Empoli finally broke their home goal drought and secured their first victory at the Carlo Castellani Stadium this season, defeating Como 1-0. The match-winning goal came from Pietro Pellegri early in the second half, marking Empoli’s first home goal in the league campaign.
Roberto D’Aversa’s tactical changes proved decisive for Empoli. The manager opted to start Pellegri, giving him his first start of the season in place of regular striker Lorenzo Colombo. This decision paid off handsomely as Pellegri’s powerful diagonal shot in the 47th minute broke the deadlock and ultimately decided the match.
The first half was a cagey affair with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Como, under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, showed early aggression but failed to capitalize. The visitors were hampered by several absences in midfield, forcing Fabregas to reshuffle his lineup.
Empoli’s breakthrough came shortly after the restart when Pellegri capitalized on a defensive error by Como’s Alberto Moreno and Federico Barba. The striker’s goal ended a personal scoring drought that stretched back to May when he last found the net for Torino.
Following the goal, Empoli grew in confidence and created several opportunities to extend their lead. Szymon Żurkowski and Youssef Maleh both came close to doubling the advantage, while Como struggled to mount a serious threat to equalize.
The victory sees Empoli climb to 10th place in the Serie A standings with 14 points, leapfrogging Roma and drawing level with Torino. For Como, the defeat extends their winless run to five matches, with four losses in that span. The newly promoted side now finds themselves in a precarious position, having not tasted victory since September.
Goals: Pellegri 47′ (E)
Empoli (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; De Sciglio, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Haas (76′ Anjorin), Henderson (84′ Marianucci), Pezzella (84′ Cacace); Maleh, Solbakken (63′ Colombo); Pellegri (76′ Ekong)
Como (4-2-3-1): Reina; Goldaniga, Barba (63′ Nico Paz), Dossena, Alberto Moreno; Engelhardt, Kempf; Fadera (78′ Verdi), Da Cunha (86′ Cerri), Strefezza (63′ Cutrone); Belotti (78′ Gabrielloni)
