Como Eliminates Fiorentina from Coppa Italia After High-Scoring Round of 16 Clash

FLORENCE (Azat TV) – Como delivered a stunning performance at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, defeating Fiorentina 5-2 in a high-scoring Coppa Italia Round of 16 encounter. The result sees Como advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Napoli, while Fiorentina’s cup aspirations for the season have come to an end, largely due to a heavily rotated squad. This victory marks a significant moment for Como, reinforcing their ambitions for European qualification in Serie A and a genuine chance at silverware this season.

Fiorentina, currently positioned 17th in Serie A, had hoped to leverage their home advantage, but coach Paolo Vanoli opted for extensive squad rotation, including several senior debuts. This strategic choice appeared to backfire against a well-drilled Como side, managed by Cesc Fabregas, who entered the match on the back of strong form, including a recent 6-0 thrashing of Torino and three wins in their last five games.

Como Dominates at Franchi

The match exploded into action early, with Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli opening the scoring in the 7th minute, assisted by Giovanni Fabbian, giving the home side an initial lead. However, Como quickly responded, with Sergi Roberto leveling the score in the 20th minute through an assist from Diego Carlos. Fiorentina momentarily regained the advantage when Marco Brescianini found the net in the 33rd minute, sending the Florentine faithful into cheers.

The second half, however, belonged decisively to Como. Nico Paz, already recognized as a potent threat, scored twice in quick succession, first in the 60th minute and again in the 77th minute, turning the tide firmly in Como’s favor. As the clock wound down, Álvaro Morata sealed the comprehensive victory for Como, netting in the 90+1st minute, assisted by Nicolas Kühn, and adding another goal in the 90+4th minute, bringing the final score to 5-2.

Fiorentina’s Rotated Squad and Coppa Italia Strategy

Fiorentina’s team sheet raised eyebrows ahead of kick-off, signaling a clear prioritization of other competitions, likely Serie A. Coach Paolo Vanoli handed senior debuts to young talents such as Venezuelan left-back Luis Balbo, alongside January acquisitions Jack Harrison, Giovanni Fabbian, Jacopo Fazzini, and Marco Brescianini. Key players like Moise Kean, Fabiano Parisi, and Tariq Lamptey were unavailable due to injuries, further necessitating squad changes. This extensive rotation, while providing valuable experience for younger players, ultimately proved insufficient against a determined Como side.

Despite a recent four-game unbeaten run that revitalized their Serie A fortunes, Fiorentina’s momentum was briefly halted by a 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari just days before this Coppa Italia clash. The decision to field a less experienced side suggests that the club may be focusing its efforts on securing a stronger league position, even at the cost of cup progression.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

Historically, Como has held a slight edge over Fiorentina in their limited head-to-head encounters, with Como securing three wins to Fiorentina’s one in four total matches. Their last Serie A meeting in September 2025 also saw Como emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. While Fiorentina boasts a more decorated trophy cabinet with 15 major honors compared to Como’s seven, Como’s recent form and tactical approach under Cesc Fabregas highlight their growing strength and ambition.

For Como, this victory is a significant boost as they continue to challenge for a place in Europe via Serie A. Their attacking brand of football, characterized by a high goal count, has been a key factor in their success. Advancing to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals against Napoli presents another formidable challenge but also a golden opportunity to further establish themselves among Italy’s elite.

The outcome of this Coppa Italia fixture underscores the tactical dilemma many Serie A clubs face: prioritizing league stability and European qualification over a deep cup run. While Fiorentina’s rotation might be seen as a calculated risk, it ultimately allowed an ambitious Como side to demonstrate their growing prowess and secure a coveted spot in the quarter-finals, setting the stage for a compelling clash against Napoli.