The match brought together two of the biggest surprises in Serie A. Como, solid at home and increasingly comfortable with Cesc Fàbregas’ identity, wanted to stay alive in the race for a top four finish. On the other side, a pragmatic Milan, not always convincing but extremely effective in decisive moments and with their eyes on the top of the table. The context promised balance.
Como started better and took control from early on. They pressed well, moved the ball with clarity and showed no excessive respect for Milan. After 10 minutes, that strong start was rewarded: a set piece, a well measured cross and Kempf beats Fofana in the air to make it 1 0. Even after the goal, Como did not drop back. They kept possession, continued to cause problems and pushed Milan deeper.
For large stretches of the first half, Milan were simply not there offensively. A weak pressing line, little intensity and zero creativity. Como created more, shot more and forced Maignan into several decisive interventions, especially from efforts by Da Cunha, Nico Paz and Douvikas. Nico Paz, as almost always, was the brain and the engine: finding space between the lines, shooting, creating and constantly insisting.
Just as half time was approaching with the score fully justified, the moment that changed everything arrived. Rabiot wins the race, there is contact, the referee points to the spot and VAR confirms. Nkunku converts, not in the cleanest way, but enough to level the score. A heavy punishment for Como, who had been clearly superior in the first half.
The second half begins in the same pattern: Como on top, Nico Paz testing Maignan again and Milan comfortable without the ball. But in the 55th minute, from one of the few well executed transitions, Milan turn the game around. Leão carries the ball, draws defenders, delays and finds Rabiot perfectly on the run. A chest control and a clean finish make it 2 1 against the run of play.
From that point on, the pattern does not change much. Como keep pushing, keep creating and keep running into a wall called Maignan. Shots off the crossbar, difficult finishes, constant pressure, but no goal. Milan, even in front, do not convince. They play little, create little, but manage the result with composure.
Late in the game, Rabiot appears once more. He receives outside the box, shifts onto his left foot and places the ball into the bottom corner with perfect execution to make it 3 1. A harsh scoreline for anyone who watched the match.
Post-match
The result is misleading. Como played a very good game, dominated long periods, created more and were clearly superior in terms of football played. What was missing was efficiency and a bit more composure in the final action, and Maignan was decisive.
Milan won because this is what big teams do: they survive when they are struggling and kill the game when they get the smallest opportunity. It was a poor collective performance from Milan, with clear exceptions like Maignan and Rabiot, who decided the match with two goals and huge influence in key moments.
Nico Paz leaves without a goal, but with another outstanding performance. It is impossible to ignore the level he shows week after week. Como 1907 lose, but come out stronger in their idea, their identity and the certainty that they can compete with anyone.
Milan, meanwhile, collect three golden points and move closer to the top.