Florence is looking down rather than toward Europe after Fiorentina’s troubled opening deepened with a 3-1 home defeat to Como 1907. In a partially rebuilt Artemio Franchi, where capacity restrictions again softened the usual pressure from the stands, the Viola were outgunned by a more clinical visiting side.
Fiorentina have collected only four points so far and the early-season concern is growing. Before the campaign, Como could have viewed the Tuscan club as a direct obstacle in the continental race; now Fiorentina’s immediate ambition is to move clear of the relegation places.
Quick facts
- Como 1907 won 3-1 at Fiorentina.
- David de Gea made important early saves, including from Nico Paz.
- Liberali scored in the 32nd minute and Paz added Como’s second four minutes later.
- Marin Pongracic pulled one back before half-time, while another of his efforts was ruled out by VAR.
- Anastasios Douvikas sealed the result in the 57th minute after a pass from Paz.
De Gea had initially kept Fiorentina in the contest. The Spanish goalkeeper produced two strong interventions in the opening stages, notably turning away a Nico Paz header, but Como’s pressure eventually told.
Liberali opened the scoring on 32 minutes, curling a finish into the far corner. Four minutes later, Paz found the net himself with a powerful header to put the visitors two goals ahead and leave the home side facing a steep climb.
Fiorentina had posed little threat to Jean Butez until a late first-half set piece changed the mood. Pongracic scored in the 43rd minute to bring the hosts back into contention.
The defender thought he had struck again soon afterwards from a Mastantuono free-kick, but VAR intervened to identify an offside and the goal did not stand. It was a brief lift rather than a turning point.
Como restored their two-goal margin in the 57th minute. After Butez had made an uncertain exit at the other end, Njie was unable to take the opportunity; Douvikas was far more decisive, taking Paz’s pass and slipping the ball through De Gea’s legs.
With the lead restored, Como became more cautious, protecting their advantage and looking to counter. Njie later had another clear opening but failed to direct an unmarked header properly, sending it onto the post.
The final stages became disordered, yet Como were not seriously threatened. The visitors left Florence with an important three points, while Fiorentina were left to confront another setback in a season that has begun with far more anxiety than expectation.
