Como has completed one of the most remarkable rises in Italian soccer history, securing its first-ever European spot with a gritty 1-0 win at Hellas Verona on Sunday. Just seven years ago, the club was playing in Italy's fourth division. Now, it's guaranteed at least a place in the UEFA Conference League, as it cannot finish lower than sixth in Serie A.
Anastasios Douvikas scored the decisive goal, sending Como's traveling fans into delirium. The result also leaves Como just two points behind fourth-placed AC Milan, who faced Atalanta later in the day. With only two rounds remaining after this weekend, every match carries immense weight for clubs chasing European glory.
Como's transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Since Indonesian tobacco billionaires Roberto Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono purchased the club in 2019—when it was still languishing in Serie D—the team has climbed the ranks with breathtaking speed. The financial backing has been crucial, but the on-field execution has been equally impressive.
Head coach Cesc Fabregas, in his first managerial role, has been the mastermind behind this success. The 39-year-old former Barcelona and Arsenal star has drawn interest from bigger clubs across Europe, but this European qualification could be the key to keeping him at Como for the foreseeable future.
Elsewhere in Serie A, Roma pulled off a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Parma, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to keep its Champions League hopes alive. After Mandela Keita put Parma ahead in the 87th minute, substitute Devyne Rensch scrambled home an equalizer in the fourth minute of added time. He then won a penalty after a tussle with Parma's Sascha Britschgi, who was sent off after a video review. Donyell Malen converted from the spot in the 11th minute of stoppages to complete the turnaround.
At the other end of the table, Jamie Vardy scored his first goal since January to help Cremonese secure a vital 3-0 win over bottom club Pisa, who played most of the second half with nine men after Rosen Bozhinov received two yellow cards in the opening 24 minutes. Pisa has already been mathematically relegated.