Como vs Lazio: The magic of NICO PAZ

In the Serie A’s season curtain-raiser on 24 August 2025, newly promoted Como delivered a sensational performance to beat Lazio 2–0 at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. A well-crafted opening goal followed by a stunning free-kick from Nico Paz—who also registered an assist—sealed a statement win in their Como vs Lazio match report. This result signals Como’s ambition and sends an early warning to the rest of the 2025/2026 competition.

Match Overview

Goals & Scoring Timeline

• 46′ – Anastasios Douvikas nets the opener early in the second half after a clever through ball from Nico Paz.
• 72′ – Nico Paz doubles the lead with a spectacular long-range free-kick that ripples the top corner.

Key Moments & Turning Points

Lazio thought they'd equalized, but a VAR review disallowed Valentín Castellanos' goal for offside—offering Como a reprieve. Early in the second half, Paz turned provider to set up Douvikas, shifting momentum decisively. Despite Lazio pressing, Como held firm until Paz struck again with an exceptional free-kick.

Standout Player Performances

• Nico Paz (Como): The hero of the night—both scoring and assisting, showcasing vision and execution.
• Anastasios Douvikas (Como): Clinched the opener with composure and timing.
• Como Defence: Compact and resolute, repelled Lazio’s advances and maintained structure under pressure.

Tactical Breakdown

• Como (Cesc Fàbregas): Executed a disciplined game plan—pressing in midfield, swift transitions, and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities. This controlled their opening foray into Serie A.
• Lazio (Maurizio Sarri): Saddled by unavailable players and a restrictive roster, they lacked fluidity and failed to adapt when conceded. Their buildup was often sluggish, while defensive errors surfaced at critical moments.

Post-Match Manager Reactions

Maurizio Sarri (Lazio Manager): 

“The team was ready to play a different kind of football, but today they were ready for very few types of football ," he said. "I saw a technical difference that I expected, but not at this level. Let's hope it was a bad day on our part, because if this is the reality, we're not in a great position ." The coach lucidly analyzes his team's shortcomings: " Today, we lack quality; we were coming off friendly matches that were played at a different level than today. We knew it would be tough; Como's growth has been exponential, and today's quality was in another league.”
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Cesc Fabregas (Como Manager):

"This transfer window was designed for all of this. We're an aggressive team; we want to do well, be organized, and press. I'm very demanding ," he explains. "Last year, we struggled too much towards the end, which is why we made several signings. The players are young, but they're used to wanting to win and having the right mentality , knowing what to do with the ball, and playing football. They'll make mistakes, of course, but the most important thing is that I believe in them and that they'll keep going even in difficult moments."
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Fan Reactions & Atmosphere

The Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium buzzed from kickoff, and when Paz converted the free-kick, the crowd erupted. Lazio fans were silenced by the second goal, leaving feeling deflated and stunned. Social media lit up with praise for Como’s unlikely but emphatic triumph—"Under the spotlight," wrote one local fan online, a sentiment echoed widely.

What This Means for the Season

• Como: This win is a powerful start—emboldening their Serie A and validating Fàbregas’ vision. A mid-table finish now looks within reach.
• Lazio: A sobering setback. Squad limitations and tactical inflexibility may jeopardize top-six targets unless adjustments are forthcoming.