Como, a narrow victory amid controversy: Venice, last but fighting hard
Como continues its winning streak and secures another league victory. On Matchday 10 of Serie A, the Lariani defeated Venezia 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick converted by captain Da Cunha, earning three crucial points in the race for the top of the standings. Fabregas’s team now has 23 points, solidifying its fourth-place position and remaining in hot pursuit of Roma (24) and Inter (25). The situation is quite the opposite for Venezia, who are struggling more and more and sit in last place with just three points.
The big change in Como’s starting lineup was Ricci, who started in place of Perrone, who was given a rest. The home team immediately took control of the game, reaching nearly 80% possession. Venezia, as they did against Inter, instead dropped back to defend their own box, trying to limit open spaces and launch counterattacks. However, this strategy failed to produce any dangerous chances.
The match was, in fact, one-sided for long stretches, with Como dictating the play and Stankovic called upon to make saves on multiple occasions. The former Inter goalkeeper was particularly quick to react to Da Cunha’s shot, while Douvikas tried to find the right opening to break the deadlock. Midway through the first half, an incident sparks protests. Ferrieri Caputi initially awards a penalty kick to Venezia for a handball by Milla but reverses his decision after reviewing the play via VAR. This call triggers protests from Nicola and his players. Como took advantage of the situation to increase the pressure and nearly took the lead through Douvikas, whose shot ended up just a few centimeters from the post.
The goal came just before halftime, however. In the 43rd minute, the referee awarded a penalty kick to the home team for a foul by Juan Jesus. Captain Da Cunha stepped up to the spot and didn’t miss the opportunity: a precise shot that sent Stankovic the wrong way, putting Como ahead 1-0. Venezia tried to respond through Helgason, but in the second half they hardly ever managed to trouble the Como defense. Fabregas’s team managed their lead without taking any particular risks and created further danger through Baturina and Yan Couto, before slowing the pace even further with a series of substitutions.
There were no further thrills in the closing minutes. Como can thus celebrate an important victory, which allows them to climb to 23 points and hold onto fourth place, just one point behind Roma and two behind Inter. For Venezia, however, it was another loss: the Lagunari remain in last place with three points, once again paying the price for their lack of offensive punch and their inability to turn counterattacks into concrete scoring chances.
