Como 1-3 Fiorentina: Como deepen Fiorentina crisis in Serie A

Fiorentina are going through a very delicate moment in Serie A. The Viola side suffered another home defeat, this time a 1-3 loss to a Como 1907 side that showed the clinical edge the hosts lacked. With just 4 points on the board, survival is quickly becoming the realistic target for a project that had European ambitions.

• Como win 1-3 at the Artemio Franchi with Pongarcic's second goal ruled out by VAR.
• Nico Paz scores and assists to lead the away victory.
• Fiorentina sit on just 4 points in the early Serie A season and are sliding towards the relegation zone.
• De Gea made several key saves to prevent an even bigger defeat.

Fiorentina sink at the Artemio Franchi against a lethal Como

The atmosphere in Florence did not help. The Artemio Franchi remains under renovation and cannot reach full capacity, reducing the usual pressure on the opposition. Even so, Fiorentina started with some intention, but it was goalkeeper David de Gea who kept the team alive in the opening minutes. The Spaniard made two excellent saves, especially a venomous header from Nico Paz.

Cesc Fàbregas' side, however, did not forgive. Liberali opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a curling effort that nestled into the far post, out of De Gea's reach. The home response was minimal, with only a couple of attempts on Butez's goal, and the punishment soon followed: Nico Paz, this time with a superb header, doubled the lead in the 36th minute.

Pongarcic pulls one back but VAR blocks the comeback

Despite the 0-2 deficit, Fiorentina did not give up before the break. Pongarcic scored twice in the final minutes of the first half, although only the first one counted. The second, after a free-kick delivered by Mastantuono, was disallowed for offside following a VAR review, a bitter blow for the home side's hopes.

The goal in the 43rd minute gave Fiorentina some hope, and they faced the second half intent on equalising. However, the comeback never materialised. Njie came close after a poor clearance from Butez, but his effort drifted wide. What was not forgiven was Douvikas' finish, as he coolly slotted the ball through De Gea's legs in the 57th minute after a fine pass from Nico Paz.

Como shut up shop and seal the win without trouble

With the score at 1-3, Como took a step back and focused on protecting their lead. Cesc Fàbregas' team looked organised and disciplined, allowing a flat and uninspired Fiorentina to keep the ball. The visitors even had chances to extend their advantage on the counter, with a free header from Njie that crashed against the post.

The final minutes passed without a real siege from Fiorentina. The Viola side failed to create any genuine danger, and Como walked away with three crucial points. The overriding feeling in Florence is one of confusion: the team is drifting away from any ambitious goal and glancing nervously towards the bottom of the table.

What this defeat means for Fiorentina's Serie A season

Fiorentina's start to the season has been very poor. With just 4 points, Palladino's side find themselves in a compromised position. Although the calendar is still long, the trend is worrying: the team lacks defensive solidity and, above all, that cutting edge which Como displayed at the key moments.

European ambitions seem to be fading fast. The fans, meanwhile, cannot create their usual intimidating atmosphere due to the ongoing stadium works, and the team has failed to impose its style at home. The trip to Como leaves a clear picture: Fiorentina need an immediate reaction to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle nobody expected at this stage.

Nico Paz, the attacking spark for Cesc Fàbregas' Como

The young Argentine playmaker once again showed why he is one of the most exciting pieces in Cesc Fàbregas' project at Como. Nico Paz not only scored the visitors' second goal with a brilliant header, but also provided the assist for the third, finished by Douvikas. His reading of the game and his presence in the box were decisive in breaking the match open.

Como, newly promoted to Serie A, are enjoying a strong start. With wins of this calibre and a pragmatic style built on defensive solidity and counter-attacks, the Lombardy side are moving clear of the danger zone. Nico Paz's contribution, on loan from Real Madrid, is proving key to the Italian club's hopes of a comfortable season.