Cesc Fàbregas’s side continued their strong form with a controlled second-half performance at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Douvikas struck in the 49th and 60th minutes to secure Como’s third consecutive victory across all competitions and leave Sassuolo facing another setback.
Como had threatened before the break, with an early effort from Lucas Da Cunha ruled out for offside. Douvikas also came close, while Sassuolo goalkeeper Stefano Turati made important saves to keep the score level. A Sassuolo goal from Bakola was disallowed for offside, leaving both teams frustrated as the first half ended goalless.
Fàbregas made three changes at half-time, introducing Milla, Ramon and Addai. The adjustments helped Como take control, and the hosts broke through four minutes after the restart. Caqueret supplied the cross, allowing Douvikas to finish from close range.
The Greek forward doubled his tally 11 minutes later, this time converting a delivery from Kaiki on the left. The two goals left Sassuolo with a significant deficit, and the visitors could not find a response as Como managed the remainder of the contest.
Fàbregas praised his side’s ability to cope with a demanding run of fixtures, having recently faced Manchester United and Fiorentina. He said the schedule had made energy management and squad rotation especially important.
“The real challenge this season is playing matches so close together. The bigger teams are struggling when they have to make so many changes, while other teams have eight days to prepare. Winning gives you extra strength, and winning in this way is even better.”
The Como coach was also pleased with Douvikas’s continued development, crediting the striker’s work ethic and willingness to improve.
“He wants you to give him information. He’s always asking questions and wants to get better. He’s scoring goals, and I know how much work goes into that. He could become a very important centre-forward. He trains at full intensity and is a very generous player.”
Sassuolo manager Alberto Aquilani was disappointed by the contrast between his team’s two halves. He felt they had competed well before the interval but failed to maintain their intensity after conceding.
“We were quite good in the first half and created opportunities, but against these teams you have to be more clinical. We need to understand why, after conceding, it became difficult for us to play our game. Our rhythm and intensity dropped.”
Aquilani also acknowledged the quality of his opponents, saying Como had imposed themselves after the break.
The result moved Como to 17 points and fourth place, strengthening their position among the league’s early contenders. Sassuolo, meanwhile, suffered a second successive defeat and must find a way to turn promising spells into points.