Pietro Pellegri’s debut goal for Empoli clinched a 1-0 home win over Cesc Fabregas’s Como in Serie A on Monday evening.
With both teams coming off a busy week of Serie A action, managers Roberto D’Aversa and Fabregas opted for multiple lineup changes. Como saw Nico Paz, Patrick Cutrone, and Emil Audero drop out, making way for Lucas Da Cunha, Andrea Belotti, and veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Empoli, on the other hand, brought Mattia De Sciglio into the starting lineup to cover for Saba Goglichidze, who was suspended after a red card in the recent 3-0 loss to Inter.
Despite Como’s 60% possession and control for significant stretches, Empoli proved more efficient, doubling Como’s shots on target with four to their two. The match’s only goal came seconds into the second half, as Pellegri unleashed a powerful, precise strike that beat Reina just 90 seconds after the restart. His decisive performance earned him the player of the match award.
