Cesc Fabregas declared that “we will remember this day in 20 years” after Como secured their first-ever European qualification with a 1-0 victory over already-relegated Verona on Sunday.
Tasos Douvikas netted the only goal of the match in the 71st minute at the Marcantonio Bentegodi stadium, ensuring Como at least a spot in the Conference League. The club has never competed in European competitions before. In 2019, Como was playing in the third tier of Italian football before being acquired by the tobacco giant Djarum. They only returned to Serie A in 2024 and could still finish in the top four this season.
“Two years ago we achieved promotion to Serie A, and today we qualified for Europe,” said head coach Cesc Fabregas. “The team, the club, the fans—we have all grown. It’s incredible. We will remember this day in 20 years.”
Como sits sixth, just two points behind fourth-placed AC Milan, who host Atalanta in the evening match at San Siro. Milan is level on points with fifth-placed Roma, who kept their Champions League hopes alive with a dramatic stoppage-time comeback in Parma.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side seemed to have squandered their chance to finish in the top four when Mandela Keita gave Parma the lead three minutes from the end. However, Devyne Rensch equalized for the visitors in the third minute of added time, and moments later, he was brought down by Sascha Britschgi.
Chaos ensued as referee Daniele Chiffi initially thought Rensch had fouled Britschgi in the box. But VAR sent Chiffi to the pitchside monitor, and he eventually awarded a penalty. Donyell Malen, who had put Roma ahead in the 22nd minute, converted the spot kick for his 14th goal of the season, sparking jubilation among the away fans.
Roma has not played in the Champions League since being eliminated by Porto in the round of 16 seven years ago. They will face their city rivals in the always special Rome derby next weekend.
