Empoli secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Como in a tense Serie B clash on Tuesday night, with Pietro Pellegri’s decisive goal just after halftime proving enough to separate the two teams. Despite Como’s relentless efforts and multiple missed chances, Empoli held firm to claim the three points at home.
Como’s Nico Paz and Patrick Cutrone led a late-game surge, but the away side ultimately fell short in their attempts to find an equalizer.
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First Half: A Tense Start but No Breakthrough
The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams probing for openings but struggling to convert chances. Como’s Andrea Belotti had two close attempts, one in the sixth minute that missed narrowly to the right and a 37th-minute header that forced Empoli’s goalkeeper, Devis Vásquez, into a crucial save.
Empoli, while less dominant in possession, managed to win several fouls in the attacking half, with Youssef Maleh being particularly active.
Both sides displayed disciplined defense, leaving few opportunities for clear shots on goal. Empoli’s midfield pairing of Nicolas Haas and Liam Henderson worked tirelessly to contain Como’s forward runs, while Como’s Gabriel Strefezza and Alieu Fadera showed energy on the wings, testing Empoli’s defense.
As the first half drew to a close, it was evident that a moment of brilliance or a defensive lapse would likely be required to break the deadlock.
Second Half: Pellegri’s Decisive Strike
The breakthrough came almost immediately after the second half resumed. Empoli’s Pietro Pellegri struck in the 47th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Como to slot a right-footed shot past Pepe Reina into the bottom left corner.
Pellegri’s goal, with an xG (expected goals) of 0.02, demonstrated his knack for seizing the moment, especially in high-pressure situations.
This goal gave Empoli a much-needed boost, allowing them to control the tempo of the game. Como, facing the pressure of an away defeat, immediately adjusted their formation and increased their attacking efforts.
Nico Paz and Patrick Cutrone had several late attempts on goal, but their shots were either blocked by Empoli’s resilient defense or narrowly missed the target.
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Como’s Late Push: Paz and Cutrone’s Close Calls
Como fought back hard in the final minutes of the game. Nico Paz had two promising attempts in stoppage time, including a header and a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box.
Both shots, however, failed to find the back of the net, with one blocked by Empoli’s defenders and the other veering off to the right. Cutrone also came close with a shot from a difficult angle, showcasing Como’s desperation to level the score.
The team’s defense, anchored by Ardian Ismajli and Mattia Viti, managed to fend off these final attacks, securing their lead until the final whistle. Despite Como’s relentless pressure and last-minute opportunities, Empoli maintained their composure and held on for the win.
Key Players and Match Statistics
Several players stood out in this tightly contested match:
- Pietro Pellegri (Empoli): Scored the game-winning goal and remained a consistent threat in the attacking half.
- Nico Paz (Como): Came close to scoring on multiple occasions in the final minutes, showing exceptional tenacity and skill.
- Devis Vásquez (Empoli): Made crucial saves to keep Empoli in the lead, particularly against Como’s close-range efforts.
Statistically, Como had more attempts, with ten shots to Empoli’s seven, but Empoli had a higher success rate in retaining possession and winning fouls in key areas. Como managed to win six corners compared to Empoli’s four, highlighting their persistent offensive push, particularly in the last quarter of the game.
Tactical Insights: Empoli’s Defensive Resilience
The club’s defense was notably solid throughout the game, relying on disciplined positioning and effective man-marking. Ancelotti’s approach focused on containing Como’s wingers, Strefezza and Fadera, who had limited space to operate and were forced to rely on set-pieces for scoring chances.
The team’s midfield also played a crucial role in breaking up Como’s passing rhythm, particularly Maleh, who won multiple fouls to disrupt Como’s momentum.
Como, on the other hand, struggled to finish their chances despite creating a higher number of opportunities. Their lack of precision in front of goal, especially in the closing minutes, ultimately cost them a valuable point.
Manager Paulo Fonseca’s substitution decisions, including bringing on Nico Paz and Patrick Cutrone, injected energy into the attack but fell short of delivering the equalizer.
Full-Time Reflection: Empoli Holds Firm Amid Como’s Pressure
As the final whistle blew, Empoli emerged with a well-earned victory. While Como showed glimpses of promise and managed to control large portions of the game, their inability to capitalize on late chances cost them the match.
The team’s composure and Pellegri’s clinical finishing made the difference in a closely fought encounter. This game highlighted the significance of converting critical moments into goals – a valuable lesson for both teams as they look ahead to their next fixtures.
