Como moved three points clear of the relegation zone in Serie A after a dramatic 4-1 home victory over Udinese, which saw both teams reduced to 10 men and ended Udinese’s four-game unbeaten run away from home.
The hosts were the better side in the first half and took the lead after just five minutes. Assane Diao, who had scored against AC Milan in the previous match, cut inside and blasted the ball into the roof of the net following a pass from Gabriel Strefezza. Diao almost got a second goal when his header from a corner was saved by Udinese goalkeeper Răzvan Sava, who had earlier kept out a shot from Maxence Caqueret.
Just before half-time, Como doubled their lead. Strefezza, who had assisted the first goal, struck the ball into the bottom corner from just outside the box after the ball fell to him. Udinese, who had rarely threatened, missed their best chance when Sandi Lovrić’s shot went just wide of Jean Butez’s post.
However, just five minutes into the second half, Como made a defensive mistake that allowed Martín Payero to score from the edge of the box, reducing Udinese’s deficit. The visitors grew in confidence, with Rui Modesto’s low shot well saved by Butez. Soon after, Como were reduced to 10 men when Edoardo Goldaniga received a second yellow card for a poor challenge and was sent off before the hour mark.
The referee evened things up shortly after, sending off Udinese’s Oumar Solet for a second yellow card, leaving both teams with 10 players. This proved to be a turning point as Como pushed for a third goal. They got it when Jaka Bijol accidentally scored an own goal, directing a pass into his own net. There was even time for a fourth goal in stoppage time, as Nico Paz scored from close range after meeting a header across goal from Yannik Engelhardt.
Como have now won three of their last five home matches, while Udinese’s strong away form came to an end. Despite the defeat, Udinese remain in the top half of the table.
