Como maintain winning streak with victory against Venezia

Lucas Da Cunha’s penalty was the difference in the Serie A clash against Venezia as they prepared for the midweek Champions League clash.

Da Cunha’s first goal for Como proved the match-winner, despite an inspired display from Filip Stanković and a VAR reprieve at the other end.

Como won midweek against Torino, coming from behind to remain fifth on the log with 20 points after Tuesday’s 3-1 win.

This is the best start in the club’s history, with a Champions League trip to Lens to come on Wednesday.

Venezia began the game at the bottom of the Serie A table with three points after losing 2-0 to Inter midweek as Davide Nicola looked for points in their relegation battle.

As expected, Como dominated possession from the start, with 76% in the opening 18 minutes, while Venezia’s five-man defense held firm. 

The first chance of the tie came when Kaiki Bruno headed over from a Luis Milla corner, and Tasos Douvikas’ shot got blocked after a Nico Paz through ball.

As Martin Baturina blazed over from the edge of the box, Stanković was kept busy as the Venezia goalkeeper got down well to stop Da Cunha’s low drive into the bottom corner, needing treatment after the save.

Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi had pointed to the penalty spot for the visitors in the 28th minute as Milla was penalized for handball. After an on-field review, the referee overturned her decision.

Como again forced Stanković into a superb reflex save to deny Marc-Oliver Kempf’s effort from a rebound while Milla fired just over from the edge of the area.

After Douvikas headed narrowly wide from Baturina’s cross, the hosts eventually got the breakthrough from the penalty spot.

Former Napoli defender Juan Jesus slid in on Douvikas inside the box and was booked. Da Cunha sent the goalie the wrong way with a left-footed spot kick into the top-left corner in the 43rd minute.

Venezia had a chance to level matters before the break, but Thórir Helgason’s shot from the right side of the area flew just past the far post.

Stanković was tested again after the restart, tipping away Baturina’s curling effort after the Croatian had danced past several challenges. 

Nicola brought in Kike Pérez, John Yeboah, Toma Bašić and Richie Sagrado, who then livened up Venezia. Yeboah went close twice from distance, and Kike Pérez fired high and wide. 

Yan Couto had the best chance to settle the contest at the other end, but dragged his shot from the edge of the area just wide.