Como’s stunning rise: A 1-0 win at Verona seals the club’s first-ever European spot

TL;DR

Como secured its first-ever European competition spot with a 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona, marking a remarkable rise from the fourth division in just seven years. They are now guaranteed at least a place in the Conference League for next season.

Key points

Como won 1-0 against Hellas Verona
This victory guarantees Como a European spot
Como was in the fourth division seven years ago
Anastasios Douvikas scored the winning goal
Cesc Fabregas is the coach of Como

Mentioned in this story

Anastasios DouvikasCesc Fabregas

ComoHellas VeronaSerie A

MILAN (AP) — Seven years ago, Como was playing in the fourth division of Italian soccer. Next season it will be competing in Europe for the first time in its 119-year history. And that could even be the Champions League. Como won 1-0 at Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday to guarantee a spot in at least the Conference League as it can't finish lower than sixth. Anastasios Douvikas scored for Como. The result also left Como just two points behind fourth-place AC Milan, which was playing Atalanta later. Roma was level on points with Milan after snatching a dramatic 3-2 win at Parma. There are two rounds remaining in Serie A after this weekend. Como is making rapid progress since Indonesian tobacco billionaire brothers Roberto Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono purchased the club in 2019, when it was in Serie D. European soccer could prove enough to keep coach Cesc Fabregas at the club, with bigger teams across Europe reportedly interested in the 39-year-old, who has impressed in his first managerial position.

Dramatic finale

Roma scored two goals deep in stoppage time to snatch a comeback win at Parma and boost its hopes of getting into the Champions League. Roma was heading for defeat when Mandela Keita gave Parma a 2-1 lead in the 87th minute. However, substitute scrambled in the equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time and then won a penalty when he and Parma defender Sascha Britschgi fell to the ground as they were tussling for the ball. The referee initially awarded a free kick to Parma but then revoked his decision on video review, showing Britschgi a second yellow card — and sending him off — and awarding a penalty to Roma, which converted in the 11th minute of stoppages.

Q&A

How did Como secure their first European spot?

Como secured their first European spot by winning 1-0 against Hellas Verona, ensuring they cannot finish lower than sixth in Serie A.

What is the significance of Como's rise in Italian soccer?

Como's rise from the fourth division to European competition in just seven years highlights the club's rapid development and potential for growth in Italian soccer.

Who scored the winning goal for Como against Verona?

Anastasios Douvikas scored the winning goal for Como in their match against Hellas Verona.