Como has achieved a historic milestone by securing a place in the Champions League, aided by Milan’s stumble and a commanding 4-1 victory over Cremonese, a result that also confirms Cremonese’s relegation to Serie B.
The final round of Serie A saw high stakes for both teams, with a Champions League qualification and Serie A survival on the line. Cremonese was significantly hampered by a stomach bug affecting several key players, including Warren Bondo, Martin Payero, Faris Moumbagna, and Mikayil Faye, while also dealing with injuries to Antonio Sanabria, Federico Baschirotto, and Federico Ceccherini. Como faced their own challenges, with star player Nico Paz only fit for the bench due to a muscular issue, and Alex Valle and Jayden Addai unavailable.
The difficulties for Cremonese coach Marco Giampaolo worsened in the early minutes as Youssouf Maleh was forced off with a muscular injury.
Despite an early miss from Assane Diao, Como opened the scoring. After a sprint down the left flank, Diao delivered a cross that was parried by goalkeeper Emil Audero. A subsequent clearance from Giuseppe Pezzella fell to Jesus Rodriguez, who netted the opener for Como.
Como extended their lead shortly after halftime. Jesus Rodriguez provided the assist for Tasos Douvikas to score at the far post, doubling their advantage.
Cremonese pulled one back from the penalty spot when Federico Bonazzoli converted after Jacobo Ramon fouled Jamie Vardy.
The match took a controversial turn when VAR prompted a penalty for Como after a high boot from Matteo Bianchetti on Tasos Douvikas. The decision, which resulted in protests from Cremonese, led to the dismissals of Milan Djuric and David Okereke (from the bench) for dissent, followed by Alberto Grassi. Lucas Da Cunha then successfully converted the penalty.
Da Cunha sealed the victory with a fourth goal, surprising the goalkeeper with a low finish at the near post.
A potential fifth goal was disallowed for offside after an assist from Alvaro Morata to Sergi Roberto.
Confirmation of Milan’s home defeat after the final whistle meant that, based on head-to-head records, Como had officially secured their Champions League spot, rendering the result of another match irrelevant.
Cremonese 1-4 Como
Goals: Jesus Rodriguez 36′ (Co), Douvikas 51′ (Co), Bonazzoli pen 55′ (Cr), Da Cunha pen 74′, 81′ (Co)
Red Cards: Grassi 72′ (Cr), Okereke 71′ (Cr bench), Djuric 71′ (Cr bench)
