Como Secures 1-0 Victory Over Venezia with First-Half Penalty
Como triumphed over bottom-placed Venezia with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to Lucas Da Cunha’s penalty in the first half. Despite a spirited performance from Venezia’s goalkeeper Filip Stanković and a possible penalty decision that went their way after a VAR check, Venezia could not find the equalizer.
Going into the match, Como ranked fifth with 20 points following a 3-1 victory against Torino, marking their best start in club history with a Champions League fixture against Lens on the horizon. Coach Cesc Fàbregas faced challenges with key absences, including Moise Kean, who is expected to be sidelined for around five weeks, alongside Assane Diao, Jesús Rodríguez, Trevoh Chalobah, and Addai. Mattia Liberali returned to the bench after an injury, while Jean Butez took his place in goal. Venezia, with just three points, occupied the bottom of the table after their loss to Inter earlier in the week. Their coach, Davide Nicola, also managed without Bartol Franjić and Andrea Adorante, opting to start Lion Lauberbach and Gianluca Busio.
Como commanded possession from the outset, registering 76% in the first 18 minutes, but struggled to penetrate Venezia’s five-man defense. Notable chances saw Kaiki miss a header from a Luis Milla corner, and Tasos Douvikas’s shot blocked following a Nico Paz through ball. Martin Baturina also sent an effort over from the edge of the box.
Stanković showcased his talents early, making a crucial save to deny Da Cunha’s low shot directed towards the bottom corner, which momentarily left him needing treatment.
Venezia believed they were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute when Milla was penalized for handball. However, after a review, referee Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi reversed the call.
Como continued to apply pressure, with Stanković again stepping up to make a great reflex save against Marc-Oliver Kempf’s rebound. Milla and Douvikas each came close to scoring, but it was not until the 43rd minute that Como found the breakthrough. After Juan Jesus fouled Douvikas in the box, Da Cunha converted the penalty into the top-left corner.
Venezia nearly leveled the score just before halftime, but Thórir Helgason’s shot drifted past the far post.
After the break, Stanković kept Venezia’s hopes alive by tipping away Baturina’s curling strike. Nicola made tactical changes, introducing Kike Pérez and John Yeboah, followed by Toma Bašić and Richie Sagrado, which injected new energy into Venezia’s attack. Yeboah threatened with two close-range attempts, while Kike Pérez fired over the goal. At the other end, Yan Couto nearly secured a second goal for Como but shot wide from the edge of the area.
The match ended Como 1-0 Venezia, with Da Cunha’s penalty being the decisive moment.
