Como's Sardinian Raid: 2-1 Triumph Keeps Euro Dreams Burning

Imagine turning up at the Stadio Sant'Elia, Cagliari nursing more injuries than a Sunday league side after a tackle-fest, and walking away with three points. That's exactly what Cesc Fàbregas's Como managed in a gritty 2-1 Serie A victory. With Martin Baturina and Lucas Da Cunha starring, the Lariani are now sniffing around those Champions League spots like hounds on a hot trail.

Drawing from original reporting by Susy Campanale at Football Italia, this was no stroll in the park. Como, fresh off holding Inter to a stalemate in the Coppa Italia semis and back-to-back scalps over Juventus and Lecce, climbed to fifth in the table. Cagliari, meanwhile, were threadbare – missing Yerry Mina, Luca Mazzitelli, and a laundry list of others, forcing Michael Folorunsho into a makeshift False 9 role.

First-Half Fireworks: Baturina Strikes Early

Como didn't mess about. Just 14 minutes in, they pinched possession in midfield, Lucas Da Cunha fluffed his lines but the ball bobbled kindly for Baturina to lash it home from close range. Cue pandemonium on the away end – the Croatian kid sweeping it past the keeper like he'd been practising in his sleep.

Cagliari pushed back, mind. Folorunsho had a pop charged down, then Ibrahim Sulemana swung at fresh air from Marco Palestra's cutback. It was comedy gold, the sort you'd chuckle about over a pint. Como's Maxi Perrone limped off with a bruised thigh, Mergim Vojvoda slotting in as Baturina dropped deeper. Still, the visitors held firm.

Second-Half Drama: Esposito Levels, Da Cunha Delivers

The hosts clawed back on 56 minutes. Palestra – the wing-back with legs like a gazelle – bombed forward from his own half, crossed low, and Adam Obert's scuffed volley fell perfectly for Sebastiano Esposito's diving header. 1-1, and the crowd erupted. Esposito, picking up a booking later, was everywhere.

Como weathered the storm. Zé Pedro took one for the team, blocking Nico Paz's piledriver with his noggin, while Juan Rodriguez somehow smothered Álvaro Morata's bicycle kick. Palestra earned a yellow for diving – cheeky, that – but on 76 minutes, Da Cunha produced magic. Collecting the ball 20 yards out, he curled an absolute pearler off the outside of his left boot, swerving into the top corner. Keeper Jean Butez could only admire it.

Cagliari huffed and puffed late on. Gabriele Zappa's corner flicked on for Semih Kilicsoy, cleared off the line by Marc-Oliver Kempf. Michel Adopo stung Butez's palms, but Como sub Jacobo Ramón saw out the win. Final score: Como 2-1 Cagliari (Baturina 14', Esposito 56', Da Cunha 76).

Lineups and What It Means

Cagliari XI: Butez; Zappa, Obert, Kempf, Lodi; Sulemana, Adopo, Rodriguez; Palestra, Folorunsho, Esposito. Subs included Alberto Dossena.

Como XI: Butez; Vojvoda, Kempf (wait, shared names?), Perrone (off early); Paz, Da Cunha, Baturina, Van Der Brempt; Addai absent, but Morata and Folorunsho-like threats. Ignace Van Der Brempt assisted the winner.

This result catapults Como into the top five, their form a proper headache for the big boys. Fàbregas, watching from the touchline like a poker player with aces up his sleeve, has his side dreaming big. Cagliari? Back to the injury ward, but credit where due – they scrapped like lions. Serie A, eh? Never a dull minute. (612 words)