Fiorentina found passages of football to encourage them against Como at the Franchi, but the season is no longer allowing them to live on performances alone. Paolo Vanoli’s side were beaten 3-1, left second from bottom on four points alongside Genoa, with only Venezia worse off on three. Como, meanwhile, moved to 14 points after a result which showed both their attacking quality and their ability to see out a demanding afternoon.
The visitors had come through their European commitments, as had Inter and Roma, yet Cesc Fabregas’ team carried sufficient energy and clarity to take control of the contest. His selection of Mattia Liberali from the start was the first surprise. The former Milan player, who spent last season at Catanzaro under Alberto Aquilani, marked the opportunity with his first goal for Como.
Liberali opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, bending a finish in from a narrow angle. Como struck again almost immediately through Nico Paz, whose header doubled the lead. It was not a familiar type of finish for the Argentine, while David De Gea could not prevent the visitors establishing a cushion that reflected their sharpness in the decisive moments.
Fiorentina did respond before the interval. Marin Pongracic reacted quickest in a crowded area after a corner and forced the ball over the line in the 42nd minute. The goal gave the home side a route back into the match, and their pressure continued after the break, but Como retained the greater calm in both penalty areas.
Another difficult turn for Vanoli
Como restored their two-goal advantage in the 56th minute. Paz supplied the pass for Tasos Douvikas, whose powerful effort beat De Gea, with the goalkeeper unable to keep the ball from slipping beneath him. It was a harsh setback for Fiorentina, particularly after they had put together a more coherent spell of possession and attacking pressure.
Pongracic thought he had brought the Viola level deep into stoppage time when he volleyed in from a Mastantuono free-kick. After a lengthy VAR review, however, the referee ruled the effort out for offside. Earlier, Thierry Njie had also had a clear chance to revive Fiorentina’s hopes, but headed against the post when unmarked.
Como defended their lead with increasing assurance and appeared to finish the match strongly in physical terms. That was an especially welcome sign for Fabregas, although the afternoon carried one concern: Trevoh Chalobah was forced off after only a few minutes with a muscular problem. His recovery will now be monitored ahead of the Champions League schedule.
For Fiorentina, the wider picture is more troubling. They have taken only one point from their last three matches, and another defeat has returned them to a position of real discomfort in the table. Vanoli must find a response quickly, with an intimidating appointment next Sunday: Inter await at the Meazza in the 12:30 kick-off.
