Serie A | Como 1-0 Udinese – Decisive Da Cunha from the spot

A Lucas Da Cunha goal from the spot was all Como needed to secure a 1-0 win over Udinese and continue their unbeaten run at home.

Nico Paz started on the bench as he had not trained in the previous week, as Fabregas explained before kick-off.

Udinese made the first shot in the game with Nicolò Zaniolo after recovering the ball high up the pitch. The Italian striker tried to score with a chip from distance, but he didn’t hit the target in Udinese’s only attempt in the opening 45 minutes.

Como dominated possession and took the lead with Lucas Da Cunha’s first-season goal as the Frenchman converted a penalty kick cheaply conceded by Jakub Piotrowski.

Jesus Rodriguez and Maxi Perrone had a chance each to double the lead, but first the Spanish winger sent a curler from inside the box out wide and then the Argentine saw Daniele Padelli save his backheel attempt.

Scotland midfielder Lennon Miller was introduced during the break to replace Hassane Kamara, and Udinese entered the field with a very different attitude in the second half.

Jürgen Ekkelenkamp had a big chance to level the score but sent his shot wide to Butez’s left.

Nicolò Zaniolo thought he had levelled the score when he received a pass inside the box and dribbled past Butez to cross the goalline with the ball at his feet, but VAR ruled the Italian offside.

Como replied with Anastasios Douvikas, who struck the inside of the crossbar from an excellent position a few minutes later.

Nico Paz was ultimately introduced at minute 68, but the game’s flow didn’t really change as Como continued to dominate possession while Udinese struggled to cause trouble for the home side on the counter.

The Azzurri remain in sixth and are just three points below a Champions League spot.