Lucas da Cunha Penalty Lifts Como Past Stubborn Udinese

COMO, Italy — Lucas da Cunha's early penalty proved decisive as Como secured a 1-0 victory over Udinese at Giuseppe Sinigaglia, lifting the hosts to sixth place with 27 points while leaving the visitors in 11th on 22 points. The Brazilian midfielder's composed spot kick in the 18th minute separated two sides heading in opposite directions, despite Como's profligacy in front of goal threatening to cost them dearly.

THE DECISIVE MOMENT

The match's defining moment arrived in the 18th minute when Como was awarded a penalty. Lucas da Cunha stepped up with confidence, sending his left-footed effort straight down the middle as Daniele Padelli dove to his right. The goalkeeper's gamble failed, and Como had the breakthrough their early dominance deserved. It was a moment of composure under pressure, with the Brazilian barely celebrating before urging his teammates to maintain their intensity. The goal set the tone for what would become a frustrating afternoon for Udinese, who struggled to muster any meaningful response.

THE BATTLE

Como's midfield trio of Lucas da Cunha, Maxence Caqueret and Máximo Perrone controlled proceedings, dictating tempo and territory with authority. Caqueret was particularly influential, winning his duels and driving Como forward with purpose. At the back, Marc Oliver Kempf marshaled the defense superbly, snuffing out the limited threat posed by Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo. Udinese's best moment came in the 55th minute when Zaniolo thought he had equalized, only for VAR to correctly rule him offside. Padelli kept his side in the contest with two crucial saves, denying Jesús Rodríguez and Perrone in the closing stages as Como searched for the cushion their dominance warranted.

BY THE NUMBERS

Como dominated possession at 61.7% and launched 15 shots compared to Udinese's meager three attempts. Yet despite their territorial superiority, Como managed just three efforts on target, highlighting a wastefulness that nearly proved costly. The visitors failed to register a single shot on target all afternoon, their attacking impotence summed up by Christian Kabasele and Kingsley Ehizibue collecting yellow cards as frustration mounted. The statistics painted a picture of complete control, but Como's finishing left much to be desired.

THE TURNING POINT

The match's pivotal sequence came just before the hour mark when Tasos Douvikas rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort that had Padelli beaten. Had that attempt dropped inches lower, Como would have sealed the points comfortably. Instead, they endured a nervy final 30 minutes, with Udinese sensing an opportunity despite their lack of quality in the final third. Mërgim Vojvoda and Ignace Van der Brempt stood firm down the flanks, repelling late pressure as Como held on for three precious points that keep their impressive season on track.

LOOKING AHEAD

Como will host Pisa on January 6, while Udinese travel to face Torino on January 7.