European football: Nico Paz pearler helps Como climb above Juventus

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Juventus lost 2-0 at Como in Serie A on Sunday, suffering another disappointing result after five successive draws in all competitions for Igor Tudor’s side.

Como took the lead in the fourth minute when the defender Marc-Oliver Kempf volleyed in from close range at the far post following Nico Paz’s curling cross. Juventus thought they had equalised in the 36th minute when Jonathan David slotted home from close range, but the Canadian’s effort was ruled out for offside in the buildup.

Early in the second half, Kempf required treatment for a cut to his forehead after an accidental clash with teammate Jacobo Ramón but was able to continue with heavy strapping. Juventus continued to struggle and Paz doubled Como’s lead in the 79th minute with a brilliant solo effort on the break.

The 21-year-old Argentinian cut inside from the right, gliding past Andrea Cambiaso before curling a left-footed strike beyond the visiting goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Victory moves Cesc Fàbregas’ side up to fifth in the table, above Juventus on goal difference.

Paz has contributed to eight of Como’s nine league goals this season with four goals and four assists in seven matches, the most in Serie A. After the game, Fàbregas revealed he spoke to his former Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, before the game.

“I thank [Arsène] because at 16 he believed in me, just as I believe in Nico Paz, who is a champion,” Fabregas told Dazn. “I’m very confident about his future because I can recognise when a player has the mindset to become a top player. If he continues like this, he can go wherever he wants.”

Juventus, meanwhile, face a tough task to end their winless run in midweek – they go to the Bernabéu in the Champions League on Wednesday. They began the league season brightly but the goals have dried up since their 4-3 win over Inter last month.

Tudor brought on striker Dusan Vlahovic for midfielder Manuel Locatelli in the 77th minute, two minutes before Paz’s goal. “I don’t know who else plays with two strikers and two wingers, probably only us,” Tudor said.

“We believed this setup was the best for the team and I think it was the right choice regardless of the result … but against a side like Como you have to run a lot. We got caught on that counterattack and at 2-0 the game was over, there was nothing left to do.”

Later on Sunday in Italy, Milan – third at the start of the weekend – are at home to struggling Fiorentina after unbeaten Atalanta host Lazio. In Spain, the night’s big match is a Madrid derby, with Real Madrid visiting Getafe.