Dramatic final-day results reshape Serie A as Cesc Fabregas guides Como into the Champions League for the first time ever while Lecce secure survival and Cremonese suffer relegation
Serie A’s final day delivered high drama at both ends of the table as Como clinched a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League while Lecce secured survival with a crucial victory over Genoa.
The biggest celebration belonged to Como. Cesc Fabregas’ side stormed to a dominant 4-1 win away to Cremonese, sealing the club’s first-ever qualification for Europe’s premier competition and completing one of the most remarkable stories of the Italian season.
The result also confirmed relegation for Cremonese, who return to Serie B after just one year in the top flight despite appointing Marco Giampaolo during the season in an attempt to avoid the drop.
At the Via del Mare, Lecce did exactly what they needed to do. Eusebio Di Francesco’s side defeated Genoa 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Lameck Banda, guaranteeing another season in Serie A regardless of events elsewhere.
For Di Francesco, the survival carries extra significance after suffering consecutive relegations in previous seasons with Frosinone and Venezia. This time, he finally delivered safety.
Cremonese 1-4 Como: Fabregas Makes History
Como entered the decisive clash knowing victory could open the doors to the Champions League, and the visitors handled the pressure brilliantly despite the hostile atmosphere inside the stadium.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute through Jesús Rodríguez, who capped off an impressive first half for the Lariani. Early in the second half, Greek striker Tasos Douvikas doubled the lead and appeared to put Como firmly in control.
Cremonese briefly reignited hope when Federico Bonazzoli converted from the penalty spot in the 55th minute, but the comeback never truly materialized.
The defining moment came in the 74th minute when Lucas Da Cunha restored Como’s two-goal advantage with another penalty after furious protests from the home side. The decision sparked chaos on the Cremonese bench and eventually led to multiple dismissals.
Da Cunha then added his second goal of the match late on to complete a convincing 4-1 victory and ignite celebrations among the Como players and supporters.
The final whistle confirmed a historic achievement: Como will play Champions League football next season, finishing ahead of traditional giants like Milan and Juventus.
Match Report
Cremonese 1-4 Como
Scorers: Jesus Rodriguez 36’ (Como), Douvikas 51’ (Como), Bonazzoli pen 55’ (Cremonese), Da Cunha pen 74’ (Como), Da Cunha 81’ (Como)
Cremonese (4-4-2)
Audero; Terracciano (83′ Barbieri), Bianchetti, Luperto, Pezzella; Zerbin (46′ Floriani Mussolini), Thorsby (46′ Collocolo), Grassi, Maleh (16′ Vandeputte); Bonazzoli (85′ Lottici Tessadri), Vardy.
Coach: Marco Giampaolo
Como (4-2-3-1)
Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Kempf, Moreno; Perrone, Da Cunha; Diao (83′ Vojvoda), Baturina (83′ Sergi Roberto), Jesus Rodriguez (64′ Caqueret); Douvikas (83′ Morata).
Coach: Cesc Fabregas
Referee: Maresca
Yellow Cards: Jesus Rodriguez, Moreno, Bianchetti, Vandeputte
Red Cards: Djuric, Grassi, Okereke
Lecce 1-0 Genoa: Banda Fires Salentini to Safety
Lecce wasted no time taking control of their survival battle against a Genoa side with nothing left to play for.
The decisive goal arrived after only six minutes. Ramadani launched a long ball forward for Walid Cheddira, whose initial effort was saved by Nicola Leali. Banda reacted quickest to the rebound, cutting inside before smashing his finish under the crossbar to send the Via del Mare into celebration.
From that moment on, Lecce focused on protecting their advantage. Genoa enjoyed periods of possession but struggled to create real danger against a disciplined defensive performance from the hosts.
As news filtered through that Como were comfortably beating Cremonese, the atmosphere inside the stadium became increasingly emotional. By the final whistle, Lecce supporters could celebrate another season in Italy’s top division.
Meanwhile, Cremonese join Pisa and Verona among the clubs relegated to Serie B.
Match Report
Lecce 1-0 Genoa
Scorer: Banda 6’ (Lecce)
Lecce (4-2-3-1)
Falcone; Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Ramadani (89′ Gaspar), Ngom (46′ Gandelman); Pierotti (80′ Jean), Coulibaly, Banda (65′ Ndri); Cheddira (80′ Stulic).
Coach: Eusebio Di Francesco
Genoa (3-5-1-1)
Leali; Marcandalli (83′ Lafont), Otoa, Zatterstrom; Sabelli (60′ Ouedraogo), Frendrup, Amorim (69′ Grossi), Masini (83′ Carbone), Martin (60′ Norton-Cuffy); Ellertsson; Colombo.
Coach: Daniele De Rossi
Referee: Doveri
Yellow Cards: Ramadani, Tiago Gabriel
Red Cards: None
