0 home victory over Udinese, sealing back-to-back league wins and another clean sheet. In the absence of Nico Paz from the starting XI, Cesc Fàbregas’ team showed maturity and balance, finding the decisive moment early and then managing the match with confidence.
The biggest surprise before kickoff was the omission of Nico Paz, only fit enough for a place on the bench. Fàbregas reshuffled his attacking line, deploying Caqueret as the central attacking midfielder behind Douvikas in a 4-2-3-1 system. Despite missing their most creative player, Como controlled possession and dictated the tempo from the outset.
The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute. Piotrowski clumsily pulled back Alberto Moreno inside the box, leaving referee Arena with no doubts. From the spot, Da Cunha was ice-cold, sending Padelli the wrong way and ending a remarkable drought for Como, who had not scored a Serie A penalty in 23 years after six consecutive misses.
Udinese tried to respond after the break, raising their intensity and pushing higher up the pitch. The Friulani’s best chance fell to Ekkelenkamp, who squandered a golden opportunity by firing wide after a defensive mistake from the hosts. Zaniolo also thought he had equalized with a well-worked move, but VAR correctly ruled the goal out for offside.
At the other end, Como came close to doubling their lead, with Douvikas unlucky to see his effort crash against the crossbar. The Greek striker worked tirelessly throughout, leading the line with physicality and movement, even if the second goal never arrived.
In the closing stages, Como remained compact and disciplined, shutting down Udinese’s final attempts and seeing out the match without panic. The final whistle confirmed another valuable victory, lifting Fàbregas’ side to 30 points and consolidating sixth place in the standings.
Match Report
Como 1-0 Udinese
Goals:
18’ Da Cunha (pen)
Como (4-2-3-1):
Butez; Van der Brempt (89’ Smolčić), Kempf, Ramon, Moreno (79’ Valle); Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda (89’ Posch), Caqueret (69’ Nico Paz), Rodríguez (79’ Kühn); Douvikas.
Coach: Fàbregas.
Udinese (3-5-2):
Padelli; Kristensen, Kabasele (75’ Solet), Bertola; Zanoli (89’ Bravo), Piotrowski (75’ Ehizibue), Karlström, Ekkelenkamp (85’ Gueye), Kamara (46’ Miller); Davis, Zaniolo.
Coach: Runjaic.
Referee: Arena
Yellow cards: Kamara, Kabasele, Ehizibue (Udinese); Rodríguez (Como)
Red cards: None
