Serie A | Como 1-2 Fiorentina: Viola shock ambitious Lariani

Fiorentina climbed out of the relegation zone with a shock win away to high-flying Como, as Nicolò Fagioli and Moise Kean’s penalty were decisive, with tension getting to Alvaro Morata.

The Lariani were fresh from a Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Napoli in a sudden death penalty shoot-out, still missing Assane Diao and Edoardo Goldaniga. Albert Gudmundsson, Daniele Rugani and Tariq Lamptey didn’t make the trip for the Viola, whose form stalled again with one point from three rounds. Curiously, these teams met in the Coppa Italia on January 27, Como emerging 3-1 winners at the Stadio Franchi.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Nico Paz tested David De Gea, but it was Fiorentina who broke the deadlock somewhat against the run of play. Niccolò Fagioli was fortunate that both a cleared cross and the rebound from his initial shot fell kindly into his path, so he then dribbled into the box and surprised Jean Butez at the near post.

Nico Paz drilled wide of the near post on a Nicolas Kuhn pull-back, firing a few more efforts off target, along with a Tasos Douvikas header over and Martin Baturina strike from a tricky angle.

Cesc Fabregas made changes at the break and they stepped up a gear, Marin Pongracic preventing a Douvikas tap-in on the Mergim Vojvoda low cross.

However, Maxi Perrone mistimed his challenge on Rolando Mandragora and gave away a penalty, which Kean converted into the near top corner. It was his first Serie A goal away from home in nine months and doubled Fiorentina’s lead.

Jesus Rodriguez dribbled past two to test De Gea, then Baturina’s strike skimmed the far post from the edge of the area.

There was a mad scramble after a Como corner, culminating in the ball grazing both Jacobo Ramon’s head and the far post from five yards.

Como had penalty appeals rejected, as Jesus Rodriguez seemed to suddenly stop so Jack Harrison had to bump into the back of him, but the touchline debate resulted in Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli’s dismissal.

The hosts did get one back when another strong Jesus Rodriguez cross from the left was flicked on by Alvaro Morata, as Fabiano Parisi accidentally prodded into his own net trying to anticipate Ramon.

Como could smell blood and poured forward, pumping crosses into the box, and there were more penalty appeals for potential Mandragora handball, but his arms were around Jacobo Ramon and it was incidental.

The tension was sky high and got to Alvaro Morata, who received two yellow cards in quick succession for ill-tempered tussles with first Mandragora, then Marin Pongracic.

Como 1-2 Fiorentina

Fagioli 26 (F), Kean pen 54 (F), Parisi og 77 (C)

Sent off: Morata 89 (C)