Como 1-0 Parma: Serie A 2025-26 match report

A tactical stalemate broken

The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia played host to a tense Serie A encounter on Sunday, as Cesc Fabregas’s Como side secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Carlos Cuesta’s Parma. In a match defined by tactical rigidity and a cautious approach from both benches, the result hinged on a singular moment of quality shortly after the interval.

Fabregas opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup, looking to control the central areas, while Cuesta countered with a 3-5-2 formation designed to pack the midfield and stifle Como’s transition play. The first half was characterized by a lack of rhythm, with both sides struggling to break through the opposition’s defensive lines. Possession was largely contested in the middle third, and clear-cut opportunities were scarce as both defensive units remained disciplined.

The tactical battle remained deadlocked until the 53rd minute, when Fabregas made his first adjustment, introducing M. Caqueret in place of Jesús Rodríguez. The substitution appeared to provide Como with a more stable platform to build from, tilting the balance of play in the hosts' favor.

The decisive moment

The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute. Alberto Moreno, operating with increased license to push forward, found the back of the net to give Como the lead. The goal was the product of a well-constructed sequence, with Jesús Rodríguez—who had been substituted just minutes prior—playing the decisive final ball to set up Moreno.

Parma’s response was immediate, with coach Carlos Cuesta bringing on Gabriel Strefezza for N. Elphege in the 59th minute to inject pace into the attacking third. However, Como’s defense proved resilient. Alberto Moreno, having transitioned from hero to a defensive focal point, was cautioned in the 65th minute as the intensity of the match began to rise.

The final twenty minutes saw a flurry of activity from both technical areas. Cuesta utilized a triple substitution in the 71st minute, introducing H. Nicolussi and F. Carboni in an attempt to force an equalizer. Parma’s persistence nearly paid off in the 76th minute when they found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR intervention, a decision that proved to be the turning point of the afternoon.

Fabregas reacted to the late pressure by refreshing his side, utilizing a triple substitution of his own in the 82nd minute. By bringing on T. Douvikas, M. Kempf, and M. Baturina, Como successfully disrupted Parma’s momentum and managed the clock effectively. Despite a late yellow card for Jacobo Ramón Naveros in the 88th minute, Como held firm to secure all three points.

Looking ahead

For Como, this victory provides a vital boost, demonstrating an ability to grind out results in tight, high-stakes encounters during the final stretch of the season. Parma, meanwhile, will look to regroup after the frustration of a disallowed goal, as they search for consistency in their remaining fixtures.