Juventus secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Como, temporarily climbing to fourth place in Serie A. Randal Kolo Muani was the standout performer, scoring both goals, including a late penalty in the 89th minute.
Juventus continued their push for a top-four finish in Serie A with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Como in the opening match of round 24, temporarily moving up to fourth place in the standings.
The Bianconeri relied on the brilliance of Randal Kolo Muani, who delivered a match-winning performance by scoring both goals and proving to be the decisive figure in a tense encounter. The French striker, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has quickly adapted to life in Italy, and his latest display further underlined his growing importance to Thiago Motta’s squad.
Coming into this match, Juventus knew they could not afford to drop points, with the race for Champions League qualification intensifying. Como, though positioned 15th in the league, has shown resilience this season, making them a tricky opponent at home. Juventus manager Thiago Motta named a strong lineup, with Renato Veiga included from the start, while Alberto Costa and Francisco Conceição were named among the substitutes, ready to make an impact if needed.
The match began with Juventus asserting control, looking to impose their quality early on. They dominated possession and dictated the tempo, but Como’s defensive shape remained disciplined, preventing the visitors from creating clear-cut chances in the opening minutes. Despite Juventus’ technical superiority, the home side defended compactly, staying organized and waiting for opportunities to counterattack.
As the game progressed, Juventus’ persistence began to show signs of breaking Como’s resistance. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 34th minute, courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance from Kolo Muani. Receiving the ball near the edge of the box, the French striker showcased his agility and dribbling ability, weaving past defenders before firing a composed finish into the net. It was a goal that highlighted his attacking instincts and justified why Juventus were so keen to bring him in during the January transfer window.
Despite conceding, Como remained composed and refused to be overwhelmed by Juventus’ attacking threat. The home side gradually grew into the game, finding spaces on the counterattack and testing the visitors’ defensive discipline. Their patience was rewarded just before halftime, in first-half stoppage time. A quick attacking move caught Juventus off guard, allowing Spanish forward Assane Diao to break through and slot home the equalizer in the 45+1st minute. The goal energized the home crowd, giving Como a much-needed confidence boost heading into the break.
As the second half began, Juventus looked to regain control of the match. They increased their intensity, pushing forward with more urgency in search of a second goal. Thiago Motta’s men dominated possession and created several dangerous moments in Como’s defensive third, but the hosts defended bravely, frustrating the visitors with their organization and commitment.
The Bianconeri had several opportunities to restore their lead, but wasteful finishing and strong goalkeeping from Jean Butez kept the score level. Kolo Muani, looking for his second of the night, came close with a powerful shot that was denied by the Como goalkeeper, while Federico Chiesa also saw a promising attempt blocked by a last-ditch challenge.
Sensing the need for a change, Motta turned to his bench and introduced Francisco Conceição in the 76th minute. The young Portuguese winger added a fresh dynamic to Juventus’ attack, bringing pace and unpredictability to the final third. His impact was immediate, as he began stretching Como’s defense and creating openings down the flank.
Juventus continued to press forward, and their persistence finally paid off in the closing minutes. In the 89th minute, a decisive moment arrived when Jean Butez committed a crucial error, bringing down a Juventus attacker inside the box. The referee wasted no time in pointing to the penalty spot, giving the visitors a golden opportunity to snatch all three points.
Kolo Muani stepped up with confidence, knowing that the pressure was on him to secure the win. The Frenchman remained composed and fired his penalty into the same corner as his earlier goal, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and sealing his brace. With five goals in his last three matches, Kolo Muani has quickly established himself as one of Juventus’ key attacking threats, proving to be a valuable addition since his arrival from PSG.
The final whistle confirmed Juventus’ 2-1 victory, a result that not only secured three vital points but also temporarily lifted them into fourth place in Serie A. With 43 points, they sit one point ahead of Fiorentina (fifth) and Lazio (sixth), both of whom will play their respective matches on Sunday.
At the top of the table, Napoli remains in first place with 54 points, holding a three-point lead over second-placed Inter Milan. Juventus, despite not being in the title race, remains firmly in contention for a Champions League spot, with Kolo Muani’s red-hot form giving them a significant boost.
Looking ahead, Juventus faces crucial fixtures in the coming weeks as they continue their push for a strong finish in Serie A. With key players stepping up at the right moments, the Bianconeri will hope to maintain their momentum and further solidify their position in the top four. Meanwhile, Como will look to regroup and bounce back in their next match, where they will host Hoffenheim in a bid to improve their standing in the league.
For Juventus, the road ahead is filled with challenges, but with Kolo Muani leading the attack and Motta’s tactical guidance, they have every reason to be optimistic about their chances of securing a place in next season’s Champions League.
