In the opening match of Serie A’s 24th round, Juventus secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Como, moving temporarily into fourth place ahead of Lazio and Fiorentina’s fixtures. Despite a spirited start from the hosts, who saw goalkeeper Di Gregorio deny multiple chances, it was Juventus who struck first through the in-form Randal Kolo Muani in the 35th minute. Como responded just before half-time, but an 89th-minute penalty converted by Kolo Muani sealed all three points for the Bianconeri.
Juventus once again relied on the red-hot form of Randal Kolo Muani, whose brace was enough to mask the team’s ongoing struggles in attack. Although they had only two shots on target throughout the game, Juventus’ efficiency and Kolo Muani’s decisive finishing proved to be the difference. The French striker has now scored five goals in his last three Serie A games, outperforming even the legendary Roberto Baggio over a similar stretch.
Despite the win, Thiago Motta’s side still showed signs of vulnerability. They lacked creativity in the final third and were forced to make tactical adjustments to improve their midfield performance, where Teun Koopmeiners continues to struggle to replicate his form from his Atalanta days. Meanwhile, Como once again impressed with their pressing, energy, and attacking intent but left the pitch empty-handed, punished by a late defensive lapse.
Cesc Fàbregas’ Como, true to their fearless approach, came out strong and dominated the opening stages. Their high pressing and neat build-up play from the back created early opportunities, including a dangerous cross-shot from Cutrone that was cleared by Weah in the fifth minute. Nico Paz came close to opening the scoring for Como in the 11th minute, but a stunning save from Juventus keeper Di Gregorio kept the hosts at bay.
Juventus struggled to create chances and relied on their defensive stability to weather Como’s pressure. Como had another opportunity in the 23rd minute when Da Cunha unleashed a powerful strike, only for Di Gregorio to tip it over the bar.
Then, seemingly against the run of play, Juventus capitalised on their first real chance. Weah intercepted the ball from Strefezza, and Nico Gonzalez quickly fed Kolo Muani, who shrugged off Dossena and fired a powerful right-footed shot past goalkeeper Butez to give Juventus a 1-0 lead. It was a classic example of Juve’s ability to strike with precision despite limited opportunities.
Como appeared rattled by the goal but regained composure just before half-time. Koopmeiners lost possession to Cutrone, who delivered a perfect cross for Diao to head home the equaliser in stoppage time (46’).
Thiago Motta responded by making midfield changes, bringing on Thuram and Douglas Luiz for the underperforming Koopmeiners and Locatelli, but Juventus continued to struggle in midfield. Meanwhile, Como’s energy levels dropped after their early efforts, and Fàbregas’ substitutions—most notably the ineffective introduction of Ikoné for Cutrone—did little to change their fortunes.
Controversy struck when Como appealed for a penalty after a possible handball by Gatti in a challenge with Douvikas, but referee Abisso waved play on. Then, in the 87th minute, disaster struck for Como. After a free-kick delivery, goalkeeper Butez rushed out but misjudged his punch, striking Gatti in the head instead of the ball. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, which Kolo Muani calmly converted (89’) to secure the win.
Como nearly equalised in stoppage time when Dossena’s header clipped the top of the crossbar, but it wasn’t enough to deny Juventus three crucial points.
