Como’s season continues to gather its own momentum. Fresh from a four-goal Champions League night against Manchester United, Cesc Fabregas’ side returned to the Stadio Sinigaglia and found another way to take command of its Serie A campaign, beating Sassuolo 2-0 despite leaving Nico Paz among the substitutes.
The coach and the club
Fabregas made a measured rotation for the eighth round, with Nico Paz given a rest after the European occasion. The first half brought frustration as much as control: Como saw a Douvikas effort strike the frame of the goal, while goals from Lucas Da Cunha and Bakola were ruled out. Maxence Caqueret also went close as the home side searched for a breakthrough.
The interval gave Fabregas the opportunity to alter the contest. Milla, Addai and Ramon were introduced at the start of the second half, and Como immediately became sharper in the decisive areas of the pitch.
- In the 49th minute, Caqueret reached the byline on the left and delivered across goal for Tasos Douvikas to finish from close range.
- Eleven minutes later, Sassuolo lost possession through Domenico Berardi. Kaiki drove forward down the left before setting up Douvikas, whose stretched finish beat Stefano Turati.
The Greek forward’s two goals settled the afternoon and underlined his growing importance to Como. Douvikas now has five Serie A goals this season, alongside three in the Champions League. Nico Paz joined the celebrations from the touchline as Como’s number nine completed another influential performance.
In the championship
The result lifts Como into second place, level with Roma on 17 points for the moment. It is another significant step in a campaign in which the club is carrying European form into Sunday afternoons at home.
For Alberto Aquilani’s Sassuolo, the trip to Como ended without a point. The visitors remain in mid-table on eight points, punished after holding out through a goalless opening half but unable to respond once Douvikas put Como ahead.
