Como punish Fiorentina’s missed chances in 3-1 win as Liberali scores on first start
Liberali leads Como to a clinical away win
Como made their chances count in a 3-1 Serie A victory over Fiorentina in Florence, with Mattia Liberali scoring on his first start for the club and Nico Paz contributing a goal and an assist.
The visitors took the lead in the 32nd minute. After an exchange in which Fiorentina protested a challenge by Marc-Oliver Kempf on Pedro Gonçalves, Como broke forward and Liberali curled a left-footed finish into the far corner. It was the 19-year-old’s first Serie A goal.
Como doubled their advantage four minutes later when Álex Valle crossed from the left and Nico Paz guided a header across goalkeeper David De Gea and into the top corner.
Pongracic scores, but Fiorentina’s leveller is ruled out
Fiorentina responded from a corner in the 42nd minute. Jacobo Ramón’s attempted clearance fell to Marin Pongracic, who drove the ball home from close range to make it 2-1.
The hosts appeared to equalise in first-half stoppage time when Pongracic volleyed in from a free kick by Franco Mastantuono. The goal was disallowed for offside after a review lasting around four minutes; the report said the Semi-Automated Offside Technology system was not working.
Fiorentina continued to press after the break, but Como struck again in the 56th minute. Nico Paz sent Anastasios Douvikas through on the right, and the striker’s low finish squeezed beneath De Gea to restore the visitors’ two-goal cushion.
Missed chances keep the Viola at arm’s length
Fiorentina had opportunities to make the closing stages more tense. Alieu Njie got beyond the defence early in the second half but sent his effort into the side-netting, then later headed against the post from close range. Nicolò Fagioli also tested Jean Butez with two curling efforts.
Como had chances to extend their lead, including efforts from Nico Paz and Maxence Caqueret, while Pongracic blocked a Bruno Kaiki attempt. The result gave Como a composed away win despite Fiorentina’s attacking pressure and frustration over the officiating.