The end of the Serie A season took an unexpected turn on Sunday as Cesc Fabregas and Como secured a place in next season’s Champions League, while AC Milan suffered a defeat at home, dropping out of the top four and settling for a spot in the Europa League.
Como triumphed with a 4-1 victory against Cremonese, during which three players from the home side were sent off in the 72nd minute. This loss relegated Cremonese on the final matchday. Lecce also managed to avoid relegation by defeating Genoa 1-0, thus ensuring their safety in Serie A.
In Milan, Massimiliano Allegri’s team needed only a win against lowly Cagliari to secure a Champions League berth. However, a 2-1 defeat left Milan, including United States attacker Christian Pulisic, relegated to the second tier of European competition after finishing fifth.
Milan, who faced boos from their supporters after the match, concluded the season just one point behind Como, a stark contrast to their earlier ambitions for the title and a top-four finish.
This turn of events was significantly influenced by Roma’s 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona, which allowed them to leapfrog Milan and finish third, earning their spot in the Champions League.
Furthermore, the derby between Juventus and Torino faced a delayed kickoff due to violent clashes between rival fans outside the stadium, leading to serious injuries for one supporter.
The injured Juventus fan is reportedly in serious but stable condition at the hospital.
Juventus’ supporters caused a kickoff delay, demanding a postponement to honor the injured fan, threatening a pitch invasion if the match proceeded; however, they ultimately left the stadium before the game started.
Following Como and Roma’s victories, Juventus slipped into the Europa League after a 2-2 draw with Torino, finishing the season in sixth place.
Based near the scenic Lake Como, the club has seen significant growth since being acquired by Indonesian tobacco billionaires Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono in 2019 when they were competing in Serie D.
The prospect of Champions League football may convince Fabregas to stay at Como, as several major European clubs have shown interest in the 39-year-old coach, who has excelled in his inaugural senior managerial role.
Remarkably, Como has never participated in European competition throughout its 119-year existence.
Earlier on Sunday, Napoli secured second place with a narrow 1-0 win over a 10-man Udinese at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Rasmus Hojlund scored the decisive goal with a skillful finish from Kevin de Bruyne’s exquisite through ball in the 24th minute. Udinese had Christian Kabasele sent off after a VAR review for an incident involving Hojlund in the 64th minute.
Information from The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.