Côme compromised its chances of qualifying for the next Champions League after their defeat to Sassuolo (2-1) on Friday in the opening of the 33rd matchday of the Italian Championship.
Five days after their defeat at home against Inter Milan (4-3), the small but ambitious Lombard club was caught off guard by Sassuolo, conceding two goals in two minutes (42nd and 44th) just before halftime. Argentine nugget Nico Paz reduced the score in injury time of the first half with his twelfth goal of the season in the league. But Cesc Fabregas’ team failed to turn the tide after halftime.
With only one point in the last three Serie A matchdays, Côme (5th, 58 points) is faltering and could see Juventus Turin (60 pts), in 4th place and the last qualifying position for the Champions League, pull away if they succeed on Sunday against Bologna. Côme has also poorly prepared for their second leg of the Italian Cup semi-final on Tuesday against Inter Milan, the league leaders (75 pts), facing off in the evening in Cagliari. In the first leg, Côme and Inter Milan drew 0-0.
On the other hand, Sassuolo temporarily settles in 9th place with 45 points and virtually secures their stay in the league.
