Anastasios Douvikas scored as Como came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Udinese, extending their unwanted record of failing to win an opening away league game since returning to Serie A (D1, L2).
After finishing in the top half of Serie A for the first time since 2012/13 last season, Udinese had to wait until their fourth home match to record their first victory (D2, L1). Determined to avoid another slow start, the hosts immediately took control, with former Como player Mërgim Vojvoda going close after striking a bouncing ball across the face of goal.
Udinese continued to apply pressure and eventually broke the deadlock approaching the half-hour mark through an unlikely scorer. Hassane Kamara had scored just once in each of the previous two seasons, but he quickly matched that tally here by running onto Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s through ball before neatly lifting the ball over Jean Butez.
Despite Como having conceded the fewest goals in Serie A last season, Udinese remained in control going into half-time and continued to look dangerous after the restart. Idrissa Gueye came close to extending the hosts’ advantage but fired over the crossbar from a promising position.
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Como eventually found a way back through a set piece. Trevoh Chalobah’s header from a corner was parried by Maduka Okoye, but the goalkeeper could only push the ball into the path of Douvikas, who reacted quickest to finish from close range.
Okoye made amends moments later, producing a sharp reaction save to deny Douvikas a second goal.
Como grew stronger as the hour mark approached, although Udinese had opportunities to reclaim the lead late in the match. Lennon Miller fired straight at Butez, while Vakoun Issouf Bayo missed an even better chance when he sent Nicolò Zaniolo’s cut-back over the bar from close range.
In the final seconds of stoppage time, Jacobo Ramón headed against the crossbar from a corner as both sides settled for a share of the points after an entertaining contest.
The result marked only the second time in six home league matches dating back to last season that Udinese have scored, although their goal was not enough to secure victory.
For Cesc Fàbregas’ Como, the dropped points were disappointing as they missed the opportunity to record four consecutive away Serie A victories for the first time in the club’s history.
