Serie A: Como Stun Fiorentina with 2-0 Away Win

Como's 2-0 win over Fiorentina marked their first clean sheet away from home in Serie A this season, lifting them five points clear of the relegation zone.

Assane Diao, just 19 years old, played a pivotal role in Como's surprise 2-0 victory over ACF Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, bringing an end to the Lariani's three-match losing streak in Serie A. This win marked a significant upset, as Fiorentina had been expected to dominate the match.

Fiorentina began the match on the front foot, with Robin Gosens coming close to scoring an early opener. The hosts continued to dictate the pace of the game, but Como gradually gained momentum, with Diao posing a constant threat to the Fiorentina defense. In the 21st minute, Maxence Caqueret picked out Diao, who forced David de Gea into a crucial near-post save.

Como come out on top in Florence! 👏#FiorentinaComo pic.twitter.com/DIsvnN0RsF

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 16, 2025

As the match progressed, Diao's influence continued to grow, and he was denied a shot on goal only by a last-ditch challenge from Marin Pongracic. However, Diao's persistence eventually paid off in the 41st minute, when he finished off a swift breakaway with a composed finish beyond the wrong-footed De Gea.

Assane Diao is the Panini Player of the Match from #FiorentinaComo! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NkI3qVV6ve

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 16, 2025

Diao's goal marked a turning point in the match, and Como went on to secure a 2-0 victory over Fiorentina. This surprise win has given Como a significant boost in their bid to avoid relegation, while Fiorentina will be looking to bounce back from this disappointing defeat.

Fiorentina's four-match winning streak over Como was on the verge of being snapped, as the hosts had previously emerged victorious in each of their last four meetings without conceding a goal. However, Como's determined performance threatened to upset the odds and bring an end to Fiorentina's dominance.

As the second half got underway, Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino sought to inject new life into his team's attack, making a double substitution 10 minutes into the half. Despite this tactical switch, clear-cut chances remained elusive for the hosts, and they were soon left reeling as Como doubled their advantage.

The decisive moment arrived when Nico Paz capitalized on some loose play in midfield, unleashing a fierce strike that ricocheted in off the post to leave Fiorentina trailing 2-0. This setback left the hosts scrambling to mount a comeback, but their efforts were in vain, with Michael Folorunsho's tame header representing their best attempt at reducing the deficit.

Como's resolute defensive display ultimately earned them a valuable 2-0 victory, marking their first clean sheet away from home in the league this season. This hard-fought win has propelled Como five points clear of the relegation zone, with Cesc Fabregas's side now sitting comfortably in 13th place.

The defeat, Fiorentina's second consecutive loss, has somewhat dampened the mood around the club, leaving them sixth in the standings. Although La Viola remain within the European qualification spots, they are now under pressure from AC Milan and Bologna, who trail by just a single point having played one game fewer.