Como are firmly in contention to play in the UEFA Champions League for the first time ever next season, and it was evident to see throughout the opening 10 minutes why Cesc Fabregas’ side are the form sides in the division.
Diego Carlos sent an early warning shot not that far off-target, shortly before Maximo Perrone fired an effort straight into the arms of Maduka Okoye. Responding to their visitors’ encouraging start, Arthur Atta saw his fierce 11th-minute rocket expertly pushed away by Jean Butez.
Controversy then descended upon the Bluenergy Stadium nine minutes later as Atta went down in the area. However, despite vigorous appeals, referee Fabio Maresca wasn’t convinced, nonchalantly waving away the pleas for a penalty.
A low-key period followed, but there was end-to-end action before the interval, with Nico Paz stinging Okoye’s gloves from a distance, before Butez instinctively rushed off his line to block Hassane Kamara’s shot at the opposite end.
As was the case for much of the first half, the start of the second period failed to provide any meaningful action in front of goal, with the only highlight being Christian Kabasele’s 57th-minute effort that was well held by Butez.
With a breakthrough still eluding both sides, Kosta Runjaic and Fabregas each turned to their respective dugouts in search of an answer. And it was nearly one of those changes that made the all-important difference, with Como’s Sergi Roberto only narrowly heading over the crossbar.
It didn’t take very long for one of Udinese’s substitutes to see a sight of goal, as Idrissa Gueye’s powerful strike tested the reflexes of Butez, ultimately proving to be the game’s last chance of note.
A draw extends Como’s advantage to four points over Juventus, their closest rivals in the Champions League race, albeit having played an extra game. Meanwhile, Udinese are two points adrift of Serie A’s top half, having now lost just one of their last five matches (W2, D2).
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jean Butez (Como)
Check out the match summary here.
