Nico Paz overcame the disappointment of a missed first-half penalty to inspire Como to a 2-0 victory over Lecce in Serie A on Monday, a result that ended a decades-long wait for a league win against their rivals. The Argentine international, just 20 years old, had his early chance to open the scoring thwarted when Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone denied him with a sharp save, using his legs to block a weak spot-kick attempt after 30 minutes.
However, Paz redeemed himself in style early in the second half. In the 50th minute, he found space just outside the box and calmly side-footed a precise shot into the net, giving Como the breakthrough they had been seeking. The young midfielder’s composure and determination set the tone for the remainder of the match as the home side grew in confidence.
Patrick Cutrone, who had come close earlier when his powerful strike rattled the crossbar, sealed the victory with 10 minutes to go. The former AC Milan forward pounced on a loose ball in the box after a save from Falcone and made no mistake, slotting the rebound into the back of the net to secure all three points.
The win was a significant milestone for Como, marking their first league triumph over Lecce since 1994. It also provided a crucial boost in the standings, lifting the team to 15th place, just two points and one spot ahead of their opponents, who continue to struggle. For Como, it was a night to remember, fueled by Paz’s redemption and Cutrone’s clinical finishing.
